King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:25 in the King James Version says “The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor t... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 7:25 · KJV


Context

23

But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed. unto: Heb. before thy face

24

And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them.

25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God.

26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to burn graven images and reject the precious metals adorning them addresses the temptation of materialism in spiritual warfare. The silver and gold on idols could rationalize preserving them ('just for the valuable material'), but God prohibits this. 'Lest thou be snared therein' shows how greed creates spiritual compromise. The language 'abomination to the LORD' (to'evat YHWH) expresses God's intense hatred of idolatry. This teaches that no material gain justifies compromise with evil. Achan's violation of this command (taking Babylonian garments and silver) brought judgment on all Israel (Joshua 7). In spiritual application, believers must reject not just obvious sin but anything that might 'snare'—seemingly harmless pleasures that lead to bondage (1 Corinthians 10:14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient idols were often overlaid with precious metals and jewels, making them valuable plunder. The temptation to preserve them for their material worth would have been strong, especially for a recently-enslaved people lacking wealth. God's command to destroy them completely demonstrated that covenant faithfulness supersedes economic advantage. Gideon's later violation (creating an ephod from captured gold, Judges 8:24-27) validated this warning—'it became a snare.' The golden calf incident (Exodus 32) showed Israel's susceptibility to this temptation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What material gains tempt you toward spiritual compromise or association with evil?
  2. How can seemingly 'innocent' possessions or pursuits become 'snares' leading to spiritual bondage?
  3. In what ways should you apply the principle of burning (completely rejecting) rather than redeeming corrupt things?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
פְּסִילֵ֥י1 of 19

The graven images

H6456

an idol

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ2 of 19

of their gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

תִּשְׂרְפ֣וּן3 of 19

shall ye burn

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵ֑שׁ4 of 19

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֹֽא5 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַחְמֹד֩6 of 19

thou shalt not desire

H2530

to delight in

כֶּ֨סֶף7 of 19

the silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְזָהָ֤ב8 of 19

or gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

עֲלֵיהֶם֙9 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣10 of 19

that is on them nor take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָ֔ךְ11 of 19
H0
פֶּ֚ן12 of 19
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּוָּקֵ֣שׁ13 of 19

it unto thee lest thou be snared

H3369

to ensnare (literally or figuratively)

בּ֔וֹ14 of 19
H0
כִּ֧י15 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת16 of 19

therein for it is an abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

יְהוָ֥ה17 of 19

to the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ18 of 19

of their gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הֽוּא׃19 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 7:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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