King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:26 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:26 in the King James Version says “Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly de...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 7:26 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition against bringing 'an abomination into thine house' extends the principle of total separation from idolatry into personal and domestic space. Your house becomes defiled by association with cursed objects. The warning 'lest thou be a cursed thing like it' shows that contamination works by contact—touching what God curses brings you under curse. The emphatic language 'utterly detest... utterly abhor' (shaqqets teshaqq'tsennu... ta'ev te'avennu) uses intensive verbal forms expressing extreme revulsion. This isn't mild disapproval but visceral rejection. The New Testament parallel is separation from works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11) and avoiding all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); allowing sin dwelling-space defiles the temple.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological excavations of Israelite homes from Iron Age I-II rarely show pagan cultic objects, suggesting general compliance with this command. However, Judges 17-18 (Micah's idols) and prophetic denunciations of household idols (teraphim, Hosea 3:4) indicate recurring violations. Josiah's reform included removing pagan objects from private homes (2 Kings 23:24). The principle extended beyond physical idols—any cursed thing (devoted to destruction) brought judgment if taken (Achan, Joshua 7). This established the principle that God's people must maintain complete separation from anything God has cursed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What objects, media, or practices in your home might constitute spiritual 'abominations' that should be removed?
  2. How does allowing sinful entertainment or influences into your home defile your family's spiritual atmosphere?
  3. In what ways can you cultivate an attitude of 'utter detestation' toward sin rather than casual tolerance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 15
H3808

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

תָבִ֤יא2 of 15

“Neither shalt thou bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

תֽוֹעֵבָה֙3 of 15

“an abomination”

H8441

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

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ5 of 15

“into thine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְהָיִ֥יתָ6 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חֵ֥רֶם7 of 15

“it for it is a cursed thing”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

כָּמֹ֑הוּ8 of 15
H3644

as, thus, so

תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛נּוּ9 of 15

“detest”

H8262

to be filthy, i.e., (intensively) to loathe, pollute

תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛נּוּ10 of 15

“detest”

H8262

to be filthy, i.e., (intensively) to loathe, pollute

תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖נּוּ11 of 15

“abhor”

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖נּוּ12 of 15

“abhor”

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

כִּי13 of 15
H3588

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

חֵ֥רֶם14 of 15

“it for it is a cursed thing”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

הֽוּא׃15 of 15
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 7:26 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 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 13:17Hosea 14:8Ezekiel 11:18Isaiah 30:22Romans 2:22Joshua 6:17-24

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