King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:4 in the King James Version says “For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kind...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.”

Deuteronomy 7:4 · KJV

Context

2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

4

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. their images: Heb. their statues, or, pillars

6

For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals the spiritual trajectory of compromise—it 'will turn away thy son from following me.' The Hebrew yasur (turn away) describes apostasy, not minor deviation. One generation's compromise becomes the next generation's captivity. God's 'anger' (aph, literally 'nostril,' indicating flared nostrils) is His holy response to covenant violation. The phrase 'destroy thee suddenly' shows that judgment, though patient, arrives swiftly when God's patience ends. This demonstrates the covenantal principle: blessing flows from obedience, curse from disobedience. God's jealousy for His people's exclusive devotion isn't petty but protective—like a husband's righteous jealousy for his wife's faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's subsequent history validated this warning completely. The cycle of Judges shows repeated apostasy through Canaanite intermarriage and idolatry. Solomon's foreign wives led him to build high places for Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:7). Ahab's marriage to Jezebel introduced Baal worship systematically. The northern kingdom's syncretism led to Assyrian exile; Judah's compromise resulted in Babylonian captivity. Every major apostasy in Israel's history can be traced to the pattern warned against here.

Reflection Questions

  1. What compromises in your life might lead future generations away from Christ?
  2. How should understanding God's jealous love for His people shape your devotion to Him?
  3. What practices or relationships are you tolerating that could 'turn away' your children from following God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּֽי1 of 14
H3588

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

יָסִ֤יר2 of 14

“For they will turn away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בִּנְךָ֙4 of 14

“thy son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵֽאַחֲרַ֔י5 of 14

“from following”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְעָֽבְד֖וּ6 of 14

“me that they may serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֱלֹהִ֣ים7 of 14

“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

אֲחֵרִ֑ים8 of 14

“other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְחָרָ֤ה9 of 14

“be kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַף10 of 14

“so will the anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָה֙11 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּכֶ֔ם12 of 14
H0
וְהִשְׁמִֽידְךָ֖13 of 14

“against you and destroy”

H8045

to desolate

מַהֵֽר׃14 of 14

“thee suddenly”

H4118

properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry

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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6:15Deuteronomy 32:16-17Judges 2:11Judges 2:20Exodus 20:5Judges 3:7-8

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