King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:5 in the King James Version says “But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves,...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 7:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to destroy altars, images, groves (Asherah poles), and graven images reflects total war against idolatry. This wasn't cultural vandalism but spiritual surgery—removing cancer before it metastasizes. Each element represented different aspects of Canaanite worship: altars (sacrificial systems), images (matstsebah, stone pillars), groves (asherah, wooden cult objects), and graven images (pesel, carved idols). The comprehensive list shows that partial obedience equals disobedience—God requires complete rejection of false worship. The New Testament parallel is putting to death 'the deeds of the body' (Romans 8:13) and making no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Spiritual victory requires radical amputation of sin (Matthew 5:29-30).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological excavations throughout Canaan have uncovered numerous altars, standing stones, Asherah poles, and idol figurines, confirming the pervasiveness of these cultic objects. The Canaanite religious system was not abstract philosophy but involved elaborate ritual infrastructure. Asherah worship involved fertility rites and sexual immorality. Baal worship included child sacrifice. These weren't benign cultural differences but practices that degraded human dignity and corrupted society. Israel's failure to fully execute this command (Judges 2:1-3) led to centuries of spiritual struggle.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'altars' or 'idols' in your life compete for the devotion that belongs to God alone?
  2. How radical are you willing to be in removing temptations and occasions for sin?
  3. In what ways does partial obedience to God's commands actually constitute disobedience?

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

אִם2 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כֹּ֤ה3 of 14
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

תַֽעֲשׂוּ֙4 of 14

“But thus shall ye deal”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֔ם5 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִזְבְּחֹֽתֵיהֶ֣ם6 of 14

“their altars”

H4196

an altar

תִּתֹּ֔צוּ7 of 14

“with them ye shall destroy”

H5422

to tear down

וּמַצֵּֽבֹתָ֖ם8 of 14

“their images”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

תְּשַׁבֵּ֑רוּ9 of 14

“and break down”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וַאֲשֵֽׁירֵהֶם֙10 of 14

“their groves”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

תְּגַדֵּע֔וּן11 of 14

“and cut down”

H1438

to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything

וּפְסִֽילֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 14

“their graven images”

H6456

an idol

תִּשְׂרְפ֥וּן13 of 14

“and burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃14 of 14

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:24Deuteronomy 12:2-3Exodus 34:13Deuteronomy 9:21Deuteronomy 16:22Judges 6:25-26

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Deuteronomy 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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