King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 8:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 8:20 in the King James Version says “As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 8:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

19

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

20

As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comparison 'As the nations which the LORD destroyeth... so shall ye perish' makes Israel's potential fate explicit. The same God who judges Canaanite nations for wickedness will judge Israel for the same offenses. This destroys any notion of unconditional immunity—election doesn't mean freedom from judgment but greater accountability. The reason given is singular and sufficient: 'because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.' The Hebrew lo tishme'un (would not be obedient/hearken) emphasizes willful disobedience, not mere failure. Privilege increases responsibility; greater light increases accountability. As Jesus said, 'Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required' (Luke 12:48).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle governed Israel's history. God destroyed Canaanite nations for iniquity (Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:24-28); He would judge Israel by the same standard. The Assyrian and Babylonian conquests fulfilled this precisely—Israel perished like the nations they were meant to dispossess. The prophets emphasized this irony: Israel would suffer the fate of those they judged (Jeremiah 7:12-15; Ezekiel 16:44-52). The New Testament warns believers of the same principle: God's judgment begins with His house (1 Peter 4:17). Professing Christians who persist in disobedience face severer judgment than pagans ignorant of truth (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that God judges His people by the same standards as unbelievers affect your view of sin?
  2. In what ways does covenant privilege increase rather than decrease your accountability to obey God?
  3. What disobedience are you tolerating that you assume God will overlook because of your Christian profession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כַּגּוֹיִ֗ם1 of 13

“As the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

תֹּֽאבֵד֑וּן4 of 13

“destroyeth”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם5 of 13

“before your face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כֵּ֖ן6 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תֹּֽאבֵד֑וּן7 of 13

“destroyeth”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

עֵ֚קֶב8 of 13

“because”

H6118

a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re

לֹ֣א9 of 13
H3808

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

תִשְׁמְע֔וּן10 of 13

“ye would not be obedient”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּק֖וֹל11 of 13

“unto the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֥ה12 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃13 of 13

“your God”

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

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 8:20 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 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:11-122 Chronicles 36:16-17

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