King James Version
Exodus 34:12 in the King James Version says “Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a sn...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:”
Exodus 34:12 · KJV
And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: images: Heb. statues
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Take heed”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
“to thyself lest thou make”
H3772to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
“with the inhabitants”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“lest it be for a snare”
H4170a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
“in the midst”
H7130properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Exodus 34:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 34:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge