Deuteronomy Chapter 12 · Verse 3
And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔ם
their pillars
H4676
מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔ם
their pillars
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
6 of 18
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
וַאֲשֵֽׁרֵיהֶם֙
their groves
H842
וַאֲשֵֽׁרֵיהֶם֙
their groves
Strong's:
H842
Word #:
7 of 18
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם
of their gods
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם
of their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 18
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
תְּגַדֵּע֑וּן
and ye shall hew down
H1438
תְּגַדֵּע֑וּן
and ye shall hew down
Strong's:
H1438
Word #:
12 of 18
to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything
וְאִבַּדְתֶּ֣ם
and destroy
H6
וְאִבַּדְתֶּ֣ם
and destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמָ֔ם
the names
H8034
שְׁמָ֔ם
the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Numbers 33:52Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:Judges 2:2And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?Psalms 16:4Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.Zechariah 13:2And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.Exodus 23:13And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.Deuteronomy 7:5But 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.
Historical Context
The 'pillars' (matsevot, מַצֵּבוֹת) were standing stones marking sacred sites. 'Groves' (asherim, אֲשֵׁרִים) were wooden poles or living trees sacred to Asherah. 'Graven images' (pesilim, פְּסִילִים) were carved idols. Archaeological excavations at Canaanite sites (Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer) have uncovered such cultic installations. Israel's partial obedience left high places that repeatedly ensnared them (Judges 2:1-3; 1 Kings 14:23). Josiah's reform (2 Kings 23) finally attempted comprehensive purging, but too late to prevent exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How thorough must Christians be in removing spiritual influences that could lead to compromise?
- What does destroying even the 'names' of false gods teach about completely rejecting false ideologies?
- How do we balance preservation of historical and cultural artifacts with dangers of glorifying false religions?
Analysis & Commentary
The destruction must be thorough: 'ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.' This specifies complete eradication of idolatrous infrastructure. The Hebrew verbs are violent: natats (נָתַץ, overthrow/break down), shabar (שָׁבַר, shatter), saraph (שָׂרַף, burn), gada (גָּדַע, cut down), abad (אָבַד, destroy). Even the 'names' must be destroyed—eliminating all memory and association. This reflects ancient concept that names carry power and presence. Destroying the name means obliterating the deity's cultural influence.