Deuteronomy 12:8
Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עֹשִׂ֛ים
Ye shall not do
H6213
עֹשִׂ֛ים
Ye shall not do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּ֠כֹל
H3605
כְּ֠כֹל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹשִׂ֛ים
Ye shall not do
H6213
עֹשִׂ֛ים
Ye shall not do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַיּ֑וֹם
here this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
here this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Judges 21:25In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.Judges 17:6In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Historical Context
During wilderness wanderings, some decentralization was necessary given the camp's size and mobility. But this was transitional. Once settled in the land, worship must be unified at the chosen sanctuary. The book of Judges demonstrates the chaos of 'every man doing what was right in his own eyes'—culminating in tribal civil war and near-extinction of Benjamin (Judges 19-21). The Micah narrative (Judges 17-18) specifically illustrates illicit personal worship rejected by God. Regulated worship prevents such disorder.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'whatever is right in his own eyes' characterize modern worship innovations and church practices?
- What is the difference between Spirit-led worship and humanly-devised will-worship?
- How do we discern biblical warrant for worship practices versus mere tradition or innovation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast with current practice: 'Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.' In the wilderness, decentralized worship was permitted by necessity. But Canaan requires centralized, regulated worship. The phrase 'whatsoever is right in his own eyes' (הַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינָיו, hayashar be'enav) describes subjectivism and individualism in worship. This refrain reappears in Judges 17:6; 21:25, characterizing apostasy periods. God regulates worship; humans don't invent it. The phrase condemns autonomous worship that ignores divine prescription. Will-worship, however sincere, is disobedience.