Deuteronomy 18:9
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בָּ֣א
When thou art come
H935
בָּ֣א
When thou art come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 16
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
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִלְמַ֣ד
thee thou shalt not learn
H3925
תִלְמַ֣ד
thee thou shalt not learn
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּתֽוֹעֲבֹ֖ת
after the abominations
H8441
כְּתֽוֹעֲבֹ֖ת
after the abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
Historical Context
Canaanite religion (circa 1400 BC) included worship of Baal, Asherah, Molech, and other deities through practices Israel found in the land. Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (modern Syria) reveal liturgical texts describing fertility rites, sacred prostitution, and child sacrifice. These 'abominations' caused God to expel Canaan's inhabitants (Leviticus 18:24-28). Tragically, Israel later adopted these very practices, provoking the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, Jeremiah 32:35).
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'abominations of the nations'—cultural practices contrary to God's word—are believers tempted to 'learn' and adopt?
- How can Christians live in a pagan culture without being shaped by its spiritual assumptions and practices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations (כִּי אַתָּה בָּא אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ לֹא־תִלְמַד לַעֲשׂוֹת כְּתוֹעֲבֹת הַגּוֹיִם הָהֵם)—the verb talmad (learn, teach yourself) implies deliberate adoption, not accidental exposure. Israel would encounter Canaanite practices; God forbids studying them for imitation.
Abominations (to'evot) denotes what is detestable, ritually abhorrent, morally repulsive—particularly idolatrous practices. The phrase of those nations (hagoyim hahem) refers specifically to Canaan's seven nations (Deuteronomy 7:1): Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites. Their religious practices included child sacrifice, ritual prostitution, divination, and necromancy.
This transitions Deuteronomy 18 from priestly provisions (vv. 1-8) to prophetic revelation (vv. 9-22). The contrast is stark: Israel must support God's authorized ministers (priests, Levites) and reject false spiritual intermediaries (diviners, mediums, necromancers). The occult practices listed in verses 10-11 represent satanic counterfeits to legitimate prophetic revelation, which God will provide through true prophets (vv. 15-19).