Deuteronomy 20:18
That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֗עַן
H4616
לְמַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְלַמְּד֤וּ
That they teach
H3925
יְלַמְּד֤וּ
That they teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָשׂ֖וּ
which they have done
H6213
עָשׂ֖וּ
which they have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכֹל֙
H3605
כְּכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תּֽוֹעֲבֹתָ֔ם
after all their abominations
H8441
תּֽוֹעֲבֹתָ֔ם
after all their abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשׂ֖וּ
which they have done
H6213
עָשׂ֖וּ
which they have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
unto their gods
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
unto their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 14
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
וַֽחֲטָאתֶ֖ם
so should ye sin
H2398
וַֽחֲטָאתֶ֖ם
so should ye sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
Cross References
Exodus 23:33They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.Exodus 34:16And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,Joshua 23:13Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.2 Thessalonians 3:14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Historical Context
Archaeological discoveries at Canaanite sites (Gezer, Megiddo, Hazor) revealed infant remains in foundation walls (sacrifice), cultic prostitution facilities, and brutality confirming biblical descriptions. These weren't innocent cultures but systems of organized evil requiring divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'abominations' (cultural practices, entertainment, philosophies) are you tolerating that could 'teach' (gradually train) you away from God?
- How did Israel's failure to execute herem result in adopting the very practices God sought to prevent?
- What 'appearances of evil' must you avoid—not because they're inherently sinful but because exposure leads to adoption?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God—The reason for herem: preventing idolatrous abominations (תּוֹעֵבוֹת, to'evot, 'detestable practices') from infecting Israel. Canaanite worship included child sacrifice (they burnt their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods, Deuteronomy 12:31), cultic prostitution, and divination. Exposure meant adoption: they teach you (לְמַדְתֶּם, lemadtem, instructing, training).
The warning proved prophetic. Israel learned Canaanite practices: They sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, and shed innocent blood (Psalm 106:37-38). God's preventative judgment (destroy them first) became necessary corrective judgment (exile, 586 BC). The principle stands: Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33, NKJV). Tolerating sin's presence guarantees sin's dominance. Paul commands: Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).