Deuteronomy 28:14
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָס֗וּר
And thou shalt not go aside
H5493
תָס֗וּר
And thou shalt not go aside
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
2 of 16
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִים֙
from any of the words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִים֙
from any of the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיּ֖וֹם
thee this day
H3117
הַיּ֖וֹם
thee this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 16
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
יָמִ֣ין
to the right hand
H3225
יָמִ֣ין
to the right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
10 of 16
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
or to the left
H8040
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
or to the left
Strong's:
H8040
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
לָלֶ֗כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֗כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
12 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵ֛י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֛י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
14 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
Cross References
Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Deuteronomy 5:32Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.Deuteronomy 11:16Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;Joshua 23:6Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;2 Kings 22:2And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.
Historical Context
The "right hand or left" metaphor appears elsewhere in Scripture for unwavering obedience (Deuteronomy 5:32, Joshua 1:7, 23:6). Israel's subsequent history tragically fulfilled Deuteronomy 28's warnings: the divided kingdom practiced syncretistic worship (mixing YHWH worship with Canaanite Baal worship), leading to Assyrian conquest (722 BCE, northern kingdom) and Babylonian exile (586 BCE, southern kingdom). The prophets consistently identified idolatry as covenant violation meriting judgment (Jeremiah 2:5-13, Hosea 2:2-13).
Questions for Reflection
- What "other gods" tempt you to divide your allegiance—money, success, relationships, comfort?
- How does Jesus's teaching that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) echo Deuteronomy 28's demand for exclusive loyalty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left—the condition for covenant blessing is comprehensive obedience, not deviating (lo tasur) from God's commands in any direction. The imagery of right hand or left depicts total fidelity to the covenant path, neither through addition (legalistic rigor) nor subtraction (licentious compromise).
The phrase to go after other gods to serve them (lalechet acharei elohim acherim le'ovdam) identifies the primary covenant violation: idolatry. The verb halak acharei ("go after/follow") suggests spiritual adultery—abandoning YHWH to pursue other lovers. The issue isn't merely adding foreign deities to Israel's pantheon but transferring allegiance, serving (avad) gods who didn't redeem them from Egypt.
This verse concludes the blessing section (28:1-14), setting up the lengthy curse section (28:15-68) that follows. The stark either/or structure—blessing for faithfulness, curses for apostasy—reflects covenant's binary nature. There's no neutral ground: Israel either walks YHWH's path or abandons it for idols. Deuteronomy's history validates this warning: Israel's persistent idolatry eventually brought the curses to fruition in exile.