Deuteronomy 32:17
They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
Original Language Analysis
יִזְבְּח֗וּ
They sacrificed
H2076
יִזְבְּח֗וּ
They sacrificed
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
1 of 13
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
to gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
to gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 13
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
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְדָע֑וּם
whom they knew
H3045
יְדָע֑וּם
whom they knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בָּ֔אוּ
gods that came
H935
בָּ֔אוּ
gods that came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Judges 5:8They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?Deuteronomy 28:64And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.Leviticus 17:7And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Historical Context
Written before Canaanite conquest, this verse prophetically describes Israel's syncretism. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread demon worship in ancient Near Eastern religion, including Mesopotamian šēdu (protective demons) and Canaanite underworld deities. The practice of child sacrifice to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom (2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 7:31) exemplifies the demonic horror Israel embraced.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing demonic reality behind false religion affect your understanding of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12)?
- Why are 'new' religious ideas particularly dangerous when they lack roots in historical biblical revelation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They sacrificed unto devils, not to God—the Hebrew shedhîm (שֵׁדִים) appears only here and Psalm 106:37, referring to demonic powers behind idols. Paul explicitly connects this verse to New Testament theology: 'the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils' (1 Corinthians 10:20). Idolatry is never merely superstition—it involves real demonic deception.
To new gods that came newly up (חֲדָשִׁים מִקָּרֹב בָּאוּ)—the irony is devastating: Israel abandoned the eternal God (הַצּוּר, the Rock, v.18) for fashionable novelties. Whom your fathers feared not emphasizes these deities had no historical claim, no proven faithfulness, no covenant history—pure innovation divorced from revelation. This critiques religious pluralism and theological novelty.