Deuteronomy 6:14
Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵֽלְכ֔וּן
H1980
תֵֽלְכ֔וּן
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מֵֽאֱלֹהֵי֙
gods
H430
מֵֽאֱלֹהֵי֙
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 9
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
מֵֽאֱלֹהֵי֙
gods
H430
מֵֽאֱלֹהֵי֙
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 9
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
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
of the people
H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Jeremiah 25:6And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.1 John 5:21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.Deuteronomy 8:19And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.Deuteronomy 13:7Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;Deuteronomy 11:28And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Historical Context
Canaanite religion featured Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), Molech (requiring child sacrifice), and Chemosh (Moabite deity). Israel repeatedly adopted these abominations: Baal worship under Judges (Judges 2:11-13), Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31-33), Manasseh filling Jerusalem with idols (2 Kings 21:1-9). This spiritual adultery provoked God's judgment through Assyrian and Babylonian exile. Only the remnant remained faithful, preserving true worship and messianic lineage.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the surrounding culture's paganism create constant pressure toward syncretism and spiritual compromise?
- What modern equivalents to ancient idolatry threaten to draw Christians away from exclusive devotion to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition 'Ye shall not go after other gods' warns against spiritual adultery. The phrase 'gods of the people which are round about you' identifies the specific temptation—Canaanite polytheism. Following other gods constitutes covenant violation, spiritual adultery against the divine husband (Hosea 1-3). The comprehensive sweep 'of the people which are round about you' acknowledges external cultural pressure. This verse illustrates the Reformed understanding that the world, flesh, and devil constantly tempt believers toward idolatry. Perseverance requires vigilance against syncretism and spiritual compromise. The church must remain distinct from surrounding paganism.