Deuteronomy Chapter 7 · Verse 4

Authorized King James Version

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For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָסִ֤יר For they will turn away H5493
יָסִ֤יר For they will turn away
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 2 of 14
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּנְךָ֙ thy son H1121
בִּנְךָ֙ thy son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 4 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מֵֽאַחֲרַ֔י from following H310
מֵֽאַחֲרַ֔י from following
Strong's: H310
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְעָֽבְד֖וּ me that they may serve H5647
וְעָֽבְד֖וּ me that they may serve
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 6 of 14
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֱלֹהִ֣ים gods H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 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
אֲחֵרִ֑ים other H312
אֲחֵרִ֑ים other
Strong's: H312
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
וְחָרָ֤ה be kindled H2734
וְחָרָ֤ה be kindled
Strong's: H2734
Word #: 9 of 14
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַף so will the anger H639
אַף so will the anger
Strong's: H639
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְהוָה֙ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בָּכֶ֔ם H0
בָּכֶ֔ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 12 of 14
וְהִשְׁמִֽידְךָ֖ against you and destroy H8045
וְהִשְׁמִֽידְךָ֖ against you and destroy
Strong's: H8045
Word #: 13 of 14
to desolate
מַהֵֽר׃ thee suddenly H4118
מַהֵֽר׃ thee suddenly
Strong's: H4118
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry

Analysis & Commentary

This verse reveals the spiritual trajectory of compromise—it 'will turn away thy son from following me.' The Hebrew yasur (turn away) describes apostasy, not minor deviation. One generation's compromise becomes the next generation's captivity. God's 'anger' (aph, literally 'nostril,' indicating flared nostrils) is His holy response to covenant violation. The phrase 'destroy thee suddenly' shows that judgment, though patient, arrives swiftly when God's patience ends. This demonstrates the covenantal principle: blessing flows from obedience, curse from disobedience. God's jealousy for His people's exclusive devotion isn't petty but protective—like a husband's righteous jealousy for his wife's faithfulness.

Historical Context

Israel's subsequent history validated this warning completely. The cycle of Judges shows repeated apostasy through Canaanite intermarriage and idolatry. Solomon's foreign wives led him to build high places for Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:7). Ahab's marriage to Jezebel introduced Baal worship systematically. The northern kingdom's syncretism led to Assyrian exile; Judah's compromise resulted in Babylonian captivity. Every major apostasy in Israel's history can be traced to the pattern warned against here.

Questions for Reflection