Exodus 23:33

Authorized King James Version

PDF

They 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.

Original Language Analysis

לֹ֤א H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙ They shall not dwell H3427
יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙ They shall not dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּאַרְצְךָ֔ in thy land H776
בְּאַרְצְךָ֔ in thy land
Strong's: H776
Word #: 3 of 15
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
פֶּן H6435
פֶּן
Strong's: H6435
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יַֽחֲטִ֥יאוּ lest they make thee sin H2398
יַֽחֲטִ֥יאוּ lest they make thee sin
Strong's: H2398
Word #: 5 of 15
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
אֹֽתְךָ֖ H853
אֹֽתְךָ֖
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִ֑י H0
לִ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 15
כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַֽעֲבֹד֙ against me for if thou serve H5647
תַֽעֲבֹד֙ against me for if thou serve
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 9 of 15
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם their gods H430
אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם their gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 11 of 15
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
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִהְיֶ֥ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 13 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְךָ֖ H0
לְךָ֖
Strong's: H0
Word #: 14 of 15
לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ it will surely be a snare H4170
לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ it will surely be a snare
Strong's: H4170
Word #: 15 of 15
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

Analysis & Commentary

They 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.

Canaanites must not dwell in the land—'lest they make thee sin' (פֶּן־יַחֲטִיאוּ, pen-yachati'u). Tolerance of idolatry leads to participation. 'If thou serve their gods' (כִּי תַעֲבֹד אֶת־אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, ki ta'avod et-eloheihem)—not 'might' but 'if/when.' Coexistence with idolatry inevitably corrupts. 'It will be a snare' (יִהְיֶה לְךָ לְמוֹקֵשׁ, yihyeh lekha lemoqesh)—a trap, ensnaring. Israel's history proves this—they failed to expel Canaanites, adopted their practices, and apostatized (Judges 2:1-3). The New Testament applies this: 'bad company corrupts good morals' (1 Corinthians 15:33); 'be not unequally yoked with unbelievers' (2 Corinthians 6:14). Tolerating sin in the community invites spiritual compromise.

Historical Context

Israel's incomplete conquest and tolerance of Canaanites led to cycles of apostasy described in Judges. The prophets repeatedly condemned syncretism—adopting Baal worship, Asherah poles, child sacrifice—proving God's warning accurate.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources