Exodus 34:16
And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֥
And thou take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֥
And thou take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 12
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְנֹתָ֗יו
and their daughters
H1323
בְנֹתָ֗יו
and their daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
2 of 12
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
בָּנֶ֔יךָ
thy sons
H1121
בָּנֶ֔יךָ
thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְהִזְנוּ֙
and make
H2181
וְהִזְנוּ֙
and make
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
4 of 12
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
בְנֹתָ֗יו
and their daughters
H1323
בְנֹתָ֗יו
and their daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 12
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶֽן׃
their gods
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶֽן׃
their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 12
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
וְהִזְנוּ֙
and make
H2181
וְהִזְנוּ֙
and make
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
8 of 12
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנֶ֔יךָ
thy sons
H1121
בָּנֶ֔יךָ
thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Nehemiah 13:25And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.Ezra 9:2For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.Nehemiah 13:23In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:
Historical Context
This command was tragically disregarded by many Israelites (Judges 3:5-6), leading to cyclical apostasy during the judges period. Ezra later enforced this principle (Ezra 9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does marriage to an unbeliever create unique spiritual dangers?
- What practical steps can believers take to prioritize spiritual compatibility in relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Intermarriage (taking Canaanite wives) would lead to idolatry spreading to the next generation. Foreign wives would 'make your sons go a whoring after their gods'—exactly what happened to Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-8). This principle extends to the New Testament prohibition on believers marrying unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14). The concern is not ethnic but spiritual—preservation of covenant faithfulness.