Deuteronomy 16:21
Deuteronomy 16:21 in Multiple Translations
Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole next to the altar you will build for the LORD your God,
¶ Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Thou shalt not plant thee an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of Jehovah thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Let no holy tree of any sort be planted by the altar of the Lord your God which you will make.
Don't ever set up a wooden Asherah pole next to the altar you build for the Lord your God,
Thou shalt plant thee no groue of any trees neere vnto the altar of the Lord thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
'Thou dost not plant for thee a shrine of any trees near the altar of Jehovah thy God, which thou makest for thyself,
You shall not plant for yourselves an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the LORD your God’s altar, which you shall make for yourselves.
Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near to the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make for thee.
Thou shalt plant no grove, nor any tree near the altar of the Lord thy God:
“When you make an altar to worship Yahweh our God, do not put next to it any wooden statue that represents the goddess Asherah.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 16:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
תִטַּ֥ע
לְ/ךָ֛
אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
כָּל
עֵ֑ץ
אֵ֗צֶל
מִזְבַּ֛ח
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
תַּעֲשֶׂה
לָּֽ/ךְ
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִטַּ֥ע
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עֵ֑ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
אֵ֗צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep
מִזְבַּ֛ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָּֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:21
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִטַּ֥ע
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
לְ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֵ֑ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֵ֗צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
"beside"
Prep
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
מִזְבַּ֛ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָּֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 16:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:21
Context — Forbidden Forms of Worship
19Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
20Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
21Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole next to the altar you will build for the LORD your God,
22and do not set up for yourselves a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 33:3 | For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 17:16 | They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. |
| 3 | Exodus 34:13 | Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 21:3 | For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 14:15 | For the LORD will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water. He will uproot Israel from this good land that He gave their fathers, and He will scatter them beyond the Euphrates, because they have made their Asherah poles, provoking the LORD to anger. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 16:33 | Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. |
| 7 | Judges 3:7 | So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 7:5 | Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. |
Deuteronomy 16:21 Summary
This verse reminds us that our worship should be focused solely on the one true God, and that we should avoid anything that could distract us from pure worship. The Israelites were forbidden from setting up an Asherah pole, a symbol of pagan worship, near the altar of the Lord, and we can learn from this example by being mindful of the things that can distract us from worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). By prioritizing our relationship with God and avoiding idolatry, we can worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him. As we strive to worship God with our whole hearts, we can remember that He is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Asherah pole and why is it significant in Deuteronomy 16:21?
An Asherah pole was a wooden pole used in the worship of the pagan goddess Asherah, and the Israelites were forbidden from setting it up near the altar of the Lord, as it was a form of idolatry, which is also warned against in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-10.
Why did God command the Israelites not to set up an Asherah pole next to the altar?
God commanded the Israelites not to set up an Asherah pole next to the altar because He is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship, as stated in Exodus 34:14 and Deuteronomy 4:24, and the presence of an Asherah pole would be a form of spiritual adultery.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?
This verse emphasizes the importance of pure and untainted worship, which is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, as seen in verses such as John 4:24, which states that God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
What can we learn from this verse about our own worship practices today?
We can learn from this verse the importance of being mindful of the things that can distract us from pure worship, such as idolatry or worldly influences, and instead strive to worship God in a way that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day equivalents of Asherah poles that can distract us from pure worship, and how can we avoid them?
- In what ways can we ensure that our worship is focused solely on the one true God, and not tainted by idolatry or worldly influences?
- How can we apply the principle of exclusive worship to our daily lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to prioritize our relationship with God?
- What role does the concept of spiritual jealousy play in our understanding of God's character, and how should it impact our worship and devotion?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:21
Thou shall not plant thee a grove of any trees,.... Of any sort of trees, as oaks or any other; not but that it was lawful to plant trees and groves of them, but not for a religious or idolatrous
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:21
Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee. Thou shalt not plant thee a grove.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
Because this was the practice of idolaters, , and might be an occasion of reviving idolatry. See 18:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
(21) Thou shalt not plant thee a grove.—Heb., ashêrah, sometimes used of images, but here evidently of the grove itself. The worship of Jehovah allowed of no secret rites; and nothing that could lead to the abominations of heathen idolatry could be permitted near Jehovah’s altar.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
Verse 21. Thou shalt not plant thee a grove, &c.] We have already seen that groves were planted about idol temples for the purpose of the obscene worship performed in them. (See Clarke on Deuteronomy 12:3.) On this account God would have no groves or thickets about his altar, that there might be no room for suspicion that any thing contrary to the strictest purity was transacted there. Every part of the Divine worship was publicly performed, for the purpose of general edification.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:21
21. Thou shalt not plant thee a grove… near unto the altar — Literally, as an Asherah. The prohibition is equivalent to, “Thou shalt not set up any wooden column of Asherah.”
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Groves Around the Altar by John Rhys Watkins | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the cross in the Christian faith. He explains that the world hates the cross and often mocks it, but it is through the cro |
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(Exodus) Exodus 34:10-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's covenant with Moses for the children of Israel. God promises to do marvelous works that have never been seen before, to protect the Isra |
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The Little Servant-Maid by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the remarkable story of the little maid in 2 Kings 5:2, who despite being a stranger in a strange land, among the 'are-nots' of the world, and coming |
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Elijah’s Dramatic Appearance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline ini |
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Ahab Did More to Provoke the Lord by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound wickedness of King Ahab, who, influenced by his wife Jezebel, led Israel into the depths of idolatry and immorality, provoking the Lord more than |
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The Source of Elijah's Strength by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Elijah's strength came not from his surroundings or inherent qualities, but from his unwavering faith in Jehovah, who he recognized as the living God. De |
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Bible Survey - Judges by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Judges, highlighting the themes of the faithfulness of the Covenant-keeping God and the unfaithfulness of the Covenant-breaking people. The bo |