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Deuteronomy 17:3

Deuteronomy 17:3 in Multiple Translations

and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden—

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

and hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded,

By becoming a servant of other gods and worshipping them or the sun or the moon or all the stars of heaven, against my orders;

This person has done this by going to worship other gods, bowing down to them—or to the sun, moon, or any of the stars of heaven—which I have ordered you not to do.

And hath gone and serued other gods, and worshipped them: as the sunne, or the moone, or any of the hoste of heauen, which I haue not commanded,

and he doth go and serve other gods, and doth bow himself to them, and to the sun, or to the moon, or to any of the host of the heavens, which I have not commanded —

and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky, which I have not commanded,

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshiped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

So as to go and serve strange gods, and adore them, the sun and the moon. and all the host of heaven, which I have not commanded:

Suppose someone tells you that that person has worshiped and served other gods, or the sun, or the moon, or the stars.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 17:3

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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 17:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֗לֶךְ וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹד֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לָ/הֶ֑ם וְ/לַ/שֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ א֣וֹ לַ/יָּרֵ֗חַ א֛וֹ לְ/כָל צְבָ֥א הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא צִוִּֽיתִי
וַ/יֵּ֗לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹד֙ ʻâbad H5647 to serve Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֣ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
אֲחֵרִ֔ים ʼachêr H312 another Adj
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 to bow Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
וְ/לַ/שֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Conj | Prep | N-cs
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
לַ/יָּרֵ֗חַ yârêach H3394 moon Prep | N-ms
א֛וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
צְבָ֥א tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cs
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
צִוִּֽיתִי tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 17:3

וַ/יֵּ֗לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹד֙ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
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.
אֲחֵרִ֔ים ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
וְ/לַ/שֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Conj | Prep | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
לַ/יָּרֵ֗חַ yârêach H3394 "moon" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the moon, the natural satellite of the earth. It is used in the Bible to describe the moon and its phases.
Definition: moon
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: moon. Yrechow. See H3405 (יְרִיחוֹ). See also: Genesis 37:9; Psalms 121:6; Psalms 8:4.
א֛וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | 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.
צְבָ֥א tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
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.
לֹא 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.
צִוִּֽיתִי tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 17:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 7:31 They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.
2 Deuteronomy 4:19 When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.
3 Job 31:26–27 if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
4 Jeremiah 32:35 They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech—something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin.
5 Jeremiah 19:5 They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind.
6 Jeremiah 7:22–23 For when I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt, I did not merely command them about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.
7 Jeremiah 8:2 They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground.
8 Ezekiel 8:16 So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.
9 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.

Deuteronomy 17:3 Summary

Deuteronomy 17:3 warns against worshiping other gods or celestial bodies, which is considered a serious offense against the Lord. This verse reminds us that our worship and loyalty should be directed solely to the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5. By avoiding idolatry and staying faithful to the Lord, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. As we reflect on this verse, let us examine our hearts and lives to ensure that we are not unknowingly worshiping 'other gods', and let us strive to promote loyalty and obedience to the Lord in all that we do, as seen in Psalm 119:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of worshiping other gods in Deuteronomy 17:3?

Worshiping other gods is a serious offense against the Lord, as stated in Deuteronomy 17:3, and is considered a form of spiritual adultery, as seen in Jeremiah 3:8-10 and Hosea 1:2-3.

Why does the verse mention the sun, moon, and host of heaven?

The mention of the sun, moon, and host of heaven in Deuteronomy 17:3 refers to the worship of celestial bodies, which was a common practice in ancient pagan religions, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:19 and 2 Kings 21:3-5.

What is the relationship between this verse and the concept of idolatry?

Deuteronomy 17:3 is closely related to the concept of idolatry, as worshiping other gods or celestial bodies is a form of idolatry, which is forbidden in the First Commandment, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:7-9.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy 17:3 fits into the overall theme of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes the importance of loyalty and obedience to the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and 10:12-13, and warns against the dangers of idolatry and disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:19-20 and 11:16-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be unknowingly worshiping 'other gods' in my life, and how can I redirect my worship to the one true God?
  2. How can I balance the command to avoid idolatry with the reality of living in a world filled with idols and temptations, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 10:14?
  3. What role does gratitude and thankfulness play in preventing the worship of false gods, and how can I cultivate a heart of gratitude in my daily life, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
  4. How can I apply the principle of Deuteronomy 17:3 to my relationships and interactions with others, and what are some ways that I can promote loyalty and obedience to the Lord in my community, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 and Romans 13:8-10?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 17:3

And hath gone,.... The Targum of Jonathan adds, after the evil imagination or concupiscence, lusting after other lovers, and forsaking the true God, and departing from his worship: and served other

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 17:3

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:3

Those glorious creatures, which are to be admired as the wonderful works of God, but not to be set up in God’ s stead, nor worshipped as gods: see . By condemning the most specious and reasonable of all idolaters, he intimates how absurd a thing it is to worship stocks and stones, the works of men’ s hands. Which I have not commanded, i.e. I have forbidden, to wit, Exodus 20. Such negative expressions are oft emphatical, and imply the contrary, as 17:21 24:23.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:3

Deuteronomy 17:2-7. EVERY TO BE STONED.(2) If there be found . . . man or woman.—This section differs slightly from the third section of Deuteronomy 13. The penalty there is directed against the teachers of idolatry, whether prophets, private individuals, or communities in Israel. Here the penalty of death is enacted for every individual, man or woman, found guilty of worshipping any other god but Jehovah. We find traces of this law in the covenant made in the reign of Asa (2 Chronicles 15:13), “that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.(3) Either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven.—The oldest and simplest, and apparently most innocent form of idolatry. If this was punishable with death, obviously no grosser form of idolatry could be spared. The Book of Job, which knows no other idolatry, admits this to be a denial “of the God that is above” (Job 31:26-28). (6) He that is worthy of death.—Literally, he that dieth.(7) The hands of the witnesses . . . first.—A great safeguard against false testimony. Put . . . away.—Literally, consume. The primary meaning of the word is “burn.” Taberah, “burning,” is a derivative. The evil.—The Greek version renders this “the wicked man,” and the sentence is taken up in this form in 1 Corinthians 5:13, “and ye shall put away from among you that wicked person.” The phrase is of frequent occurrence in Deuteronomy, and if we are to understand that in all places where it occurs “the evil” is to be under. stood of an individual, and to be taken in the masculine gender, the fact seems to deserve notice in considering the phrase “deliver us from evil” in the Lord’s Prayer. There is really no such thing as wickedness in the world apart from some wicked being or person. We are also reminded of the famous argument of St. Augustine, that evil has no existence except as a corruption of good, or a creature’s perverted will.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 17:3

3. gone and served other gods] So Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 13:13 (7, 14); and 2 (3) with slight variation. sun, moon, etc.] See on Deuteronomy 4:19. which I have not commanded] Cp. Deuteronomy 4:19 : which thy God hath assigned unto the peoples. The use of the first person here is remarkable; God Himself takes up the speech, as in Deuteronomy 7:4 and frequently in the prophets: e.g. Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 19:5; Jeremiah 32:35.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 17:3

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer Amend Your Ways by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God and our souls a chance to breathe by prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly distractions. He highlights ho
Jonathan Edwards Wrong Revival Principles - Part 4 by Jonathan Edwards The sermon transcript discusses the natural inclinations that humans have and how they can be regulated in a way that is not sinful or selfish. It emphasizes the importance of pare
Rolfe Barnard The God of the Bible vs. the God of Today 2 of 2 by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's mercy and the need to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. He highlights that God holds the power over lif
Derek Prince Healing - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, Don Basham discusses the importance of faith in God's faithfulness rather than relying on our own abilities or experiences. He emphasizes that faith is ultimately t

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