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Deuteronomy 29:18

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Deuteronomy 29:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit,

King James Version KJV

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

American Standard Version ASV

lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from Jehovah our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that there may not be among you any man or woman or family or tribe whose heart is turned away from the Lord our God today, to go after other gods and give them worship; or any root among you whose fruit is poison and bitter sorrow;

Free Bible Version FBV

You need to make sure today that there's no man or woman, family or tribe of yours who wants to turn from the Lord our God and go and worship the gods of these nations. Make sure there is nothing like that among you that would produce such poison and bitterness.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That there should not be among you man nor woman, nor familie, nor tribe, which should turne his heart away this day from the Lord our God, to goe and serue the gods of these nations, and that there shoulde not be among you any roote that bringeth forth gall and wormewood,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

lest there be among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart is turning to-day from Jehovah our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations, lest there be in you a root fruitful of gall and wormwood:

World English Bible WEB

lest there should be among you man, woman, family, or tribe whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that produces bitter poison;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Lest perhaps there should be among you a man or a woman, a family or a tribe, whose heart is turned away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of those nations: and there should be among you a root bringing forth gall and bitterness.

Translation for Translators T4T

So be sure that no man or woman or family or tribe that is here today turns away from Yahweh our God, to worship/serve the gods of those nations. Doing that would be like a root of a plant that would grow among you and bear poisonous and bitter fruit [MET].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 29:18

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 29:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הָיָ֡ה בְּ/שָׁמְע/וֹ֩ אֶת דִּבְרֵ֨י הָֽ/אָלָ֜ה הַ/זֹּ֗את וְ/הִתְבָּרֵ֨ךְ בִּ/לְבָב֤/וֹ לֵ/אמֹר֙ שָׁל֣וֹם יִֽהְיֶה לִּ֔/י כִּ֛י בִּ/שְׁרִר֥וּת לִבִּ֖/י אֵלֵ֑ךְ לְמַ֛עַן סְפ֥וֹת הָ/רָוָ֖ה אֶת הַ/צְּמֵאָֽה
וְ/הָיָ֡ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְּ/שָׁמְע/וֹ֩ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דִּבְרֵ֨י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp
הָֽ/אָלָ֜ה ʼâlâh H423 oath Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֗את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron
וְ/הִתְבָּרֵ֨ךְ bârak H1288 to bless Conj | V-Hithpael-3ms
בִּ/לְבָב֤/וֹ lêbâb H3824 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁל֣וֹם shâlôwm H7965 Peace N-ms
יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִּ֔/י Prep | Suff
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
בִּ/שְׁרִר֥וּת shᵉrîyrûwth H8307 stubbornness Prep | N-fs
לִבִּ֖/י lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff
אֵלֵ֑ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לְמַ֛עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
סְפ֥וֹת çâphâh H5595 to snatch V-Qal-Inf-a
הָ/רָוָ֖ה râveh H7302 watered Art | Adj
אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep
הַ/צְּמֵאָֽה tsâmêʼ H6771 thirsty Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 29:18

וְ/הָיָ֡ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/שָׁמְע/וֹ֩ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דִּבְרֵ֨י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָֽ/אָלָ֜ה ʼâlâh H423 "oath" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
הַ/זֹּ֗את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
וְ/הִתְבָּרֵ֨ךְ bârak H1288 "to bless" Conj | V-Hithpael-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
בִּ/לְבָב֤/וֹ lêbâb H3824 "heart" Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
לֵ/אמֹר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁל֣וֹם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִּ֔/י "" Prep | Suff
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בִּ/שְׁרִר֥וּת shᵉrîyrûwth H8307 "stubbornness" Prep | N-fs
This word describes a stubborn or hard-hearted attitude, like when someone refuses to listen or change their ways, and is used in the Bible to describe sinful behavior in Deuteronomy 29:19.
Definition: stubbornness, hardness, firmness
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: imagination, lust. See also: Deuteronomy 29:18; Jeremiah 11:8; Psalms 81:13.
לִבִּ֖/י lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אֵלֵ֑ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
לְמַ֛עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
סְפ֥וֹת çâphâh H5595 "to snatch" V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to snatch or sweep something away, like destroying or consuming it. It can also mean to gather or catch up something. The KJV translates it as consume, destroy, or add.
Definition: 1) to sweep or snatch away, catch up, destroy, consume 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be snatched away 1a2) to sweep or snatch away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swept away, be destroyed 1b2) to be caught up, be captured 1c) (Hiphil) to catch up, gather
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: add, augment, consume, destroy, heap, join, perish, put. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 27:1; Psalms 40:15.
הָ/רָוָ֖ה râveh H7302 "watered" Art | Adj
Watered means to be saturated or filled with drink, like being drunk or having enough to drink, and is used in the Bible to describe a state of being fulfilled. It is related to the concept of being satisfied or quenched.
Definition: watered, saturated
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: drunkenness, watered. See also: Deuteronomy 29:18; Isaiah 58:11; Jeremiah 31:12.
אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַ/צְּמֵאָֽה tsâmêʼ H6771 "thirsty" Art | Adj
This word describes someone or something that is thirsty, like a person in a desert or a soul searching for God, as seen in Matthew 5:6 where Jesus talks about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. It can also mean being thirsty for knowledge or fulfillment.
Definition: thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (that) thirst(-eth, -y). See also: Deuteronomy 29:18; Isaiah 21:14; Psalms 107:5.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 29:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
2 Deuteronomy 11:16–17 But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods, or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you. He will shut the heavens so that there will be no rain, nor will the land yield its produce, and you will soon perish from the good land that the LORD is giving you.
3 Deuteronomy 13:1–15 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him. Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you. If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him. Instead, you must surely kill him. Your hand must be the first against him to put him to death, and then the hands of all the people. Stone him to death for trying to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you. If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.
4 Jeremiah 9:15 Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.
5 Hebrews 3:12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.
6 Hosea 10:4 They speak mere words; with false oaths they make covenants. So judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field.
7 Amos 6:12 “Do horses gallop on the cliffs? Does one plow the sea with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood—
8 Acts 8:23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”
9 Deuteronomy 17:2–7 If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant 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 if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel, you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Deuteronomy 29:18 Summary

Deuteronomy 29:18 is a warning to the Israelites to be careful not to turn away from the Lord and worship other gods. This is important because turning away from the Lord can lead to serious consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:20. The verse also talks about being mindful of the influences in our lives that might lead us towards sin or idolatry, and being part of a community that supports and encourages each other in following the Lord, similar to the concept in Hebrews 10:24-25. By obeying the Lord's commands and being mindful of our actions, we can cultivate a heart that is fully devoted to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Matthew 22:37-40.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern of Deuteronomy 29:18?

The main concern is that no one among the Israelites would turn away from the Lord to worship other gods, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:18, and as warned against in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10.

What is the 'root' referred to in Deuteronomy 29:18?

The 'root' likely refers to a person or influence that spreads sin and idolatry, similar to the concept in Matthew 15:13, where Jesus teaches that anything planted by the Father that is not from Him will be rooted up.

Why is it important for the Israelites to be cautious of turning away from the Lord?

It is crucial because turning away from the Lord can lead to severe consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:20, where the Lord's anger and jealousy will burn against the person, and they will face every curse written in the book, similar to the warnings in Leviticus 26:14-39 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

How does this verse relate to the idea of covenant and community?

Deuteronomy 29:18 emphasizes the importance of communal faithfulness to the Lord, as the Israelites are reminded that their actions affect not only themselves but also the community, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:18-20 and supported by verses like 1 Corinthians 12:26, which highlights the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I might be turning away from the Lord in my own life, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
  2. How can I be more mindful of the influences in my life that might be leading me towards idolatry or sin, and what steps can I take to avoid them?
  3. What does it mean for me to be a part of a community that is committed to following the Lord, and how can I support and encourage my fellow believers in their walk with God?
  4. In what ways can I be a 'root' that bears good fruit, rather than poisonous and bitter fruit, as referred to in Deuteronomy 29:18?
  5. How can I cultivate a heart that is fully devoted to the Lord, and what role does obedience to His commands play in this process, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:18 and supported by verses like John 14:15?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man or woman, or family, or tribe,.... These words stand in connection with Deuteronomy 29:15, with Deuteronomy 29:16 being in a parenthesis, as may be observed, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 29:18

That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be; or take heed or beware lest there be; for it seems to be an ellipsis, or defect of a verb, which is usual in Scripture, and which we have in a case parallel to this. . And now we must take care lest he put forth, &c. Or this particle lest may be joined with ,15, to this purpose, I now renew the covenant with you, and with your posterity, lest any of you or yours should be tempted to depart from God, &c. Whose heart turneth away, i.e. who turneth away from God to idols, not by constraint, but by choice, and the inclination of his own heart. By this phrase he leads them to the spring of their sin and ruin, even their own hearts, which he admonisheth them hereby to look to above all things. A root; either, 1. An evil heart inclining you to such cursed idolatry, and bringing forth bitter fruits. Or rather, 2. Some secret and subtle apostate, who lurks and works like a root under ground, and slyly conveys his poison to the infection of others; for both the foregoing and following words speak of some particular person. Gall and wormwood, i.e. which though for the present it may please your fancy, yet in the end, assure yourselves, will produce bitter fruits, not only distasteful to God, but also poisonful and destructive to yourselves.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:18

(18) Lest there should be.—The connection with Deuteronomy 29:15 seems to be this. “I make this covenant binding with all your generations, in case there should even now be any root of idolatry among you which may grow up and bring forth fruit in later times, and bring a curse upon your whole country.” That there were such roots of idolatry is only too plain from Deuteronomy 31:16, and from what followed after the death of the elders of this generation. (Comp. Judges 2:10-12.) A root that beareth gall and wormwood.—The same two words occur in Lamentations 3:19, and one of them (gall) in Psalms 69:21. From whatever root it came, there was One to whom it was given to drink. The LXX. form of this expression, “lest there is among you any root that springeth up in gall and bitterness,” is incorporated into the warning in Hebrews 12:15 : “Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:18

Verse 18. A root that beareth gall and wormwood] That is, as the apostle expresses it, Hebrews 3:12, An evil heart of unbelief departing from the living God; for to this place he evidently refers. It may also signify false doctrines, or idolatrous persons among themselves.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 29:18

18. lest there should be] Perhaps better, may there not be! this day] Not in LXX and here out of place. to go to serve] Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 13:13 (7, 14), Deuteronomy 17:3. a root that beareth] Only here. gall] Heb. rôsh, lit. head, sometimes interpreted of the poppy; either that or some poison: Deuteronomy 32:32, Amos 6:12, Hosea 10:4; with wormwood, Amos 5:7; Amos 6:12, Jeremiah 9:15 (14), Deuteronomy 23:15, Lamentations 3:15; Lamentations 3:19, Proverbs 5:4. Such are the fruits of idolatry!

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 29:18

The word here and in Deuteronomy 32:32 rendered “gall,” is in Hosea 10:4 translated “hemlock.” It is the name of a plant of intense bitterness, and of quick growth; and is therefore repeatedly used

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:18

18. Lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood — This figurative expression may be compared with the passage in Hebrews 12:15, “Lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest

Sermons on Deuteronomy 29:18

SermonDescription
Harold E. Schmul Bitterness by Harold E. Schmul In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his dissatisfaction with a fellow believer whom he considers a compromiser and a danger to their movement. He then discusses the d
St. John Chrysostom Hebrews 12:14-17 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, peace, and holiness in Christianity, quoting Jesus and Paul to highlight the significance of following peace with all men and pur
Corrie Ten Boom How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff
Jim Cymbala A Bitter Root by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of violence and shootings that have occurred in churches in Texas and California. He emphasizes that the root cause of these traged
Jacob Prasch Midrash - First Born and Second Born by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker addresses the desire for instant gratification and quick-fix solutions in Christianity. He warns against being susceptible to false preachers who promis
Jim Logan Attitudes on Bitterness by Jim Logan In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph experienced many disappointments and heartaches, including being sold into slavery by hi
Carter Conlon The Laughing Ministry (God Is Not Laughing) by Carter Conlon This sermon reflects on a pastor who has strayed from the true gospel, once rooted in holiness but now engulfed in confusion and mockery. It questions the causes of his spiritual b
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