Exodus 23:32
Exodus 23:32 in Multiple Translations
You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.
Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Make no agreement with them or with their gods.
You must not make any agreement with them or with their gods.
Thou shalt make no couenant with them, nor with their gods:
thou dost not make a covenant with them, and with their gods;
You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Thou shalt not enter into league with them, nor with their gods.
You must not make any agreement/treaty with those people or with their gods.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:32
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.
Exodus 23:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
תִכְרֹ֥ת
לָ/הֶ֛ם
וְ/לֵ/אלֹֽהֵי/הֶ֖ם
בְּרִֽית
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִכְרֹ֥ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ/הֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֵ/אלֹֽהֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
בְּרִֽית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:32
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.
תִכְרֹ֥ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
לָ/הֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֵ/אלֹֽהֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | Prep | 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.
בְּרִֽית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
- Sermons on Exodus 23:32
Context — God’s Angel to Lead
30Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land.
31And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.
32You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.
33They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:2 | and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. |
| 2 | Exodus 34:12 | Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. |
| 3 | Exodus 34:15 | Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 7:16 | You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you. |
| 5 | Psalms 106:35 | but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. |
| 6 | Numbers 25:1–2 | While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 6:15 | What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? |
| 8 | Joshua 9:14–23 | Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise. Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us? Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 21:1–2 | During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) |
Exodus 23:32 Summary
[This verse is telling us to not make any agreements or friendships with people who worship false gods, because it can lead us away from the one true God, as we see in Exodus 23:33. We should be careful about the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:33. By obeying this command, we can avoid spiritual danger and stay close to God. This means being mindful of the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and the people we spend time with, to ensure they are not leading us away from God's will.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to make a covenant with someone or their gods?
In the context of Exodus 23:32, making a covenant with the surrounding nations or their gods means forming an alliance or agreement that could lead to idolatry and compromise with God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:2-5 and Judges 2:10-15.
Why is it important to not make covenants with other gods?
The Bible warns that serving other gods will lead to sin and separation from God, as stated in Exodus 23:33 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10, emphasizing the importance of exclusive worship and loyalty to the one true God.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
As believers, we are called to be separate from the world and not conform to its patterns, as Romans 12:2 reminds us, and this verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of the influences and alliances we form in our lives, ensuring they do not lead us away from God's will.
What is the consequence of disobeying this command?
Disobeying this command can lead to spiritual corruption and judgment, as seen in the history of the Israelites in Judges 2:10-15 and 1 Kings 11:1-8, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands for our spiritual well-being and the well-being of our communities.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unknowingly forming alliances or covenants with the world that could be leading me away from God?
- How can I ensure that my relationships and agreements are honoring to God and do not compromise my faith?
- What are some potential 'gods' in my life that I may be serving, such as materialism or pride, and how can I surrender them to God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of exclusivity in my worship and loyalty to God, as commanded in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:32
Thou shalt make no covenant with them,.... A covenant of peace, a league, a confederacy, so as to take them to be their allies and friends; but they were always to consider them as their enemies,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
To worship them, as they made a covenant with Jehovah to worship him. The sense is, Thou shalt not engage thyself, either to the people or to their gods, but shalt root out both.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
Exodus 23:32 Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.Ver. 32. No covenant with them.] Because devoted to destruction; and they will be drawing thee to idolatry, as it also happened in Judges 1:1-36 Judges 2:1-23.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
(32) Thou shalt make no covenant with them—i.e., no treaty of peace; no arrangement by which one part of the land shall be thine and another theirs. (Comp. Exodus 34:12.)Nor with their gods.—It was customary at the time for treaties between nations to contain an acknowledgment by each of the other’s gods. (See the treaty between Rameses II. And the Hittites in the Records of the Past, vol. iv., pp. 27-32.) Thus a treaty with a nation was a sort of treaty with its gods.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
Verse 32. Thou shalt make no covenant with them] They were incurable idolaters, and the cup of their iniquity was full. And had the Israelites contracted any alliance with them, either sacred or civil, they would have enticed them into their idolatries, to which the Jews were at all times most unhappily prone; and as God intended that they should be the preservers of the true religion till the coming of the Messiah, hence he strictly forbade them to tolerate idolatry.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:32
20–33. Hortatory epilogue. The laws which Israel is to observe have been defined: and now Jehovah declares what He will do for His people if it is obedient to His voice (v. 22): He will give it prosperity, freedom from sickness and long life, success in its contests with the nations of Canaan, and extension of territory afterwards. Comp. the similar, but longer and more elaborated, hortatory discourses (including curses on disobedience), concluding the codes of H (Leviticus 26:3-45) and Dt. (Deuteronomy 28). It is remarkable that the commands which Israel is to obey are not those embodied in ch. Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:19, but (v. 22) those to be given it in the future by the angel on the way to Canaan. Perhaps (Bä.) the passage was written originally for a different context: but even if that were the case, it must be intended, where it now stands, to suggest motives for the observance of the preceding laws.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:32
32. No covenant with them — To enter into any treaty with a hopelessly depraved and heaven-doomed people, or with their gods, was to trample under foot their own covenant with Jehovah, and treat with contempt these Sinaitic laws.
Sermons on Exodus 23:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Truth About Alliances (Part 2) by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of being unequally yoked with the world. He uses the story of Lot from the book of Genesis as an example. Lot had moved in wi |
|
Deception by the Gibeonites by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the deception by the Gibeonites as described in Joshua chapter 9. He emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings that God gives u |
|
|
God's Truth About Alliances by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon series titled "How Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?", the speaker addresses the topic of Satan's lies about holiness, separation, and false alliances. Th |
|
The Vow of the Nicolaitan Bride by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going beyond personal convenience in order to fulfill God's plans for our lives. He quotes the scripture where Paul urges |
|
|
The Candlestick - Pergamos by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the current state of preaching, claiming that many sermons focus on worldly pleasures rather than addressing sin and the significance of the |
|
Apostolic and Prophetic Foundations by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the urgent need for apostolic and prophetic foundations in the church as it faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. He reflects on the fading enthusia |
|
The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson expounds on 'The Lord's Prayer,' particularly the petition 'Deliver us from evil,' emphasizing the need for divine protection from the evils of the world, our own hea |