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Deuteronomy 6:14

Deuteronomy 6:14 in Multiple Translations

Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples that are round about you;

Do not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples round about you;

Don't worship any other gods, the gods of the peoples around you,

Ye shall not walke after other gods, after any of the gods of the people which are round about you,

ye do not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples who [are] round about you;

You shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples who are around you,

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are around you;

You shall not go after the strange gods of all the nations, that are round about you:

You must not worship any other gods, the gods that the people-groups who will live near you worship.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 6:14

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 6:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֹ֣א תֵֽלְכ֔וּ/ן אַחֲרֵ֖י אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים מֵ/אֱלֹהֵי֙ הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר סְבִיבוֹתֵי/כֶֽם
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תֵֽלְכ֔וּ/ן yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
אַחֲרֵ֖י ʼachar H310 after Prep
אֱלֹהִ֣ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
אֲחֵרִ֑ים ʼachêr H312 another Adj
מֵ/אֱלֹהֵי֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp
הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
סְבִיבוֹתֵי/כֶֽם çâbîyb H5439 around N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 6:14

לֹ֣א 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.
תֵֽלְכ֔וּ/ן yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
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.
אַחֲרֵ֖י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
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.
אֲחֵרִ֑ים 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.
מֵ/אֱלֹהֵי֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | 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.
הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר 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.
סְבִיבוֹתֵי/כֶֽם çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 6:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 25:6 Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’
2 1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
3 Deuteronomy 13:7 the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other),
4 Deuteronomy 8:19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.
5 Deuteronomy 11:28 but a curse if you disobey the commandments of the LORD your God and turn aside from the path I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.
6 Exodus 34:14–16 For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 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. And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same.

Deuteronomy 6:14 Summary

[This verse is telling us to be careful not to worship or follow anything or anyone other than the one true God. This means we should not give our hearts to idols, money, or our own desires, but instead, give our loyalty and love to God alone, as seen in Exodus 20:3. By doing so, we can avoid the anger of the Lord and experience His love and blessings, as promised in Deuteronomy 6:15 and Matthew 22:37-38. We can start by being mindful of our thoughts, actions, and priorities, and making sure we are giving God the first place in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to follow other gods?

Following other gods means to give our hearts and loyalty to anything or anyone other than the one true God, as warned against in Deuteronomy 6:14 and Exodus 20:3. This can include idols, money, or even our own desires.

Why is it important to not follow other gods?

It's crucial to not follow other gods because the Lord our God is a jealous God, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:15, and He desires our exclusive worship and devotion, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:13 and Matthew 4:10.

How can we avoid following other gods in our daily lives?

To avoid following other gods, we must be mindful of our thoughts, actions, and priorities, ensuring that we are giving God the first place in our lives, as commanded in Matthew 22:37-38 and Luke 12:15.

What is the consequence of following other gods?

The consequence of following other gods is the anger of the Lord, which can lead to severe punishment, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:15, and even eternal separation from God, as warned in Revelation 21:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'gods' in my life that I may be unknowingly following, and how can I redirect my heart to the one true God?
  2. In what ways can I serve and worship the Lord exclusively, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:13?
  3. How can I be more mindful of the 'peoples around me' and their influence on my spiritual life, and what boundaries can I set to protect my faith?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to 'fear the Lord my God' and take my oaths in His name, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:13?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:14

Ye shall not go after other gods,.... To serve and worship them, and swear by them; and which indeed are no gods, only nominal and fictitious ones; idols which are nothing in the world, and ought to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:14

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:14

Deuteronomy 6:14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;Ver. 14. Thou shalt not go]

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:14

Verse 14. Ye shall not go after other gods] The object of religious worship among every people, whether that object be true or false, is ever considered as the pattern or exemplar to his worshippers. Christians are termed the followers of God; they take God for their pattern, and walk - act, as he does. Hence we see the meaning of the terms in this verse: Ye shall not go after - ye shall not take false gods for your patterns. The Canaanites, Greeks, Romans, c., were a most impure people, because the objects of their worship were impure, and they went after them, i. e., were like their gods. This serves to show us that such as our Redeemer is, such should we be and indeed this is the uniform language of God to man: Be ye holy, for I am holy, Leviticus 21:8; Be ye perfect, as your Father who is in heaven is perfect, Matthew 5:48.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:14

14. Ye shall not go after other gods, etc.] only states explicitly what is implicit in the preceding verses. As it is superfluous and introduces the Pl. form into a Sg. context, it may be confidently regarded as an editorial addition. Other gods, specially characteristic of D and deuteronomic passages in the Hexateuch, occurs some 20 times; for go after other gods see Deuteronomy 8:19, Deuteronomy 11:28, Deuteronomy 13:2, Deuteronomy 28:14, etc.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:14

SermonDescription
Octavius Winslow The Gentleness of God by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow emphasizes the gentleness of God, reassuring believers that despite life's trials and afflictions, God will do them no harm. He reflects on the experiences of bibl
John Calvin Separation From False Worship, Idolatry & Popish Principles by John Calvin In this sermon on Psalm 16:4, John Calvin emphasizes the importance of dedicating ourselves to God once we have come to know Him as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. He
B.B. Caldwell False Gods by B.B. Caldwell In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the consequences of our sins and the need to turn to a holy God. He highlights the Ten Commandments as the law that
Basilea Schlink A Call to Us by Basilea Schlink In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving God the first right to our time, money, possessions, and everything that makes life worth living. The speaker highli
Dean Taylor Soul Idolatry by Dean Taylor In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of summarizing key verses in the Bible to make them practical and applicable to our lives. He mentions several summary verses
William MacDonald Ministry From 1 John 5 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a visit to a movie lot and compares the façade of the western village to the superficiality of the world. He emphasizes the importance of fa
Paul Hattaway Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the

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