Deuteronomy 8:20
Deuteronomy 8:20 in Multiple Translations
Like the nations that the LORD has destroyed before you, so you will perish if you do not obey the LORD your God.
As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
As the nations that Jehovah maketh to perish before you, so shall ye perish; because ye would not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah your God.
Like the nations which the Lord is cutting off before you, so you will be cut off; because you would not give ear to the voice of the Lord your God.
In the same way the Lord destroyed the nations as you advanced, you will also die if you don't obey the Lord your God.
As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before you, so ye shall perish, because ye woulde not be obedient vnto the voyce of the Lord your God.
as the nations whom Jehovah is destroying from your presence, so ye perish; because ye hearken not to the voice of Jehovah your God.
As the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so you shall perish, because you wouldn’t listen to the LORD your God’s voice.
As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God.
As the nations, which the Lord destroyed at thy entrance, so shall you also perish, if you be disobedient to the voice of the Lord your God.
If you do not obey Yahweh our God, he will certainly destroy you just like he will destroy the people-groups that you will fight against.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 8:20
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 8:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יְהוָה֙
מַאֲבִ֣יד
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם
כֵּ֖ן
תֹאבֵד֑וּ/ן
עֵ֚קֶב
לֹ֣א
תִשְׁמְע֔וּ/ן
בְּ/ק֖וֹל
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
כַּ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַאֲבִ֣יד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Hiphil
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
תֹאבֵד֑וּ/ן
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
עֵ֚קֶב
ʻêqeb
H6118
consequence
N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשְׁמְע֔וּ/ן
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
בְּ/ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 8:20
כַּ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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.
יְהוָה֙
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.
מַאֲבִ֣יד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Hiphil
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
תֹאבֵד֑וּ/ן
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
עֵ֚קֶב
ʻêqeb
H6118
"consequence"
N-ms
This word refers to a consequence or result of something, often used to describe a reward or payment. It is used in Genesis 49:19, where Gad's reward is described. The word can also mean 'because' or 'on account of'.
Definition: 1) consequence 1a) consequence 1b) consequence, gain, reward 1c) end adv 2) as a consequence, because, consequently conj 3) as a consequence of, that, because
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] because, by, end, for, if, reward. See also: Genesis 22:18; Psalms 19:12; Psalms 40:16.
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.
תִשְׁמְע֔וּ/ן
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | 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.
בְּ/ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
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.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 8:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 8:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 8:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 8:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 8:20
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 8:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 8:20
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 8:20
Context — Remember the LORD Your God
18But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
19If 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.
20Like the nations that the LORD has destroyed before you, so you will perish if you do not obey the LORD your God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 9:11–12 | All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You. You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 36:16–17 | But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, |
Deuteronomy 8:20 Summary
This verse is a warning to the Israelites that if they do not obey the LORD their God, they will perish like the nations that the LORD has destroyed before them. This means that obedience to God is crucial for our well-being and survival, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:19 and Jeremiah 7:23. We must remember that God is a loving and just God, as described in Psalm 103:8, and that He desires our obedience for our own good, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. By obeying God and following His commands, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main condition for not perishing like the nations before us?
The main condition is obeying the LORD our God, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:20, and this is reinforced in Deuteronomy 8:19, which warns against forgetting the LORD and following other gods.
Does this verse imply that God is cruel or unfair?
No, this verse is a warning of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:19, and it is meant to encourage obedience and faithfulness to the LORD, who is a loving and just God, as described in Deuteronomy 7:9-10 and Psalm 103:8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
This verse is connected to the covenant that the LORD made with the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:18, and it emphasizes the importance of obeying the LORD in order to fulfill the terms of the covenant, as seen in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 29:9.
What is the significance of the nations that the LORD has destroyed before us?
The nations that the LORD has destroyed before us, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:20, serve as an example of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and Joshua 23:12-13, and they warn us against following in their footsteps.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can obey the LORD my God in my daily life, and how can I prioritize His commands above all else?
- How can I avoid forgetting the LORD my God and following after other gods, as warned against in Deuteronomy 8:19?
- What are some examples of nations or people in the Bible who perished due to disobedience, and what can I learn from their experiences?
- In what ways can I apply the warning in Deuteronomy 8:20 to my own life, and what steps can I take to ensure that I am obeying the LORD my God?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 8:20
As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish,.... Be cut off by the sword, or cast out as they were, the same sins, particularly idolatry, being committed by them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 8:20
Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Beware that thou forget not the Lord.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 8:20
(20) Because ye would not be obedient.—In return for your disobedience. The same word is employed in Deuteronomy 7:12. The use of the word in these two places might fairly be taken to mark off the intervening portion as a complete section of the discourse.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 8:20
20. maketh to perish] is about to, etc. Here the writer is true to the standpoint of the speaker. because ye would not hearken, etc.] The construction is found elsewhere only in another Pl. passage, Deuteronomy 7:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 8:20
19, 20. Surely perish — Again Moses seeks to deepen the impression which his admonitions may make by warning the people of the fate that will overtake them if they are disobedient.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 8:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Predictions - Housing Crash Depression by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of the American gospel and Jesus on other countries. He expresses concern about how American culture, including gangs and rap so |
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.9 & 10 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two verses from the Old Testament that highlight God's judgment. The first verse is Genesis 15:16, where God tells Abraham that the Israelite |
|
Forgive Us! by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the disconnect between the words of the Bible and the actions of believers in the world. He acknowledges that people have rebelled against Go |
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A Good Report by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson shares a powerful report on the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in New York City, emphasizing the miraculous conversions and spiritual hunger witnessed durin |
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(Haggai) Pointed Powerful Paralysing Preaching by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by the people of Judah and Benjamin as they built the temple of the Lord. He emphasizes that when God calls us to do His |
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His Manifest Presence - Part 1 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a harrowing experience of witnessing a violent attack on a bus. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's presence as a shield |
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Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted W/ Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (1875) by James Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the objection to symbolism in worship. He refers to Deuteronomy 4, where it is stated that God spoke to the people without any similitude or |