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Exodus 34:12

Exodus 34:12 in Multiple Translations

Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst.

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:

But take care, and do not make any agreement with the people of the land where you are going, for it will be a cause of sin to you.

Make sure you don't agree to a peace treaty with the people living in the land where you are going. Otherwise they will become a trap for you.

Take heede to thy selfe, that thou make no compact with ye inhabitantes of the land whither thou goest, least they be the cause of ruine among you:

take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitant of the land into which thou art going, lest it become a snare in thy midst;

Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare among you;

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:

Beware thou never join in friendship with the inhabitants of that land, which may be thy ruin:

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:12

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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.

Exodus 34:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְ/ךָ֗ פֶּן תִּכְרֹ֤ת בְּרִית֙ לְ/יוֹשֵׁ֣ב הָ/אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה בָּ֣א עָלֶ֑י/הָ פֶּן יִהְיֶ֥ה לְ/מוֹקֵ֖שׁ בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר shâmar H8104 to keep V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֗ Prep | Suff
פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj
תִּכְרֹ֤ת kârath H3772 to cut V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּרִית֙ bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs
לְ/יוֹשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal
עָלֶ֑י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj
יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/מוֹקֵ֖שׁ môwqêsh H4170 snare Prep | N-ms
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 34:12

הִשָּׁ֣מֶר shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
לְ/ךָ֗ "" Prep | Suff
פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּכְרֹ֤ת 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.
בְּרִית֙ 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.
לְ/יוֹשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
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.
אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עָלֶ֑י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִהְיֶ֥ה 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.
לְ/מוֹקֵ֖שׁ môwqêsh H4170 "snare" Prep | N-ms
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.

Study Notes — Exodus 34:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 23:32–33 You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. They 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.”
2 Joshua 23:12–13 For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.
3 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.
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 Judges 2:2–3 and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”
6 Psalms 106:36 They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.
7 Judges 8:27 From all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household.

Exodus 34:12 Summary

[This verse is a warning from God to the Israelites to be careful not to make friends or alliances with the people who already live in the land they are about to enter, because those people worship false gods and might lead the Israelites away from the one true God, as seen in Exodus 34:15-17. God wants the Israelites to be separate and distinct from the people around them, and to worship only Him, as stated in Exodus 34:14. This is still an important lesson for us today, as we are called to be set apart and to live differently from the world around us, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. By following God's warning and commands, we can avoid the dangers of idolatry and stay true to our faith.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God warn the Israelites against making treaties with the inhabitants of the land?

God warns the Israelites against making treaties with the inhabitants of the land because He knows that their idolatrous practices and sinful ways will corrupt the Israelites and lead them away from Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and Judges 2:10-15.

What kind of snare might the inhabitants of the land become to the Israelites?

The inhabitants of the land might become a snare to the Israelites by tempting them to intermarry and adopt their idolatrous practices, as warned in Exodus 34:15-17 and seen in the story of Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8.

How does this warning relate to the covenant God is making with the Israelites?

This warning is part of the covenant God is making with the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 34:10-11, and is a reminder that their relationship with God is exclusive and requires their complete loyalty and obedience, as stated in Exodus 34:14.

What is the significance of the phrase 'lest they become a snare in your midst'?

The phrase 'lest they become a snare in your midst' emphasizes the danger of allowing idolatry and sin to take root among the Israelites, leading to their spiritual downfall, as seen in the warnings of Deuteronomy 12:29-32 and the example of the Israelites in Psalm 106:34-43.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I might be making treaties with the 'inhabitants of the land' in my own life, and how can I avoid their corrupting influence?
  2. How can I prioritize my relationship with God and maintain my loyalty and obedience to Him in a world filled with temptations and distractions?
  3. What are some 'altars' or 'sacred stones' in my life that I need to tear down in order to fully follow God, as commanded in Exodus 34:13?
  4. How can I be mindful of the company I keep and the influences I allow in my life, in order to avoid becoming a snare to others or being snared by them?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:12

Take heed to thyself,.... This is said not to Moses, but to the people of Israel, as a caution to them when they should enter the land of Canaan, and possess it: lest thou make a covenant with the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:12

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:12

Exodus 34:12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:Ver. 12. With the inhabitants.] They were devoted to destruction, as having filled the land from one end to another with their uncleanness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:12

(12-16) This passage may be compared with Exodus 23:24-25; Exodus 23:32-33. It repeats, with some enlargements, the enactments there made, and traces in detail the evil consequences which would follow from a neglect of the enactments.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:12

12. Take heed to thyself] Also a phrase common in Dt. (Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 4:23, Deuteronomy 6:12 Heb., Deuteronomy 8:11 Heb., Deuteronomy 11:16 al.). lest thou make, &c.] Cf. Exodus 23:32. a snare] i.e. an allurement to ruin: cf. Exodus 23:33 b with the note.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 34:12

The precepts contained in these verses are, for the most part, identical in substance with some of those which follow the Ten Commandments and are recorded in “the Book of the covenant” (Exo. 20–23; see Exodus 24:7).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:12

12-26. Take heed to thyself — Here follows a brief resume of the laws previously ordained, and written in the Book of the Covenant, 21-23. They may be resolved into ten precepts, as follows:1.

Sermons on Exodus 34:12

SermonDescription
Russell Kelfer 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
Carter Conlon 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
Carter Conlon 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
Russell Kelfer 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
John Gifford Bellett Careless Choices by John Gifford Bellett John Gifford Bellett preaches on the importance of obedience in marriage as a test of the state of the nation, tracing the decline from Abraham's faithful example to Judah's comple
Chuck Smith 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

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