Exodus 34:16

Exodus 34:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.

American Standard Version ASV

and thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters play the harlot after their gods, and make thy sons play the harlot after their gods.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Or take their daughters for your sons; for when their daughters give worship before their gods, they will make your sons take part with them.

Free Bible Version FBV

When you have their daughters marry your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will make your sons worship their gods in the same way.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And least thou take of their daughters vnto thy sonnes, and their daughters goe a whoring after their gods, and make thy sonnes goe a whoring after their gods.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and thou hast taken of their daughters to thy sons, and their daughters have gone a-whoring after their gods, and have caused thy sons to go a-whoring after their gods;

World English Bible WEB

and you take of their daughters to your sons, and their daughters play the prostitute after their gods, and make your sons play the prostitute after their gods.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And thou take of their daughters to thy sons, and their daughters go astray after their gods, and make thy sons go astray after their gods.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Neither shalt thou take of their daughters a wife for thy son, lest after they themselves have committed fornication, they make thy sons also to commit fornication with their gods.

Translation for Translators T4T

If you take some of their women to be wives for your sons, and these women worship their own gods, they will persuade your sons also to worship their gods.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:16

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 34:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥ מִ/בְּנֹתָ֖י/ו לְ/בָנֶ֑י/ךָ וְ/זָנ֣וּ בְנֹתָ֗י/ו אַחֲרֵי֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵי/הֶ֔ן וְ/הִזְנוּ֙ אֶת בָּנֶ֔י/ךָ אַחֲרֵ֖י אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽן

וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

מִ/בְּנֹתָ֖י/ו bath H1323 Bath (Shua) Prep | N-fp | Suff

לְ/בָנֶ֑י/ךָ bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp | Suff

וְ/זָנ֣וּ zânâh H2181 to fornicate Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בְנֹתָ֗י/ו bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fp | Suff

אַחֲרֵי֙ ʼachar H310 after Prep

אֱלֹ֣הֵי/הֶ֔ן ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

וְ/הִזְנוּ֙ zânâh H2181 to fornicate Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בָּנֶ֔י/ךָ bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

אַחֲרֵ֖י ʼachar H310 after Prep

אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽן ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 34:16

וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

מִ/בְּנֹתָ֖י/ו bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" Prep | N-fp | Suff

The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

לְ/בָנֶ֑י/ךָ bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

וְ/זָנ֣וּ zânâh H2181 "to fornicate" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.

Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.

בְנֹתָ֗י/ו bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fp | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

אַחֲרֵי֙ 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.

אֱלֹ֣הֵי/הֶ֔ן 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.

וְ/הִזְנוּ֙ zânâh H2181 "to fornicate" Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.

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.

בָּנֶ֔י/ךָ bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

Definition: : child/son

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.

אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽן ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

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 — Exodus 34:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 34:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:16
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:16
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:16
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:16
Sermons on Exodus 34:16

Context — The LORD Renews the Covenant

14For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 15Do 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.

16And 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.

17You shall make no molten gods for yourselves. 18You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, you are to eat unleavened bread as I commanded you. For in the month of Abib you came out of Egypt.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 7:3–4	Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.
2	1 Kings 11:2–4	These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.
3	Ezra 9:2	Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”
4	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.
5	Nehemiah 13:25	I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves!
6	Nehemiah 13:23	In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
7	2 Corinthians 6:14–17	Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Exodus 34:16 Summary

This verse is warning the Israelites about the dangers of marrying people who worship other gods, because it could lead them to worship those gods too. It's like when we hang out with people who don't love God, they can influence us to do things that aren't pleasing to Him (see 1 Corinthians 15:33). We need to be careful about the company we keep and make sure we're surrounding ourselves with people who will help us love and follow God more. By doing so, we can stay on the right path and avoid being led astray, just like God warns us in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern in Exodus 34:16?

The main concern is the potential for idolatry and spiritual corruption when the Israelites intermarry with the inhabitants of the land, as seen in Exodus 34:15 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4.

Why would the daughters of the inhabitants of the land cause the Israelites to prostitute themselves to their gods?

This is because the daughters would likely bring their pagan practices and idols into their new homes, tempting their Israelite husbands to participate in idolatrous worship, as warned in Judges 3:5-7 and 1 Kings 11:1-8.

Is this verse still relevant today?

Yes, the principle of being careful about the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives is still relevant, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

How can we apply this verse to our modern lives?

We can apply it by being mindful of the relationships we form and the influences we allow in our lives, ensuring that they align with God's will and do not lead us away from Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 13:20 and Psalm 1:1-3.

Reflection Questions

What are some potential consequences of compromising my faith by associating with those who do not share my values?
How can I ensure that my relationships and influences are helping me to grow closer to God, rather than leading me away from Him?
What are some practical steps I can take to protect myself from the influences of the world and to stay focused on my walk with God?
In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, pointing them to God and His ways?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:16

And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons,.... That is, marry them to them, which explains what is meant by making a covenant with them, entering into such a near relation, and joining families,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:16

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; They go a whoring after their gods.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:16

Exodus 34:16 And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.Ver. 16. And make thy sons.] Satan still works upon Adam by Eve. Omnes haereses ex gyneeceis. It is the guise of heretics to abuse the help of women to spread their poisonful opinions. Satan per costam, tanquam per scalam ad cor ascendit. Satan climbs up by the rib to the heart. Greg.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:16

(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 34:16

16. and thou take, &c.] Intermarriage with Canaanites is forbidden, for the same reason, in Deuteronomy 7:3 f.; cf. Joshua 23:12 (D2[221]), and Judges 3:6 (where disregard of the prohibition is said to have been followed by the same consequences which are here apprehended). [221] Deuteronomic passages in Josh., Jud., Kings.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:16

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 34:16

	Sermon	Description
	Commentary Notes - Joshua by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Joshua, highlighting the historical account of Israel's conquest of Canaan, where God led them into victory. The key phrase 'the Lord fought
	Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu
	Phinehas - Priest of Obedience by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a passage from the book of Numbers in the Bible. They raise questions about the conduct of Moses and the Israelites when they engaged in imm
	The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is
	The Apostate's Lifestyle by J.B. Buffington	J.B. Buffington preaches on the dangers of apostasy and the characteristics of false teachers as outlined in 2 Peter 2:10-16. He emphasizes how these apostates walk after the flesh
	The Danger of Faltering and Failing by Michael Catt	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of faltering and failing in the Christian walk. He references the military's current struggles due to not doing their job the firs
	The Message of Malachi by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan delivers a profound sermon on 'The Message of Malachi,' emphasizing God's unfailing love and the human tendency to fail in maintaining true relationships with Hi