Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;

DEUTERONOMY 13:7KJV
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Deuteronomy 13:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 13:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 13:7 warns the Israelites about the danger of being tempted to worship other gods, whether those gods belong to people living nearby or far away, from one end of the earth to the other. The verse emphasizes that the threat of idolatry can come from any direction or distance.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He is making it clear that the temptation to follow other gods is not limited to their immediate neighbors; it could come from distant nations as well. The verse is part of a larger section instructing the people to remain loyal to the God of Israel and not be swayed by outside influences.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 13:7

  • gods (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This word is often used for both the true God and false gods or idols. Here, it clearly refers to the deities worshipped by other nations, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from Israel’s God.
  • people (עַם, ‘am): This term points to the surrounding nations or groups, reminding the Israelites that these influences are real and close by.
  • about (סָבִיב, saviv): This word means “around” or “surrounding,” stressing that the danger is not just from far-off lands but also from those living all around them.
  • nigh (קָרוֹב, qarov) and off (רָחוֹק, rachoq): These two words together cover every possible distance, showing that the warning applies no matter how near or far the source of temptation is.
  • end (קָצֶה, qatseh) and earth (אֶרֶץ, erets): These words together (“from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth”) underline the total scope of the warning, meaning there are no exceptions based on location.

Why Deuteronomy 13:7 matters

  • Deuteronomy 13:7 clarifies that the temptation to worship other gods is not just a local issue; it can come from any culture or nation, near or far, so vigilance is always needed.
  • The verse helps the reader see that loyalty to God is not only about resisting nearby influences but also about being aware of broader cultural pressures.
  • In the context of Deuteronomy 13, this verse sets up the seriousness of the instructions that follow, showing that faithfulness to God must be maintained regardless of where the temptation originates.

Where else these words appear

“nigh” Hebrew H7138 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither,( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:40 Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
  • Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

“off” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Isaiah 37:26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.

“end” Hebrew H7097 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Joshua 4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
  • Psalms 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.