Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.

DEUTERONOMY 16:21KJV
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Deuteronomy 16:21 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 16:21 mean?

Deuteronomy 16:21 tells the Israelites not to plant a grove of any trees near the altar they build for the LORD their God. The verse warns against mixing tree groves—often associated with pagan worship—with the place dedicated to worshiping the God of Israel.

In this verse, Moses is instructing the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. The command is part of a larger section on proper worship and avoiding practices linked to other religions. Planting sacred groves was a common feature of Canaanite idol worship, so this law sets Israel’s worship apart as different and pure.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 16:21

  • "plant" (נָטַע, nata‘): This word means to set or establish something, here referring to intentionally placing trees for a specific purpose, not just gardening.
  • "grove" (אֲשֵׁרָה, asherah): This term often refers to a wooden pole or a living tree used as a symbol in Canaanite religious practices, especially for the goddess Asherah. The warning is not just about any trees, but specifically about objects tied to idol worship.
  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This is the structure where sacrifices to the LORD (יהוה, YHWH) were made. The instruction is to keep the altar free from associations with other religious symbols.

Why Deuteronomy 16:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s worship was to be distinct from the religious customs of surrounding nations, especially those involving trees or groves as sacred objects.
  • It highlights the seriousness with which God wanted the Israelites to avoid even the appearance of mixing their worship with pagan practices.
  • The command connects to the broader theme in Deuteronomy of keeping worship pure and focused solely on the LORD, without adopting elements from other religions.

Where else these words appear

“grove” Hebrew H842 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 13:6 Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.)
  • 2 Chronicles 17:6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

“plant” Hebrew H5193 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
  • Jeremiah 12:2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

“unto” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 10:19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;