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.