When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

DEUTERONOMY 18:9KJV
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Deuteronomy 18:9 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 18:9 mean?

Deuteronomy 18:9 instructs the Israelites not to imitate the practices of the nations living in the land God is giving them, specifically warning against learning or doing things considered abominable by God. The verse sets a clear boundary: the people are to remain distinct and not adopt the customs of the surrounding nations.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The verse comes as part of a larger section where Moses outlines how the people should live once they settle in the land. The warning highlights that the customs of the nations already living there include practices that God finds detestable, and the Israelites are not to learn or follow those ways.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 18:9

  • "learn" (לָמַד, lamad): This word means more than just picking up information; it often carries the sense of becoming accustomed to or practicing something. Here, it stresses not even beginning to adopt the forbidden customs.
  • "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This word refers to things that are deeply offensive or detestable, especially in a religious or moral sense. The practices of the nations are not just different, but considered especially wrong by God.
  • "nations" (גּוֹי, goy): This word refers to the peoples or ethnic groups living in Canaan. The focus is on the cultural and religious differences between Israel and these other groups.

Why Deuteronomy 18:9 matters

  • Deuteronomy 18:9 clarifies that the issue is not simply about being different, but about avoiding specific practices that are considered morally and spiritually corrupt.
  • The verse sets the stage for the laws that follow, which detail what kinds of practices are forbidden, helping readers understand the seriousness of remaining faithful to God's instructions.
  • This warning helps explain why later parts of the Bible are so concerned with Israel's relationship to the nations around them, emphasizing the importance of distinct identity and faithfulness.