And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

DEUTERONOMY 31:18KJV
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Deuteronomy 31:18 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:18 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:18 means that God is warning the Israelites He will deliberately withdraw His presence from them because of the evil they have done, especially turning to worship other gods. This hiding of His "face" is described as a direct response to their unfaithfulness.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, relaying God's words as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The situation is serious: God is making it clear that if the people abandon Him for other gods, He will no longer make Himself known to them or protect them as He has before. The verse uses strong language to show the consequences of breaking their relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:18

  • "Hide" (סָתַר, satar): This word means to conceal or keep out of sight. Here, it emphasizes that God's withdrawal is intentional and complete, not just a temporary absence.
  • "Face" (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew, "face" often represents presence or favor. When God hides His "face," it means the people lose His guidance, blessing, and protection.
  • "Turned" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn away or change direction. The verse highlights that the people have actively chosen to turn away from God toward "other gods" (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, elohim acherim), making their unfaithfulness a deliberate act.

Why Deuteronomy 31:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's presence with Israel is not unconditional; it depends on their faithfulness to Him alone.
  • The warning connects to the larger theme in Deuteronomy of covenant loyalty and the real consequences of idolatry.
  • Understanding the meaning of God "hiding His face" helps explain later periods in Israel's history when they felt abandoned or distant from God, tying their experiences back to their own choices.

Where else these words appear

“that” Hebrew H3588 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
  • Exodus 13:17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
  • Joshua 2:24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

“surely” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

“turned” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.
  • Psalms 119:132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.