They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

DEUTERONOMY 32:17KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:17 says that the people of Israel offered sacrifices to beings described as "devils"—not to the true God—but to new and unfamiliar gods that their ancestors did not worship or fear. The verse highlights a turning away from the God of Israel toward strange, recently introduced deities.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, warning them about the dangers of idolatry as he recounts their history and failures. The setting is near the end of Moses’ life, as he delivers a song that reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness and their repeated unfaithfulness. The verse points out that the gods they turned to were not only false but also completely unknown to their forefathers, emphasizing how far they had strayed from their roots.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:17

  • "devils" (שֵׁדִים, shedim): This word refers to supernatural beings or spirits, often seen as harmful or demonic. The use of "shedim" here stresses that these sacrifices were not just to harmless idols but to beings considered dangerous or evil.
  • "new" (חֲדָשִׁים, chadashim): This word means "new" or "recent." It highlights that these gods were not part of Israel’s tradition but were newly introduced, showing a break from the faith of their ancestors.
  • "knew" (יָדַע, yada): This word means "to know" in the sense of personal acquaintance or relationship. The verse stresses that these gods were unknown—not just unfamiliar, but never before part of Israel’s experience or worship.

Why Deuteronomy 32:17 matters

  • Deuteronomy 32:17 clarifies that Israel’s idolatry was not just a minor mistake but a serious betrayal, involving worship of harmful spiritual beings rather than just empty statues.
  • The verse emphasizes the newness and foreignness of these gods, showing that Israel was not simply following old traditions but actively adopting beliefs and practices that were completely alien to their history.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Deuteronomy 32, where Moses warns Israel about the consequences of forgetting God and chasing after other spiritual powers, setting the stage for the rest of the song’s warnings and promises.

Where else these words appear

“devils” Hebrew H7700 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 106:37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

“feared” Hebrew H8175 · used in 8 verses

  • Job 27:21 The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.
  • Psalms 58:9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.
  • Ezekiel 27:35 All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.

“new” Hebrew H2319 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
  • 1 Kings 11:29 And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:
  • Isaiah 41:15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 15:8 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
  • Job 33:12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.