Deuteronomy 6:14 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 6:14 mean?

Deuteronomy 6:14 tells the Israelites not to follow the gods worshiped by the peoples living around them. The instruction draws a distinction between the God who brought Israel out of Egypt and the gods of neighboring peoples.

Moses addresses Israel as the people prepare to enter the land. “Go after” pictures following a path or leader. Here the phrase describes turning toward other gods in worship, following the call to serve the Lord in verse 13.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 6:14

• “go” — הָלַךְ (halakh): This word means to walk or go. With “after,” it can picture following someone, not merely traveling to a place.
• “gods” — אֱלֹהִים (elohim): This word can refer to God or to gods, depending on the setting. Here, the KJV uses “gods” for the objects of worship associated with the surrounding peoples.

Why Deuteronomy 6:14 matters

• The warning concerns a specific pressure Israel would encounter: the gods belonged to peoples “round about you.” The verse places the question of worship within Israel’s dealings with its neighbors.
• The passage presents the choice as one of allegiance. Verse 13 calls Israel to serve the Lord, while verse 14 warns against going after other gods.
• The reason given immediately afterward is that the Lord is “among you” and is a “jealous God” (verse 15). In this setting, “jealous” describes the Lord’s claim on Israel’s worship.