Exodus 34:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 34:16 mean?

Exodus 34:16 warns the Israelites not to let their sons marry the daughters of the people living in Canaan, because those daughters might lead their sons to worship other gods. The verse describes how marrying into these other groups could cause the Israelites to turn away from their own God and follow the religious practices of others.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving instructions for how the Israelites should live when they enter the land of Canaan. The concern is not just about marriage itself, but about the risk of being drawn into idol worship through close family ties. The language is strong, using vivid terms to stress the seriousness of turning away from God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 34:16

• "Whoring" (זָנָה, zanah): This word is used here to describe unfaithfulness, especially in a spiritual sense—turning away from God to follow other gods. It is a strong term that paints idolatry as a kind of betrayal or infidelity.
• "Gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for gods, and in this context, it refers to the idols or deities worshipped by the Canaanite peoples. The warning is about being led to serve these other gods.
• "After" (אַחַר, achar): This word means "after" or "behind," and it is used here to describe following or pursuing other gods. It emphasizes the idea of actively going after something, not just passively drifting.

Why Exodus 34:16 matters

• Exodus 34:16 clarifies that the main concern with intermarriage was the danger of being led into idol worship, not simply the mixing of different peoples.
• The verse highlights the seriousness with which God viewed faithfulness, using strong language to show that idolatry was seen as a deep betrayal.
• This instruction fits into the broader context of Exodus 34, where God is renewing His covenant with Israel and setting out clear boundaries to protect their relationship with Him.