BibleWord.ai› Bible› Deuteronomy› Chapter 12› Verse 30

Deuteronomy 12:30

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 12:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
Deuteronomy 12:30 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27and thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of Jehovah thy God; and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of Jehovah thy God; and thou shalt eat the flesh.
28Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the eyes of Jehovah thy God.
29When Jehovah thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest in to dispossess them, and thou dispossessest them, and dwellest in their land;
30take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
31Thou shalt not do so unto Jehovah thy God: for every abomination to Jehovah, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters do they burn in the fire to their gods.
32What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
← Deuteronomy 12:29Deuteronomy 12:31 →
← Full Chapter 12 Deuteronomy Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Take heed to thyself, that thou be not snared by following them, etc.] Their examples and customs, and so be drawn into the same idolatrous practices; (see <19A635>Psalm 106:35,36), after that they be destroyed from before thee; for their idolatries and other sins: and that thou inquire not after their gods; what they were, their names, forms, and figures: saying, how did these nations serve their gods? what was the manner of worship they gave them? what rites, customs, and ceremonies did they use in their adoration of them? even so will I do likewise; or however, if this was not determined on when the inquiries were made, there was danger that this would be the result of them, and therefore…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This caution is based upon the notion generally entertained in the ancient pagan world, that each country had its own tutelary deities whom it would be perilous to neglect; compare 1 Kings 20:23; 2 Kings 17:26. Israel was to shun such superstitions as unworthy of the elect people of God. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 12". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/deuteronomy-12.html. 1870. StudyLight.org &copy;&#160;2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“By following them - By following the example they left, when their persons are destroyed. Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 13”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that thou: Deu 7:16; Exo 23:31-33; Lev 18:3; Num 33:52; Jdg 2:2, Jdg 2:3; Kg2 17:15; Psa 106:34-38; Eze 20:28 by following: Heb. after How did: Jer 10:2; Eze 20:32; Rom 12:2; Eph 4:17; Pe1 4:3, Pe1 4:4 Deuteronomy 12:31”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Deuteronomy 12 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification