King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
[Namely], of the gods of the people which [are] round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the [one] end of the earth even unto the [other] end of the earth;
Complete Jewish Bible:
gods of the peoples surrounding you, whether near or far away from you, anywhere in the world -
Berean Standard Bible:
the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other),
American Standard Version:
of the gods of the peoples that are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Namely, of the gods{H430} of the people{H5971} which are round about{H5439} you, nigh{H7138} unto thee, or far off{H7350} from thee, from the one end{H7097} of the earth{H776} even unto the other end{H7097} of the earth{H776};
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Deuteronomy 13:7
Deuteronomy 13:7 is part of a broader passage in the Old Testament that deals with the prohibition against idolatry and the importance of loyalty to God. In the historical context, the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, a region inhabited by various nations with their own gods and religious practices. The verse specifically addresses the temptation that the Israelites might face to worship the gods of these neighboring peoples or those from more distant lands.
The theme of Deuteronomy 13:7 is a stern warning against the worship of any deity other than Yahweh, the God of Israel. It emphasizes the geographic universality of this command by referring to gods "from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth." This indicates that no matter where an individual might encounter other gods—whether they are close by or in far-off lands—the Israelites are to remain faithful to Yahweh alone.
In the broader context of the chapter, the passage outlines severe consequences for those who would lead others into idolatry, including family members. It underscores the exclusive nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, demanding absolute allegiance. The verse reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of the divine as jealous and intolerant of rival worship, a concept that was common in the ancient Near Eastern religious landscape but is often at odds with modern pluralistic sensibilities.
In summary, Deuteronomy 13:7 is a clear directive within the religious law of ancient Israel, commanding the people to reject all forms of polytheism and pagan worship, and to maintain their unique identity as a people set apart for the worship of Yahweh, their national deity. This command is part of the larger Deuteronomic Code, which seeks to establish and maintain the religious and cultural integrity of the Israelite community in the face of potential religious syncretism.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H430
There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. - Strong's Number: H5971
There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people. - Strong's Number: H5439
There are 282 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סָבִיב
Transliteration: çâbîyb
Pronunciation: saw-beeb'
Description: or (feminine) סְבִיבָה; from סָבַב; (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around; (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. - Strong's Number: H7138
There are 76 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרוֹב
Transliteration: qârôwb
Pronunciation: kaw-robe'
Description: or קָרֹב; from קָרַב; near (in place, kindred or time); allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). - Strong's Number: H7350
There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָחוֹק
Transliteration: râchôwq
Pronunciation: raw-khoke'
Description: or רָחֹק; from רָחַק; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition); (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. - Strong's Number: H7097
There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָצֶה
Transliteration: qâtseh
Pronunciation: kaw-tseh'
Description: or (negative only) קֵצֶה; from קָצָה; (used in a great variety of applications and idioms; compare קֵץ); an extremity; [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). - Strong's Number: H776
There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶרֶץ
Transliteration: ʼerets
Pronunciation: eh'-rets
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.