Deuteronomy 12:31

KJV

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not do {H6213} so unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}: for every abomination {H8441} to the LORD {H3068}, which he hateth {H8130}, have they done {H6213} unto their gods {H430}; for even their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323} they have burnt {H8313} in the fire {H784} to their gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You must not do this to ADONAI your God! For they have done to their gods all the abominations that ADONAI hates! They even burn up their sons and daughters in the fire for their gods!

Berean Standard Bible

You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.

American Standard Version

Thou 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 12:31 issues a severe divine prohibition against Israel adopting the detestable religious practices of the Canaanite nations, particularly the horrific act of child sacrifice. This command underscores the stark contrast between the holy and exclusive worship demanded by the LORD and the abhorrent, life-defiling rituals of paganism, emphasizing God's profound hatred for practices that desecrate human life and affront His sacred character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 12:31 is situated within a crucial section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that outlines the statutes and ordinances Israel was to observe upon entering the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 12 focuses on the proper place and manner of worship for the LORD, emphasizing the destruction of all pagan altars, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles (Deuteronomy 12:2-3), and the establishment of a single, central sanctuary where Israel was to bring their offerings (Deuteronomy 12:5-7). Verses 29-30 serve as an immediate prelude, warning Israel against inquiring about or imitating the worship practices of the nations they were dispossessing, lest they fall into the same spiritual snares. Verse 31 then provides the most extreme and shocking example of these forbidden practices: the burning of children, solidifying the absolute necessity of separating from such defilement and upholding the purity of Yahweh worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this command, Israel stood on the brink of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic worship and diverse religious practices. The indigenous Canaanite religions often involved fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and, most horrifyingly, child sacrifice, particularly to deities like Molech or Baal. These acts were believed to appease the gods, ensure agricultural prosperity, or secure military victory. Deuteronomy 12:31 directly confronts this cultural reality, presenting a divinely ordained counter-cultural mandate. It highlights the profound chasm between the LORD, who values life and demands purity, and the gods of the nations, who were perceived to require the ultimate, most tragic sacrifice. This historical backdrop underscores the urgency and severity of God's warning, as Israel faced immense pressure to conform to the surrounding pagan norms.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **the Purity and Exclusivity of Worship**, demanding that Israel worship the LORD alone, without any syncretism or mixture with the defiling practices of surrounding cultures. This principle is foundational to the [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods"). Furthermore, it explicitly addresses **God's Absolute Rejection of Child Sacrifice**, an act repeatedly condemned as an "abomination" (Hebrew: _to'evah_) throughout the Old Testament. This practice violated the sanctity of human life, which is made in [God's image](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"), and demonstrated profound spiritual depravity. Finally, the Lord's vehement hatred for these practices underscores the **Holiness and Justice of God**, revealing Him as a God who values life, demands purity, and will not tolerate practices that are an affront to His character and moral law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _to'evah'_):** This word (תּוֹעֵבָה) carries a strong connotation of something utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally disgusting to God. It is used throughout the Old Testament to describe idolatry, sexual perversion, unjust practices, and particularly child sacrifice. Its use here emphasizes the extreme gravity and revulsion God feels towards the act of child sacrifice and other pagan rituals, marking them as fundamentally contrary to His nature and will.
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _saraf'_):** The verb (שָׂרַף) means "to burn" or "to consume with fire." In the context of child sacrifice, it refers to the complete incineration of the child, often as a ritual offering. This graphic detail underscores the horrific and irreversible nature of the act, highlighting the ultimate desecration of human life and the profound spiritual darkness associated with such pagan worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God:"** This opening clause serves as a direct, emphatic prohibition. "Do so" refers back to the practices of the nations described in the preceding verses and specifically to the abhorrent acts detailed in the rest of this verse. The phrase "unto the LORD thy God" emphasizes that such actions are not merely cultural deviations but direct affronts to the covenant relationship Israel has with Yahweh, who is their exclusive and holy God.
* **"for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods;"** This clause provides the divine rationale for the prohibition. The actions of the Canaanites are not merely different; they are "every abomination" – utterly detestable and repugnant to God. The explicit statement "which he hateth" reinforces the depth of God's moral revulsion. The contrast is stark: what the nations do "unto their gods" (practices they believe are pleasing to their deities) is precisely what the LORD finds abominable and hateful.
* **"for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods."** This final clause provides the most shocking and concrete example of the "abomination." The practice of child sacrifice, burning one's own children, is presented as the epitome of pagan depravity. It is a direct violation of the sanctity of human life, a profound act of spiritual rebellion, and the ultimate expression of the perversion inherent in the worship of false gods. This horrific act serves as the ultimate justification for God's command for Israel to utterly separate themselves from such practices.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 12:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Contrast** is paramount, sharply distinguishing the holy, life-affirming worship of Yahweh from the defiling, life-destroying rituals of pagan deities. The verse juxtaposes "the LORD thy God" with "their gods," highlighting the irreconcilable differences in their natures and demands. **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** is used through the phrase "every abomination," emphasizing the comprehensive and utter detestability of these practices in God's sight. The explicit declaration "which he hateth" functions as a strong **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (hatred) to God to convey the depth of His moral revulsion. Finally, the graphic detail of "burnt in the fire" serves as a powerful **Imagery**, designed to evoke horror and underscore the extreme nature of the sin, ensuring the audience fully grasps the severity of the prohibition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 12:31 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to the sanctity of human life and the purity of worship. It establishes a clear boundary between the covenant community and the surrounding pagan nations, emphasizing that Yahweh's character demands an exclusive and undefiled devotion. The abhorrence of child sacrifice is not merely a cultural preference but a fundamental theological principle rooted in God's nature as the Creator and Giver of life. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding God's absolute rejection of any practice that devalues human life or seeks to manipulate the divine through horrific means, reinforcing the truth that true worship is characterized by holiness, justice, and the preservation of life.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition Against Giving Children to Molech")
* [Leviticus 20:2-5](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2-5 - Penalty for Child Sacrifice")
* [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Jeremiah's Lament on Child Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 12:31, though rooted in ancient Israel's context, resonates with enduring spiritual principles for believers today. It calls us to a radical commitment to the purity and exclusivity of our worship. Just as Israel was warned against adopting the "abominations" of their surrounding culture, we too must vigilantly guard against spiritual compromise, refusing to integrate worldly values, philosophies, or practices that contradict God's revealed truth into our faith or lifestyle. This verse forcefully reminds us of God's profound value for human life, especially the innocent and vulnerable. While literal child sacrifice is not a prevalent issue in most contemporary societies, the underlying principle calls us to champion the sanctity of life in all its forms, from conception to natural death, recognizing its inherent dignity as created in God's image. Our devotion must be solely to the Lord, free from any "abominations" of modern idolatry—be it materialism, self-worship, the pursuit of power, entertainment, or anything else that seeks to usurp God's rightful place in our hearts and lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" or detestable practices of our contemporary culture might subtly or overtly tempt believers to compromise their devotion to God?**
* **How does the principle of the sanctity of life, so powerfully defended here, inform our ethical stances on issues facing society today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "burn our sons and daughters in the fire" metaphorically, sacrificing the well-being or spiritual future of the next generation for our own comfort, ambition, or worldly success?**
* **How can we cultivate a worship that is truly pure and exclusive to the Lord, free from the defilements of modern idolatry?**

### FAQ

**What does "abomination" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "abomination" is _to'evah_ (תּוֹעֵבָה), which signifies something utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally disgusting to God. It's not merely something God dislikes; it's something that is fundamentally contrary to His holy character and moral order. In [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Prohibition Against Child Sacrifice"), it specifically refers to the pagan religious practices of the Canaanites, especially child sacrifice, which God views as an extreme defilement of both human life and proper worship. The term is used elsewhere to describe idolatry, sexual perversion, and unjust dealings, all of which are an affront to God's holiness.

**Why was child sacrifice so particularly detestable to God?**

Answer: Child sacrifice was abhorrent to God for multiple profound reasons. Firstly, it violated the sanctity of human life, which is uniquely created in [God's image](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"). To willfully destroy an innocent life, especially one's own child, was the ultimate act of dehumanization and a direct assault on the Creator's design. Secondly, it represented the pinnacle of idolatry and spiritual rebellion, offering the most precious gift—a child—to a false god, thereby usurping the LORD's rightful place as the sole object of worship and provider of life. Thirdly, it was a perversion of the concept of sacrifice, turning a symbol of atonement and devotion into an act of horrific cruelty and manipulation. God's revulsion is repeatedly expressed, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition Against Giving Children to Molech") and [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Jeremiah's Lament on Child Sacrifice"), where He declares such acts were "not commanded, nor did it come into my mind."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 12:31, with its stark prohibition against defiling worship and child sacrifice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The abhorrent practices of paganism, which demanded the ultimate, horrific sacrifice of innocent human life, stand in stark contrast to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of [God's own Son, Jesus Christ](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice"). Unlike the pagan deities who required human appeasement, our God, in His infinite love, provided the Lamb of God who [takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ's death on the cross, the ultimate "abomination" of human sin is atoned for, and humanity is freed from the bondage of idolatry and the need for self-destructive rituals. Believers are now called to a new form of worship: not through the burning of children, but through the [presentation of their bodies as a living sacrifice](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), holy and acceptable to God, which is their spiritual worship. In Christ, the sanctity of life is upheld and redeemed, and the call to exclusive worship of the one true God is perfectly realized, not through fear of pagan defilement, but through the liberating power of the Holy Spirit who enables us to [worship in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 32:35

And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

2 Kings 21:2

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

2 Kings 17:15

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

2 Kings 17:17

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

Deuteronomy 18:9

¶ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,