Deuteronomy 28:14

KJV

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt not go aside {H5493} from any of the words {H1697} which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}, to the right hand {H3225}, or to the left {H8040}, to go {H3212} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430} to serve {H5647} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

and not turn away from any of the words I am ordering you today, neither to the right nor to the left, to follow after other gods and serve them.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from any of the words I command you today, and do not go after other gods to serve them.

American Standard Version

and shalt not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:14 serves as the climactic concluding stipulation to the blessings section of the Mosaic Covenant, underscoring the absolute necessity of unwavering fidelity to God's revealed commands. It sternly prohibits any deviation, whether slight or significant, from the divine path, explicitly linking such departure to the grave danger of pursuing and serving "other gods." This verse encapsulates the foundational demand for exclusive loyalty to Yahweh, establishing the critical boundary beyond which covenant blessings cease and severe consequences, detailed in the subsequent curses, begin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 stands as the powerful culmination of Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter meticulously outlines the covenant's reciprocal nature, detailing the abundant blessings contingent upon obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and the dire curses resulting from disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Verse 14 functions as the final, emphatic summation of the conditions for receiving divine favor, serving as a critical hinge before the dramatic transition to the covenant curses. It directly builds upon the promise in [Deuteronomy 28:13](/deuteronomy/28-13 "Deuteronomy 28:13 - Israel as Head, Not Tail") that Israel will be "the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath," explicitly tying this exalted status to their strict adherence to God's law. Thus, this verse underscores the non-negotiable and comprehensive nature of the covenant's demands, leaving no room for compromise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses addresses a generation on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with diverse Canaanite cultures deeply rooted in polytheistic and idolatrous practices. These societies worshipped a pantheon of deities, often associated with natural forces, fertility, and warfare, engaging in rituals that included cultic prostitution and even child sacrifice. Against this pervasive backdrop, the command in [Deuteronomy 28:14](/deuteronomy/28-14 "Deuteronomy 28:14 - Do Not Deviate") to "not go aside from any of the words... to go after other gods to serve them" was a radical call for spiritual and cultural distinctiveness. Israel's unique identity as Yahweh's chosen people was fundamentally predicated on their exclusive worship of Him, setting them apart from their pagan neighbors. The idiom "to the right hand, or to the left" was a common ancient Near Eastern expression signifying a prescribed path or decree, from which any deviation was considered a transgression against divine or royal authority, emphasizing the absolute precision required in following God's commands.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, **Absolute Obedience** is paramount; the phrase "not go aside from any of the words... to the right hand, or to the left" is a vivid idiom signifying strict, undeviating adherence to God's statutes, echoing similar calls for precision in following divine instruction found in [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Meditate on the Law"). Secondly, **Monotheism and Exclusive Worship** are unequivocally underscored, directly prohibiting the worship of "other gods." This reinforces the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), demanding singular devotion to Yahweh and rejecting any form of syncretism. Finally, **Covenant Fidelity** is a pervasive theme, as Israel's national prosperity, security, and continued possession of the land were directly tied to their unwavering faithfulness to God's instructions and their avoidance of the idolatry prevalent among surrounding nations, a warning reiterated throughout [Deuteronomy 7](/deuteronomy/7 "Deuteronomy 7 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **go aside (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This verb signifies "to turn off," "to deviate," or "to depart." In the context of Deuteronomy 28:14, it implies an intentional swerving or straying from a clearly defined path or standard. It's not merely a passive drifting but an active choice to move away from God's commands. The negative imperative ("shalt not go aside") emphasizes the absolute prohibition against any form of deviation, however slight, from the divine will.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term refers to the totality of God's commands, statutes, and judgments revealed through Moses. It encompasses the entire body of divine law and instruction, not merely a select few. The phrase "any of the words" highlights the comprehensive nature of God's expectation—obedience is required in every detail, leaving no room for selective adherence or personal interpretation that deviates from the established divine standard.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** In this context, "gods" refers to the foreign deities, false gods, and idols worshipped by the surrounding nations. The pursuit and service of these "other gods" (with "other" being `ʼachêr`, meaning "hinder" or "next," thus "strange" or "different") represents spiritual infidelity and a fundamental breach of the covenant's primary demand for exclusive worship of Yahweh. It highlights the ultimate danger and consequence of turning aside from God's true path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day":** This foundational clause establishes a comprehensive and absolute prohibition. "The words" refer to the entirety of the Mosaic Law, freshly reiterated "this day" during the covenant renewal at Moab. The command forbids any deviation whatsoever, underscoring the totality and non-negotiable nature of God's instructions. Israel is called to precise and unwavering adherence to the divine standard, acknowledging God's absolute authority.
* **"[to] the right hand, or [to] the left":** This is a powerful and widely understood idiom in the ancient Near East, signifying strict, undeviating adherence. It means "in no direction whatsoever," or "not even slightly." It precludes any form of compromise, adaptation, or reinterpretation that would lead one away from the straight path of God's will. It underscores that obedience is not merely about avoiding major transgressions but also about maintaining fidelity in seemingly minor details, emphasizing the narrowness of the path of righteousness.
* **"to go after other gods to serve them":** This final phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and grave danger inherent in any deviation from God's commands. The primary temptation and inevitable consequence of turning, even slightly, from God's path is the allure of idolatry. "Going after" implies active pursuit, allegiance, and worship, while "to serve them" denotes active devotion, submission, and even enslavement. This highlights that the core of the covenant is exclusive worship of Yahweh, and any deviation from His commands inevitably leads to spiritual infidelity and the worship of false deities, a direct violation of the First Commandment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and foundational message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "to the right hand, or to the left." This ancient Near Eastern expression powerfully communicates the idea of absolute adherence, leaving no room for deviation or compromise. It functions as a vivid metaphor for staying precisely on the path God has laid out. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through the comprehensive scope of "any of the words" and the double negative construction inherent in "shalt not go aside... to the right hand, or to the left," underscoring the totality of the required obedience. Furthermore, there is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship implied: deviation from God's words (the cause) leads directly to the pursuit and service of "other gods" (the effect). This logical progression serves as a stark warning. The entire verse functions as a direct **Exhortation** or command, characterized by its imperative mood, demanding immediate and unwavering action and loyalty from the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:14 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine authority and human responsibility within a covenant relationship. It underscores that true worship of Yahweh necessitates exclusive devotion, leaving absolutely no room for syncretism, divided loyalties, or even slight compromises. The prohibition against turning "to the right hand, or to the left" signifies that God's revealed will is the sole and sufficient standard for life and faith, and any departure from it, however seemingly minor or well-intentioned, carries the inherent danger of leading to spiritual idolatry. This verse reinforces the concept of God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for an undiluted, wholehearted commitment from His people, making it clear that their well-being, identity, and continued existence as His chosen nation are directly contingent upon their unwavering fidelity to His commands and their rejection of all competing allegiances.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods")
* [Joshua 23:6](/joshua/23-6 "Joshua 23:6 - Joshua's Farewell Admonition to Be Strong and Obey")
* [Proverbs 4:27](/proverbs/4-27 "Proverbs 4:27 - Keep to the Straight Path")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, transcending its original covenantal context to speak to the enduring principles of discipleship and spiritual integrity. While we are no longer under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation, the call for undivided loyalty and precise adherence to God's revealed truth is an eternal principle of faith. In a world saturated with competing ideologies, pervasive distractions, and subtle temptations, this verse challenges us to examine where our allegiances truly lie. Modern "other gods" may not be carved idols but can manifest as materialism, self-worship, career ambition, personal comfort, social acceptance, or anything that subtly or overtly takes precedence over our relationship with Christ and His commands. To "not go aside" means to diligently study Scripture, to discern truth from error, and to intentionally align our thoughts, words, and actions with God's will, resisting the subtle pressures to compromise our faith for worldly acceptance or fleeting pleasures. It is a call to wholehearted, consistent, and uncompromising obedience, recognizing that even minor deviations can lead us down a slippery slope of spiritual compromise and away from the abundant life found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "other gods" that subtly compete for my allegiance in today's world, drawing me "to the right hand, or to the left" from God's commands?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to deviate, even slightly, from God's revealed will, perhaps rationalizing minor compromises for convenience or acceptance?**
* **How can I cultivate a more undivided loyalty to God, ensuring that His "words" are the ultimate standard for my decisions, desires, and daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "not go aside from any of the words... to the right hand, or to the left" mean practically for a believer today?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom emphasizing absolute and precise adherence to God's commands, without any deviation or compromise. Practically, for a believer today, it means to follow God's instructions exactly as revealed in Scripture, without adding to them (turning to the right, e.g., legalism, human traditions overriding divine truth) or subtracting from them (turning to the left, e.g., relativism, dismissing inconvenient truths, or compromising moral standards). It speaks to the comprehensive nature of obedience, implying that even slight departures or reinterpretations of God's revealed will can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. It is a call to walk the straight and narrow path of truth and integrity, as described in passages like [Proverbs 4:27](/proverbs/4-27 "Proverbs 4:27 - Keep to the Straight Path"), which warns against turning "to the right or to the left" from the path of wisdom. It means seeking to live in full alignment with God's character and commands in all areas of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:14, with its stern warning against deviation and idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant demanded perfect obedience from a fallen humanity, which consistently failed to "not go aside" from God's words, Jesus perfectly embodied this command. He lived a life of unparalleled fidelity and obedience to His Father, never turning "to the right hand, or to the left," but always doing the will of Him who sent Him ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will"))—even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law, not abolishing it but bringing it to completion ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, the prohibition against "going after other gods to serve them" is fully realized in Christ, who is the one true God, the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")) and the only mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). In the New Covenant, through faith in Him, believers are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live lives of increasing obedience and exclusive devotion to God, no longer serving the "other gods" of this world—whether they be sin, self, materialism, or any idol that competes for ultimate allegiance ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). Jesus Himself declared, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve" ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Resists Temptation")), perfectly echoing the heart of Deuteronomy 28:14 and calling His followers to an undivided loyalty centered on Him as Lord.

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

Deuteronomy 5:32

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Proverbs 4:26

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Proverbs 4:27

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Deuteronomy 11:16

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

Deuteronomy 11:26

¶ Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

Deuteronomy 11:28

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.