Deuteronomy 29:18

KJV

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest there should be {H3426} among you man {H376}, or woman {H802}, or family {H4940}, or tribe {H7626}, whose heart {H3824} turneth away {H6437} this day {H3117} from the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, to go {H3212} and serve {H5647} the gods {H430} of these nations {H1471}; lest there should be {H3426} among you a root {H8328} that beareth {H6509} gall {H7219} and wormwood {H3939};

Complete Jewish Bible

So let there not be among you a man, woman, family or tribe whose heart turns away today from ADONAI our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Let there not be among you a root bearing such bitter poison and wormwood.

Berean Standard Bible

Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit,

American Standard Version

lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from Jehovah our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:18 delivers a profound and urgent warning from Moses to the Israelites gathered in Moab, standing on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. It cautions against the insidious danger of individual apostasy, where a single person, family, or tribe might secretly harbor a heart that turns away from the LORD to serve foreign gods. This hidden spiritual defection is vividly depicted as a "root that beareth gall and wormwood," signifying that even a solitary, unaddressed sin of idolatry can poison and corrupt the entire community, leading to bitter consequences and divine judgment for the collective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:18 is embedded within Moses' final address to the Israelites, specifically within a pivotal covenant renewal ceremony held in the plains of Moab. This address, spanning chapters 29-30, serves as a solemn reaffirmation of the Mosaic Covenant, extending its terms not only to the generation present but also to all future generations of Israel. The preceding chapter, [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), meticulously details the extensive blessings promised for obedience to God's commands and the dire curses that would inevitably follow disobedience. Verse 18, therefore, functions as a specific and pointed warning against the most fundamental breach of this covenant: idolatry and apostasy, which would undermine the very foundation of their relationship with Yahweh and invite the curses described earlier. It highlights the internal threat that could compromise the nation's spiritual integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the verge of entering Canaan, a land teeming with diverse pagan cultures and their associated idolatrous practices. These nations worshipped a pantheon of gods, often involving fertility cults, child sacrifice, and other abominable rites. Moses' warning in [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - Warning Against Apostasy") was acutely relevant, as the temptation to assimilate into these cultures and adopt their religious customs would be immense. The covenant at Sinai had established Israel as a distinct, holy nation, set apart for the LORD. This verse underscores the constant spiritual battle they would face to maintain their unique identity and exclusive devotion to God amidst the pervasive influence of their neighbors. The imagery of "gall and wormwood" also draws from the common knowledge of poisonous plants in the ancient Near East, making the consequences of spiritual corruption tangible and visceral to the audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it emphasizes **Covenant Faithfulness and Warning Against Apostasy**. The entire book of Deuteronomy is a call to remember and obey the covenant, and this verse specifically warns against the heart's inclination to stray from the LORD, a recurring danger for Israel throughout their history, as seen in later accounts like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance") or [1 Kings](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry"). Secondly, it highlights **Corporate Responsibility and the Danger of Hidden Sin**. The warning extends from the individual ("man, or woman") to the collective ("family, or tribe"), illustrating that the spiritual health of the entire community is intrinsically linked to the faithfulness of its members. A single "root" of bitterness or idolatry, even if hidden, can spread its poison throughout the whole, a concept echoed in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences") with Achan's sin. Lastly, it underscores the **Severity of Idolatry**, portraying it not merely as a minor transgression but as a deeply corrupting force that yields bitter fruit and invites divine judgment, aligning with the first commandment in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart turneth away (Hebrew, _levav yifneh'_):** This phrase describes an internal, volitional act of defection. The "heart" (לֵבָב, _levav_) in Hebrew thought is not merely the seat of emotion but the center of one's intellect, will, and moral character. To "turn away" (פָּנָה, _panah_) implies a deliberate reorientation, a conscious decision to deviate from the path of faithfulness to the LORD. It's not a passive drifting but an active turning towards something else – in this context, the gods of the nations. This highlights the personal responsibility involved in spiritual allegiance.
* **Gall (Hebrew, _ro'sh'_):** This term (רֹאשׁ) often refers to a poisonous or bitter herb, sometimes associated with hemlock or other toxic plants. It can also denote venom or poison. In this context, it symbolizes the destructive, toxic nature of apostasy and the bitter fruit it produces. It's a vivid image of something that, though seemingly small or hidden like a root, carries lethal potential.
* **Wormwood (Hebrew, _la'anah'_):** This term (לַעֲנָה) refers to a plant known for its extreme bitterness. When paired with "gall," it intensifies the imagery of a deeply unpleasant and harmful outcome. Together, "gall and wormwood" become a powerful idiom for profound bitterness, sorrow, and the severe judgment or consequences that result from spiritual rebellion and covenant infidelity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the warning. Moses addresses every level of Israelite society, from the individual (man, woman) to the communal units (family, tribe). This highlights the pervasive nature of the potential threat and underscores that no one is exempt from the danger of apostasy, nor is any segment of the community immune to its effects.
* **"whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God,"**: This is the core spiritual danger being warned against. The "heart turning away" signifies an internal, spiritual defection from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It implies a departure from exclusive allegiance and devotion, a shift in ultimate loyalty. The phrase "this day" stresses the immediacy and gravity of the choice being presented to them at that very moment of covenant renewal.
* **"to go [and] serve the gods of these nations;"**: This clause specifies the object of the heart's turning away: the false gods of the surrounding pagan nations. Serving these gods involves idolatry, a direct violation of the first commandment and the very essence of the covenant. It represents a betrayal of Israel's unique relationship with the one true God, leading to syncretism and spiritual corruption.
* **"lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;"**: This powerful metaphorical clause describes the consequence and nature of such apostasy. The "root" represents the hidden, insidious origin of the spiritual defection, often unseen at first. "Gall and wormwood" symbolize the bitter, poisonous, and destructive fruit that this hidden root of idolatry or rebellion will inevitably produce, not just for the individual but for the entire community. It warns that even a single source of unfaithfulness can contaminate and bring ruin to the whole.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:18 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**. The central metaphor of "a root that beareth gall and wormwood" is particularly striking. The "root" suggests something hidden, foundational, and potentially small at its inception, yet capable of producing significant and harmful fruit. The "gall and wormwood" are vivid sensory images of extreme bitterness and poison, effectively conveying the destructive and unpleasant consequences of apostasy. This **Figurative Language** transforms an abstract spiritual concept (turning away from God) into a tangible, visceral threat. The verse also employs **Enumeration** ("man, or woman, or family, or tribe") to emphasize the comprehensive reach of the warning, ensuring no one feels exempt. The structure is that of a **Warning** or **Admonition**, characteristic of covenant texts, designed to impress upon the audience the gravity of their choices and the dire outcomes of disobedience. This prophetic warning functions as a **Proleptic** statement, anticipating and cautioning against future spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:18 serves as a foundational text for understanding the Old Testament's emphasis on exclusive devotion to God and the corporate implications of individual sin. It underscores that spiritual health is not merely a private matter but a communal responsibility, where the hidden apostasy of one can infect and endanger the entire body. This concept of a "root of bitterness" that spreads its poison finds profound echoes throughout Scripture, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's people and the critical need for vigilance against internal spiritual corruption. It warns against the subtle beginnings of sin, which, if left unchecked, can lead to widespread spiritual decay and divine judgment.

* [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - Bitter Food and Poisonous Water")
* [Acts 8:23](/acts/8-23 "Acts 8:23 - The Gall of Bitterness")
* [Hebrews 12:15](/hebrews/12-15 "Hebrews 12:15 - A Root of Bitterness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:18 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless spiritual caution. It compels us to engage in rigorous self-examination, guarding our hearts against any subtle inclination to drift from our exclusive devotion to God. In a world saturated with competing loyalties and idols—whether they be wealth, success, comfort, or self-gratification—this verse reminds us that true worship demands an undivided heart. It challenges us to recognize that sin often begins as a hidden "root," a seemingly minor compromise or unaddressed bitterness, which, if allowed to fester, can grow into a destructive force, poisoning not only our own lives but also impacting the spiritual health of our families, churches, and communities. We are called to cultivate a spirit of vigilance, accountability, and mutual encouragement, actively uprooting any seeds of apostasy or bitterness before they bear their bitter fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods of these nations" (i.e., idols or competing loyalties) might be subtly tempting my heart to turn away from the LORD today?**
* **In what areas of my life might a "root that beareth gall and wormwood" be hidden, and what bitter fruit might it be producing?**
* **How does my individual spiritual faithfulness (or lack thereof) impact the spiritual well-being of my family, church, or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard my heart and ensure my devotion to the LORD remains undivided?**

### FAQ
**What does the imagery of "gall and wormwood" specifically convey in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "gall and wormwood" (Hebrew: _ro'sh_ and _la'anah_) is a powerful idiom for intense bitterness, poison, and severe judgment. "Gall" (_ro'sh_) refers to a poisonous plant or venom, symbolizing something toxic and deadly. "Wormwood" (_la'anah_) is known for its extreme bitterness. Together, they vividly portray the destructive and deeply unpleasant consequences of spiritual defection. It means that the hidden sin of turning away from God, like a poisonous root, will inevitably produce outcomes that are bitter, harmful, and lead to divine discipline or judgment, affecting not just the individual but the entire community. This imagery is also used elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as in [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - Bitter Food and Poisonous Water"), to describe the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.

**Why is an individual's "heart turning away" considered such a significant threat to the entire community?**

Answer: This verse highlights the principle of corporate responsibility within the covenant community. While sin is always personal, its effects are rarely isolated. In ancient Israel, the nation's well-being was intrinsically linked to its covenant faithfulness. An individual's hidden idolatry or apostasy could be like a corrupting leaven that silently spreads through the dough, or a disease that infects the body. If one member's heart turns away, their actions (or inaction) can subtly influence others, compromise the community's collective witness, or even provoke divine judgment that affects everyone. The "root" metaphor emphasizes that even a single, unaddressed source of spiritual decay can poison the entire spiritual ecosystem of the "family or tribe," leading to widespread bitterness and trouble, as warned in [Hebrews 12:15](/hebrews/12-15 "Hebrews 12:15 - A Root of Bitterness") in the New Testament context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:18, with its stark warning against the "root that beareth gall and wormwood" due to a heart turning from God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, under which this warning was given, revealed humanity's pervasive inability to maintain perfect fidelity, constantly succumbing to the temptation to turn away and serve other "gods." Jesus, however, is the perfect covenant-keeper, whose heart never turned away from the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He became the ultimate antidote to the "gall and wormwood" of sin, for it was He who tasted the bitter cup of God's wrath and judgment on our behalf, bearing the full weight of our apostasy so that we might be reconciled to God ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Through His sacrifice, the "root of bitterness" that springs from human rebellion is severed, and in its place, the Spirit of Christ empowers believers to have a new heart, one that is inclined towards the LORD and delights in His commands ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). In the New Covenant, established by His blood, believers are called not to merely avoid turning away, but to actively abide in Christ, the true vine, ensuring that their fruit is not bitter poison but the sweet fruit of righteousness and life ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")).

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

Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

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 11:17

And [then] the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.

Deuteronomy 13:1

¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Deuteronomy 13:15

Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that [is] therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.

Jeremiah 9:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.