Deuteronomy 29:26

KJV

For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them:

KJV (with Strong's)

For they went {H3212} and served {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, and worshipped {H7812} them, gods {H430} whom they knew {H3045} not, and whom he had not given {H2505} unto them:

Complete Jewish Bible

They went and served other gods, prostrating themselves before them, gods they had not known and which he had not assigned them.

Berean Standard Bible

They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them.

American Standard Version

and went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods that they knew not, and that he had not given unto them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:26 serves as the explicit theological and legal justification for the severe covenant curses detailed in the preceding chapters, pinpointing the worship of "other gods" as the ultimate transgression. This verse reveals that Israel's abandonment of Yahweh was not merely a casual deviation but a deliberate act of spiritual disloyalty, choosing deities unknown to them and, critically, unauthorized by the one true God who had chosen, delivered, and covenanted with them. It powerfully underscores the exclusivity of God's covenant demand and the profound, inevitable consequences of spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:26 is situated within Moses' third and final major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, delivered just before their entry into the Promised Land. This discourse (chapters [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - Covenant Renewal")-[Deuteronomy 30](/deuteronomy/30 "Deuteronomy 30 - Return to the Lord")) constitutes a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, echoing and reinforcing the original covenant made at Mount Sinai. Following the detailed blessings for obedience and the comprehensive, devastating curses for disobedience outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), this verse functions as a direct and precise explanation for *why* these calamities would befall the nation. It clarifies that the "plagues" and "sicknesses" mentioned earlier are not arbitrary punishments but direct, righteous consequences of a specific, profound violation: the worship of foreign gods. It marks the climax of Moses' warning against apostasy, emphasizing the gravity of breaking faith with Yahweh and the direct link between idolatry and divine judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the threshold of Canaan, a land saturated with diverse polytheistic cultures. The worship of local deities such as Baal, Asherah, and Molech was deeply entrenched, often involving fertility rites, child sacrifice, and syncretistic practices that were anathema to Yahweh. Moses' address is a crucial moment for the nation to reaffirm its unique identity as Yahweh's covenant people, set apart from the surrounding nations by its exclusive devotion to Him. The structure of Deuteronomy, particularly its covenant stipulations and consequences, heavily reflects the form of a suzerain-vassal treaty common in the Ancient Near East. In such treaties, a great king (the suzerain, Yahweh) establishes terms with his vassal (Israel), promising blessings for loyalty and severe curses for rebellion. The command to worship only Yahweh was a radical departure from the prevailing norms of the time and formed the foundational tenet of Israel's national and spiritual existence, distinguishing them from all other peoples who served "gods whom they knew not."

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. The most prominent is **Covenant Fidelity vs. Apostasy**, highlighting the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. Idolatry is presented not merely as a minor transgression but as the quintessential act of covenant violation, akin to spiritual adultery against the God who had redeemed them from Egypt (cf. [Exodus 20:2-3](/exodus/20-2-3 "Exodus 20:2-3 - The First Commandment")). Another key theme is the **Exclusivity of Yahweh's Worship**, underscoring that God demands undivided loyalty and will not share His glory with false gods. The phrase "gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them" introduces the profound theme of **Divine Revelation and Authorization**, emphasizing that true worship is directed only to the God who has revealed Himself and sanctioned His own worship, not to deities of human invention or foreign origin. Finally, the verse provides the **Justification for Divine Judgment**, making it unequivocally clear that the severe consequences outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience") are not arbitrary but a righteous and just response to profound spiritual rebellion and covenant breach.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **served (Hebrew, עָבַד, _‘âbad'_):** This verb signifies "to work," "to serve," or "to worship." In the context of religious devotion, it implies active, committed allegiance, obedience, and submission. By "serving" other gods, Israel actively transferred their primary allegiance from Yahweh to these false deities, demonstrating a profound betrayal of their covenant relationship. It denotes a deliberate and comprehensive act of devotion.
* **knew (Hebrew, יָדַע, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb _yadaʻ_ ("to know") in biblical Hebrew often signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it implies a deep, intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge. Thus, "whom they knew not" means these gods were not the God who had revealed Himself to Israel through mighty acts of deliverance, covenant, and ongoing presence (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - Yahweh is God")). They had no genuine, personal, or redemptive relationship with these deities, nor had these gods demonstrated any power or truth. Their worship was based on foreign custom or human invention, devoid of divine revelation or authentic spiritual encounter.
* **given (Hebrew, חָלַק, _châlaq'_):** This verb means "to apportion," "to distribute," or "to give." In this context, "whom he had not given unto them" emphasizes that Yahweh had not authorized, sanctioned, or presented these gods as legitimate objects of worship. Any devotion to them was therefore an unauthorized, illicit, and rebellious act against God's explicit command and His sovereign authority. It highlights the divine prohibition and the illegitimacy of these foreign cults, underscoring that these deities held no legitimate claim or portion in Israel's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them":** This clause describes the active, intentional, and comprehensive apostasy of Israel. The phrase "went and served" indicates a deliberate departure from Yahweh and an embrace of alternative deities. The combination of "served" (_‘âbad_) and "worshipped" (_shâchâh_, to prostrate oneself in homage) emphasizes the totality of their devotion and submission to these false gods, signifying a complete transfer of allegiance away from the one true God. This act directly violated the First Commandment, which demands exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **"gods whom they knew not":** This phrase highlights the foreign, unrevealed, and therefore illegitimate nature of these deities. Unlike Yahweh, who had intimately revealed Himself to Israel through the Exodus, the giving of the Law, and His presence in the wilderness, these "other gods" were unknown in any relational, covenantal, or revelatory sense. Their worship was consequently based on ignorance, superstition, or cultural assimilation rather than on divine truth or authentic experience.
* **"and [whom] he had not given unto them":** This final clause underscores the absolute illegitimacy and divine prohibition of worshipping these gods. Yahweh had not sanctioned their existence or their worship; they were not "apportioned" or "given" by Him as legitimate objects of devotion. This emphasizes God's sovereign authority and His exclusive right to define what is true and what is false worship. Any deviation from Him was an act of rebellion against His explicit will and His unique covenant with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message regarding Israel's covenant infidelity. Most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated reference to "other gods" and the implied contrast with Yahweh. This repetition serves to emphasize the central transgression of idolatry and the clear, exclusive choice Israel was facing. There is also strong **Emphasis** through negation: "whom they knew not" and "whom he had not given unto them." These negative phrases powerfully underscore the foreign, illegitimate, and unauthorized nature of these false deities, highlighting that their worship was not merely a mistake but a direct affront to Yahweh's unique identity and authority. The verse also functions as a form of **Legal Language**, articulating the precise charge that justifies the covenant curses. It acts as a concise indictment, laying out the specific violation that triggers the divine judgment. The implicit **Antithesis** between the known, revealed, and authorized God (Yahweh) and the unknown, unrevealed, and unauthorized "other gods" further sharpens the theological stakes of Israel's choice, underscoring the stark reality of their betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:26 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of idolatry and God's exclusive claim on His people. It reveals that idolatry is not merely a ritualistic error but a fundamental betrayal of the covenant relationship, akin to spiritual adultery. God's demand for exclusive worship stems from His unique identity as the only true and living God, the one who actively intervened in history to redeem Israel. To worship other gods, especially those "whom they knew not" and "whom he had not given unto them," was to deny His redemptive power, His unique revelation, and His sovereign authority. This act was a direct affront to His holiness and His jealous love for His people, justifying the severe consequences that would follow. The verse thus highlights the seriousness of spiritual compromise and the absolute necessity of undivided allegiance to Yahweh, who alone is worthy of worship.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment: No Other Gods")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:26 carries timeless relevance for believers today, serving as a powerful warning against any form of idolatry. While we may not bow down to physical statues, the principle remains profoundly applicable: anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives becomes an idol. This could manifest as an inordinate devotion to wealth, career, relationships, self-image, comfort, security, or even good causes that ultimately eclipse our supreme devotion to Christ. The phrase "gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them" challenges us to discern what truly holds our ultimate allegiance. Are we pursuing things not sanctioned by God, things that offer no true revelation or life, but rather promise fleeting satisfaction? Our spiritual well-being, our intimacy with God, and our alignment with His perfect will depend entirely on our exclusive devotion to Him. When we allow anything to usurp His rightful place, we invite spiritual barrenness and distance from His perfect design, just as Israel experienced the devastating consequences of their apostasy. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination and a renewed, unwavering commitment to the one true God who has revealed Himself fully and definitively in Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" in my life, though perhaps not physical idols, compete for the ultimate allegiance of my heart, time, and resources?**
* **In what ways might I be pursuing things "whom [God] has not given unto me," seeking satisfaction, identity, or security outside of His revealed will and provision?**
* **How does a deeper, intimate "knowing" of God (as in _yada‘_), cultivated through His Word and prayer, protect me from the subtle allure of false gods and worldly distractions?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my devotion remains exclusively to the one true God, aligning my priorities with His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What does "gods whom they knew not" truly imply in the biblical context?**

Answer: In the biblical context, "to know" (Hebrew: _yada‘_) often signifies a deep, intimate, experiential, and covenantal relationship, not merely intellectual acquaintance. Therefore, "gods whom they knew not" means these were deities with whom Israel had no genuine, revealed relationship. Unlike Yahweh, who had intimately revealed Himself through the Exodus, the giving of the Law, and His constant provision and presence, these foreign gods had never demonstrated their power, truth, or character to Israel. Their worship was based on human tradition, cultural assimilation, or speculation, rather than on divine revelation or authentic spiritual encounter. It highlights the emptiness, illegitimacy, and ultimate powerlessness of these false gods, emphasizing that they were entirely outside the sphere of God's true self-disclosure and redemptive activity.

**Why is idolatry considered such a severe sin in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Idolatry is considered a profoundly severe sin because it directly violates the foundational covenant between Yahweh and Israel, particularly the First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")). It is seen as an act of spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the unique and exclusive relationship God initiated with His chosen people. By worshipping other gods, Israel denied Yahweh's sovereignty, His redemptive power, and His unique identity as the only true God. It was an affront to His holiness, His glory, and His jealous love for His people. Furthermore, idolatry often led to immoral and dehumanizing practices (like child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, or social injustice) and a distortion of true worship, undermining the very fabric of the covenant community and leading to societal decay. It was the ultimate act of rebellion against the God who had delivered them and given them everything, an act that inevitably invited divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:26, with its stern warning against serving "gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the complete and final revelation of the one true God, the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "The Supremacy of Christ")) and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "The Son's Superiority")). In Christ, we truly "know" God, not through distant speculation or the worship of foreign deities, but through the intimate, personal knowledge of the Father revealed by the Son, who alone has seen God and made Him known ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No One Has Seen God")). Jesus Himself declares, "No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), underscoring that He is the only authorized "way" to God, the one "given" by the Father for the salvation of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ delivers us from the futility of worshipping idols and serves as the true object of our worship and devotion, turning us from idols to serve the living and true God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "Turning from Idols to God")). In the New Covenant established by His blood, God's law is written on our hearts, enabling genuine, Spirit-empowered worship of the Father in spirit and truth, fulfilling the very exclusive devotion demanded in Deuteronomy ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "The New Covenant")). He is the one true God "given" to us, whom to know is eternal life ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples")).

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 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Judges 5:8

They chose new gods; then [was] war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Judges 2:13

And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

Jeremiah 44:2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Ye have seen all the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, and upon all the cities of Judah; and, behold, this day they [are] a desolation, and no man dwelleth therein,

Jeremiah 44:6

Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted [and] desolate, as at this day.

2 Chronicles 36:12

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God, [and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet [speaking] from the mouth of the LORD.