Deuteronomy 6:14

KJV

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not go {H3212} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430}, of the gods {H430} of the people {H5971} which are round about {H5439} you;

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to follow other gods, chosen from the gods of the peoples around you;

Berean Standard Bible

Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.

American Standard Version

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples that are round about you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:14 delivers a profound and non-negotiable command from Moses to the Israelites, prohibiting them from pursuing or worshipping the deities of the surrounding nations. This verse serves as a critical warning against spiritual syncretism and idolatry, underscoring the absolute exclusivity of Yahweh's covenant relationship with His people and demanding their undivided loyalty as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 6:14 is embedded within a pivotal section of Moses' final address to Israel (Deuteronomy 5-11), which reiterates and expounds upon the Ten Commandments and the covenant relationship established at Sinai. This specific verse immediately follows the foundational declaration of the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and the Great Commandment"), which calls for singular love and devotion to Yahweh. The prohibition against other gods is a direct and logical consequence of this call to exclusive love. It also precedes further warnings against provoking the Lord and forgetting His commands, establishing idolatry as a primary threat to their covenant fidelity and well-being in the land. The entire section emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness and obeying His statutes to secure their future blessings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the precipice of entering Canaan, a land already inhabited by various peoples (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, etc.) who practiced polytheistic religions. Their pantheons included prominent deities like Baal (god of storm and fertility) and Asherah (his consort, often associated with fertility poles), whose worship frequently involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and other practices abhorrent to Yahweh. The command in Deuteronomy 6:14 was not merely theoretical but a vital practical instruction to prevent the Israelites from assimilating into these pagan cultures, which would inevitably lead to spiritual defilement and the breaking of their covenant with the one true God. The temptation to adopt the religious practices of their neighbors, particularly those associated with agricultural prosperity, would be immense, making this explicit prohibition critically important for Israel's distinct identity and survival as God's holy nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Exclusive Worship** and **Monotheism**, demanding that Israel worship only Yahweh, who alone is God. This echoes the very first commandment given at Sinai, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Secondly, it serves as a direct **Warning Against Idolatry and Syncretism**, prohibiting the active "going after" or pursuing of foreign deities, which implies adopting their rituals, beliefs, and values. This was a recurring struggle for Israel throughout its history, leading to cycles of disobedience and divine judgment, as seen in the narratives of [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Finally, the command underscores Israel's **Distinct Identity and Holiness** as a people set apart by God. Their unique covenant relationship required a unique way of life, distinct from the pagan practices of the nations around them, reinforcing their calling to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go after (Hebrew, _halak 'achar_):** This phrase, literally "to walk after" or "to follow after," signifies far more than passive belief or casual observation. It implies an active, intentional pursuit, devotion, and alignment with the practices, values, and allegiance associated with these "other gods." It suggests a commitment of one's life, time, resources, and heart, indicating a profound spiritual allegiance that displaces Yahweh from His rightful place of preeminence.
* **other gods (Hebrew, _elohim acherim_):** This term emphasizes the foreignness and plurality of these deities in contrast to the singular, unique God of Israel, Yahweh. It highlights that these are not merely different names for the same divine being, but fundamentally distinct entities or concepts that compete for Israel's worship and loyalty, representing alternative worldviews and systems of belief that are incompatible with the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not go after other gods,"**: This is an absolute and unconditional prohibition. The use of "shall not" (לֹא) conveys a strong, definitive command, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise. The phrase "go after" underscores the active nature of idolatry—it's not just about worshipping an idol, but about pursuing, serving, and dedicating oneself to anything that usurps God's place. This includes adopting their customs, participating in their rituals, or even allowing their influence to shape one's worldview and priorities.
* **"of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;"**: This clause specifies the immediate and tangible threat. The "other gods" are not abstract concepts but the very real, active deities worshipped by the nations surrounding Israel, particularly those in Canaan. This contextualizes the command, highlighting the ever-present temptation for assimilation and the practical danger of spiritual compromise as Israel integrated into a polytheistic land. It emphasizes that the danger of idolatry is often found in the prevailing cultural norms and religious practices of one's immediate environment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its crucial message. The most prominent is **Prohibition**, expressed through the direct negative command "Ye shall not," which establishes an unequivocal boundary for Israel's conduct and belief. This forceful declaration leaves no ambiguity regarding God's expectations for exclusive worship. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, implicitly setting Yahweh, the one true God of Israel, against the "other gods" of the surrounding peoples. This highlights the unique nature and singular sovereignty of Israel's God, emphasizing that there is no legitimate alternative for their devotion. Furthermore, the phrase "go after" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical act of "walking after" represents the entire system of worship, devotion, and allegiance to a deity. It encapsulates the active pursuit and commitment involved in idolatry. Finally, the verse carries an inherent **Warning**, implying severe consequences for disobedience, a theme that pervades Deuteronomy and Israel's subsequent history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:14 establishes a fundamental theological truth: God demands exclusive worship because He alone is God. This command is rooted in Yahweh's unique nature as the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, who has chosen Israel for Himself. Idolatry, therefore, is not merely a ritualistic error but an act of spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship and a denial of God's absolute sovereignty and singular glory. It reflects a misplaced trust and allegiance, diverting the heart's ultimate devotion from its rightful object. The prohibition reveals God's jealousy for His people's holiness and His desire for their undivided love, recognizing that any divided loyalty ultimately leads to spiritual barrenness and judgment.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee From Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God is the First and the Last")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the explicit worship of Baal or Asherah may seem distant to modern sensibilities, the principle of Deuteronomy 6:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. "Other gods" in contemporary society manifest in subtle yet powerful forms, anything that demands our ultimate loyalty, time, resources, affection, or identity, thereby displacing God from His rightful, preeminent place in our lives. This could be the relentless pursuit of wealth, career success, material possessions, personal comfort, social status, entertainment, political ideologies, or even self-worship. The call to "not go after other gods" is a summons to a radical, undivided devotion to the Lord, urging us to constantly examine the deepest allegiances of our hearts. It challenges us to identify and dismantle any idols—tangible or intangible—that compete with God's sovereignty, reminding us that true freedom and flourishing are found only in singular devotion to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" in my contemporary culture or personal life subtly compete for my ultimate loyalty and affection, diverting my focus from God?**
* **How does my daily schedule, financial decisions, and pursuit of personal goals reflect my true allegiances?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "go after" the values or approval of the "people which are round about me" rather than adhering to God's standards?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more undivided devotion to God in my thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "go after" mean in the context of Deuteronomy 6:14?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase "go after" (הָלַךְ אַחַר, _halak 'achar_) signifies more than just passively observing or acknowledging other deities. It implies an active, intentional pursuit, a devoted following, and a deep alignment with the practices, values, and spiritual allegiance associated with these "other gods." It suggests a commitment of one's heart, time, and resources, effectively displacing Yahweh from His rightful place of preeminence in one's life. It's about where one's ultimate loyalty and devotion truly lie, encompassing not just ritual worship but also the adoption of their customs and worldview.

**Are there "other gods" today, or is this command only for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While modern society may not explicitly worship statues of Baal or Asherah, the timeless principle of Deuteronomy 6:14 remains profoundly relevant. The concept of "other gods" extends to anything that demands our ultimate loyalty, time, resources, or affection, thereby displacing God from His rightful place. This can include materialism, career success, power, self-worship, entertainment, certain ideologies, or even relationships that become ultimate. Jesus Himself taught that "No one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")), illustrating that the human heart is always serving something. Therefore, this command serves as a perpetual warning against any form of idolatry, urging believers to maintain an undivided devotion to the one true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:14, with its stern prohibition against "going after other gods," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament command for exclusive worship of Yahweh points forward to the singular revelation of God in His Son. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this undivided devotion, living a life of absolute obedience and singular focus on the Father's will, never "going after" the gods of worldly power, popularity, or personal gain. He is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of God")), the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). To worship Jesus is to worship the one true God, for He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). In Christ, the call to exclusive worship is not merely a negative prohibition but a positive invitation to find our ultimate satisfaction and allegiance in the One who fully reveals God's nature and has accomplished our salvation. Our love for God, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"), is supremely expressed in our worship and devotion to Christ, who is God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). He is the ultimate answer to the problem of idolatry, drawing all hearts to Himself as the one worthy of all praise and devotion, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")).

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 25:6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

1 John 5:21

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Deuteronomy 13:7

[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;

Deuteronomy 8:19

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

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.

Exodus 34:14

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:

Exodus 34:16

And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.