Deuteronomy 7:26

KJV

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou bring {H935} an abomination {H8441} into thine house {H1004}, lest thou be a cursed thing {H2764} like it: but thou shalt utterly {H8262} detest {H8262} it, and thou shalt utterly {H8581} abhor {H8581} it; for it is a cursed thing {H2764}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't bring something abhorrent into your house, or you will share in the curse that is on it; instead, you are to detest it completely, loathe it utterly; for it is set apart for destruction.

Berean Standard Bible

And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt not bring an abomination into thy house, and become a devoted thing like unto it: thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a devoted thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:26 issues a stern prohibition to ancient Israel, forbidding them from bringing any "abomination"—specifically items associated with pagan idolatry—into their homes. This command underscores the profound danger of spiritual contamination, warning that to possess such a defiling object would render the Israelite himself "a cursed thing" like it. The verse culminates in an emphatic call for utter detestation and abhorrence of these items, reinforcing God's uncompromising demand for holiness and complete separation from anything that defiles His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:26 is strategically placed within Moses's final addresses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. The entire chapter serves as a foundational exhortation for Israel to maintain their distinct identity as God's chosen people, set apart from the nations they are about to dispossess. Following God's declaration of His unwavering love for Israel and His choice of them not based on their numbers but on His faithfulness ([Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love for Israel")), Moses issues strict commands regarding the Canaanite inhabitants and their religious artifacts. Verses 1-5 explicitly mandate the complete destruction of the Canaanites and their idolatrous altars, sacred pillars, Asherah poles, and carved images ([Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroying Idols")). Verse 25 specifically warns against coveting the silver and gold on their idols, lest it become a snare. Deuteronomy 7:26 extends this prohibition directly into the Israelite home, emphasizing that even the possession of such items, regardless of intent, carries the risk of defilement and judgment, thus reinforcing the absolute nature of God's call to purity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was saturated with polytheistic religions, where idols, cultic objects, and ritual practices were central to daily life. The Canaanites, in particular, engaged in practices such as child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and the worship of numerous deities (e.g., Baal, Asherah), which were utterly abhorrent to Yahweh. Israel's mission was not merely to conquer territory but to establish a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. The command in [Deuteronomy 7:26](/deuteronomy/7-26 "Deuteronomy 7:26 - Do Not Bring Abominations into Your House") was a vital safeguard against syncretism and spiritual assimilation. Bringing an idol or cultic object into one's home, even as a trophy or curiosity, was seen as an act of compromise that could subtly or overtly introduce pagan influence, violating the covenant and inviting divine wrath. This was particularly pertinent given the pervasive nature of idolatry and the constant temptation for Israel to adopt the practices of their neighbors, as seen repeatedly throughout their history.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses's Farewell Speeches") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **holiness and separation**, emphasizing that Israel's identity as God's chosen people necessitates a radical distinction from the defiling practices of other nations. Secondly, it underscores the **pervasive danger of idolatry**, not merely as an act of worship but as a corrupting influence that can contaminate individuals, households, and the entire community. The warning that one might become "a cursed thing like it" illustrates the principle of **spiritual contagion and identification with sin**. What one allows into their most intimate spaces can fundamentally alter their spiritual state. Thirdly, the repeated commands to "utterly detest" and "utterly abhor" reflect God's **uncompromising demand for purity** and His absolute intolerance for anything that competes with His exclusive claim on Israel's devotion. This theme of complete rejection of evil is foundational to maintaining the integrity of the covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _to'evah'_):** This term (תּוֹעֵבָה) is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe something that is detestable, abhorrent, or morally repugnant to God. While it often refers to idolatry and pagan practices (as in this context), it also encompasses a wide range of moral evils such as sexual perversions ([Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Homosexuality as Abomination")), dishonest weights ([Deuteronomy 25:16](/deuteronomy/25-16 "Deuteronomy 25:16 - Dishonest Weights are an Abomination")), and even certain dietary practices. Here, it specifically refers to the idols and associated cultic objects of the Canaanites, which embody a spiritual reality utterly opposed to Yahweh's holiness and truth. The word conveys not just an objective wrongness but a visceral revulsion from God's perspective.
* **Cursed thing (Hebrew, _cherem'_):** The Hebrew word חֵרֶם (*cherem*) is exceptionally significant. It denotes something "devoted to destruction," "under the ban," or "set apart for God's utter destruction." Objects or people designated as *cherem* were considered consecrated to God in a unique way—not for worship or use, but for complete annihilation because they were deemed utterly defiled or enemies of God. To appropriate a *cherem* item for personal gain or possession was to violate God's sacred decree and incur the same "cursed" status, bringing divine judgment upon oneself and the community, as dramatically illustrated by [Achan's sin in Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin"). The phrase "lest thou be a cursed thing like it" directly links the Israelite's fate to the *cherem* status of the object, emphasizing the contagious nature of spiritual defilement.
* **Utterly detest... utterly abhor (Hebrew, _ta'avennu teta'ev v'tashqetsennu'_):** These are strong, doubled verbs (a common Hebrew literary device for emphasis) that convey an uncompromising and absolute rejection. The verb "detest" (תָּעַב, *ta'av*) is related to *to'evah* (abomination) and means to loathe or abhor. The verb "abhor" (שָׁקַץ, *shaqats*) means to make abominable, to detest, or to treat as disgusting. The doubling of the verbs ("thou shalt detest it, detesting" and "thou shalt abhor it") intensifies the command, leaving no room for compromise, curiosity, or sentimental attachment. It demands a complete spiritual revulsion and an active, intentional removal and rejection of anything deemed an "abomination" by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house":** This is a direct, negative command prohibiting the physical introduction of any item designated as *to'evah* into the Israelite's personal dwelling. The "house" represents the intimate sphere of family life, personal possessions, and daily existence. The prohibition extends the concept of national holiness into the private realm, emphasizing that personal purity is foundational to communal holiness.
* **"lest thou be a cursed thing like it":** This clause reveals the severe consequence and the underlying principle: spiritual contamination. By bringing a *cherem* item into one's home, the Israelite risks becoming *cherem* himself—devoted to destruction and subject to God's curse, just like the object. This highlights the danger of association and the idea that what one embraces can define one's spiritual status before God. It's a warning against the insidious power of defilement.
* **"but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it":** This is a positive command, demanding an active and intense spiritual posture towards the "abomination." The repetition and strength of the verbs underscore the uncompromising nature of the required rejection. It's not enough to merely avoid bringing it in; one must cultivate a deep, visceral loathing for it, aligning one's heart and will with God's own detestation of sin and idolatry.
* **"for it is a cursed thing":** This final clause provides the theological rationale for the command. The reason for the intense prohibition and required detestation is the inherent nature of the object itself—it is *cherem*, already under God's curse and designated for destruction. Its very essence is antithetical to God's holiness, rendering it utterly incompatible with the life of His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:26 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly with the phrases "cursed thing" and the doubled verbs "utterly detest... utterly abhor." This repetition serves to emphasize the gravity of the warning and the uncompromising nature of the required response. The phrase "cursed thing" acts as a **labeling device**, immediately categorizing the object and, by extension, anyone who interacts improperly with it. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: bringing the abomination into the house (cause) leads to becoming cursed like it (effect). This highlights the principle of spiritual contagion. The verse also uses **Metonymy** where the "abomination" (a physical object) stands for the spiritual defilement and pagan practices it represents. The intensity of the language, particularly the "utterly" modifiers, borders on **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and non-negotiable nature of God's command for separation and purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:26 is a profound statement on the nature of holiness, the pervasive danger of sin, and God's demand for exclusive devotion. It articulates a principle that extends far beyond the physical idols of Canaan: whatever is detestable to God, whatever competes for His rightful place in our lives, must be utterly rejected. This command reveals God's jealousy for His people's purity and His understanding of how easily external influences can corrupt internal spiritual integrity. It teaches that sin is not merely an action but can also be a contaminating presence, capable of defiling individuals and communities. The verse underscores the active role believers must play in maintaining their spiritual hygiene, not merely avoiding evil but actively abhorring it. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to a life of radical separation from anything that would defile their relationship with a holy God.

* [Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1-26 - Achan's Sin and Punishment")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern believers may not encounter physical idols in the same way ancient Israel did, the spiritual principle of Deuteronomy 7:26 remains profoundly relevant. Our "houses" today represent not just our physical dwellings but also our minds, our hearts, our families, and the intimate spheres of our lives. The "abominations" can manifest as anything that takes God's rightful place, promotes values contrary to His Word, or subtly contaminates our spiritual walk. This includes ungodly media, corrupting ideologies, material possessions we prioritize over God, or even sinful attitudes and habits we harbor. The verse calls us to a radical self-examination: are there things we have allowed into our lives that, while perhaps not overtly idolatrous, subtly defile us or compromise our devotion to Christ? We are challenged to cultivate the same "utter detestation" and "utter abhorrence" for sin that God Himself possesses, actively removing and rejecting anything that is "a cursed thing" in His sight. This command is a call to intentional spiritual purity, ensuring that our lives are sanctuaries for God's presence, not havens for defilement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" might subtly or overtly be present in my life or home today, hindering my spiritual growth or compromising my devotion to God?**
* **In what areas do I need to cultivate a deeper "detestation" and "abhorrence" for sin and worldly influences, aligning my heart with God's perspective?**
* **How does my consumption of media, entertainment, or even my pursuit of material possessions reflect or contradict the call to holiness and separation found in this verse?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "cleanse my house" (my life, my mind, my home) of anything that is an "abomination" to God?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary significance of the word 'abomination' in this context?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy 7:26, "abomination" translates the Hebrew word *to'evah* (תּוֹעֵבָה). Its primary significance here is to denote something that is utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God, specifically in the context of idolatry and the pagan practices of the Canaanites. These were not merely different religious expressions but were considered an affront to God's holiness and His exclusive claim on Israel's worship. The term conveys God's visceral revulsion towards anything that perverts His order, defiles His creation, or leads His people astray into spiritual unfaithfulness. It's a strong theological term indicating something fundamentally opposed to God's character and covenant.

**How does the phrase 'cursed thing' relate to the concept of *cherem*?**

Answer: The phrase "cursed thing" directly translates the Hebrew term *cherem* (חֵרֶם), which carries profound theological weight. *Cherem* refers to something "devoted to destruction" or "under the ban." In the context of holy war, it meant that certain enemies or their possessions were consecrated to God for utter destruction, not to be taken as spoil or appropriated for personal use. If an Israelite violated this ban and took a *cherem* item, they themselves became *cherem*—subject to the same curse and divine judgment. The most vivid illustration of this is the account of [Achan in Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin"), who took forbidden items from Jericho (which was *cherem*) and brought a curse upon the entire community until his sin was dealt with. Thus, "cursed thing" signifies an object that is not merely bad, but divinely designated for destruction due to its inherent defilement or opposition to God, and which carries a contagious curse upon anyone who improperly interacts with it.

**Is this command still relevant for Christians today, given that we don't worship physical idols?**

Answer: Absolutely, the principle of Deuteronomy 7:26 is profoundly relevant for Christians today, even though the specific context of physical Canaanite idols has passed. While we may not bow before carved images, modern "abominations" can take many forms. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts, minds, or homes—whether it be excessive materialism, ungodly entertainment, corrupting ideologies, sinful habits, or relationships that compromise our faith—can function as a spiritual "abomination." The verse calls us to maintain spiritual purity, to be set apart for God ([2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Come Out and Be Separate")), and to actively detest and abhor anything that defiles our walk with Christ or diminishes His glory in our lives. It's a call to examine our "houses" (our inner lives and external environments) and ensure they reflect the holiness of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:26, with its stern warning against bringing "abominations" into the house lest one become "a cursed thing," finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's inability to perfectly maintain such purity and avoid the curse of sin, Christ entered a world saturated with "abominations" yet remained utterly undefiled. He perfectly fulfilled the law's demand for holiness, not by merely avoiding external defilement, but by living a life of perfect obedience and purity. More profoundly, Jesus became the ultimate "cursed thing" for us, taking upon Himself the very curse of sin that Deuteronomy 7:26 warns against. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He cleansed us from all "abominations" and their defiling power, transforming us from those who were "cursed things" by our sin into holy and beloved children of God ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")). Now, as believers in Christ, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making our bodies temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit")). This new identity empowers us to live out the spirit of Deuteronomy 7:26, not through fear of external defilement, but by actively rejecting anything that would grieve the Spirit or dishonor Christ, for we are a new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation 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

Deuteronomy 13:17

And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;

Isaiah 30:22

Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Hosea 14:8

¶ Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Ezekiel 11:18

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

Romans 2:22

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

Ezekiel 14:7

For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:

Joshua 7:1

¶ But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.