Keraia
Deuteronomy 12

Deuteronomy 12:8

One Place for Worship · Deuteronomy 12:1–28
Read Deuteronomy 12

Translations

Modern
You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes.
Traditional
Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
Literal
You shall not do at all as we are doing here today—every man, whatever is right in his own eyes.
Latin
Non facietis ibi quæ nos hic facimus hodie, singuli quod sibi rectum videtur:

Original

Hebrew
English
You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes.

Notes

Deuteronomy 12:8

does what seems right in his own eyes: Until the exodus, the Israelites probably worshiped at many shrines in Egypt. With the construction of the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle), worship became centralized. It stayed that way with the later building of the temple.

In the future, the community would need to gather on specific occasions to worship the Lord together at the central holy place. But local worship by individuals, families, and even villages would continue (see Exodus 20:24–26; 1 Samuel 9:11–14).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Elephantine Papyri Kings, Books of First and Second Offerings and Sacrifices Tithe, Tithing Zion

Topics

Reasoning: Not a Sufficient Guide in Human Affairs The Jews: Religion of, According to Rites Prescribed by God