Deuteronomy 32:17

Translations

Modern

They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.

Traditional

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

Literal

They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known. New ones—from the vicinity they came—that your fathers did not fear.

Latin

Immolaverunt dæmoniis et non Deo, diis quos ignorabant: novi recentesque venerunt, quos non coluerunt patres eorum:

Original

Hebrew

English

They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.

Notes

Deuteronomy 32:17

demons: In the ancient Near East, people believed gods protected individuals and places from harm. But, worshiping these pagan gods was actually worshiping evil spirits (compare 1 Corinthians 10:20–21; Revelation 9:20).
newly arrived gods: These were false gods that Israel had never before encountered.

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

In ancient times, vows from both parties secured a treaty between individuals or nations. Israel's promise was in a song of witness that Moses composed under divine inspiration (31:19–22).

Israel probably sang the song during a regular covenant-renewal ceremony (31:21). They invoked upon themselves the covenant's judgments and reminded themselves of its promises.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Ancient Law Codes God’s Instructions Music in Ancient Israel

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Deuteronomy 32:17

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