Deuteronomy 12:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Destroy all Canaanite religious sites where nations worshipped idols.
The Context of Deuteronomy 12:2
First practical command: cleanse the land of physical sites of idolatry.
What Does Deuteronomy 12:2 Mean?
The Canaanites built temples and altars on high places (mountains, hills, under trees) as part of their idol worship. Israel must completely demolish these sites to prevent spiritual contamination and to remove the material reminders of false worship.
High places and groves were considered particularly dangerous spiritually because they were widely scattered throughout the land. Systematic destruction addresses the pervasiveness of Canaanite religious practice.
Deuteronomy 12:2 in the Original Language
bamot (בָּמוֹת), 'high places' — elevated sites of worship, central to Canaanite religious practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 12:2
What does Deuteronomy 12:2 mean?
Destroy all Canaanite religious sites where nations worshipped idols.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 12:2?
First practical command: cleanse the land of physical sites of idolatry.