Deuteronomy 12:5 Meaning and Explanation
“But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Seek out the one place God chooses for His worship.
The Context of Deuteronomy 12:5
God establishes a single, centralized place of worship as the replacement for idolatrous high places.
What Does Deuteronomy 12:5 Mean?
God will select one location from among Israel's territory where His name (His presence and authority) will dwell. This place becomes the legitimate center of worship, replacing the scattered high places Israel must destroy. The selection is God's alone, not Israel's.
Israel must seek this chosen place and come to it. This centralization of worship ensures unity, proper practice, and prevents the fragmentation caused by unauthorized worship sites throughout the land.
Deuteronomy 12:5 in the Original Language
shachan (שׁכַן), 'habitation' — to settle or dwell; God's choice to establish His dwelling place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 12:5
What does Deuteronomy 12:5 mean?
Seek out the one place God chooses for His worship.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 12:5?
God establishes a single, centralized place of worship as the replacement for idolatrous high places.