Deuteronomy 13:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The ban on keeping plunder is total, so that God's anger turns away and his mercy and multiplication return to Israel.
The Context of Deuteronomy 13:17
Refusing to claim any plunder allows God's mercy to return and his blessing to continue toward Israel.
What Does Deuteronomy 13:17 Mean?
The command not to touch anything from the destroyed city extends the logic of total destruction. No plunder, no wealth, no salvage may be claimed. This is not a practical rule but a spiritual one: contact with the cursed thing would communicate defilement. To participate in the judgment cleanly, Israel must refuse to profit from it.
The reward for obedience is profound: God's fierce anger turns away. Mercy and compassion return. God resumes his promise of multiplication—the fulfillment of his oath to the fathers. By purging idolatry completely, Israel preserves its status as the beloved people and remains in position to receive the blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 13:17
What does Deuteronomy 13:17 mean?
The ban on keeping plunder is total, so that God's anger turns away and his mercy and multiplication return to Israel.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 13:17?
Refusing to claim any plunder allows God's mercy to return and his blessing to continue toward Israel.