Deuteronomy 16:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not plant a tree grove near God's altar.
The Context of Deuteronomy 16:21
The next two verses turn to the exclusivity God demands in worship, forbidding any syncretic mixing.
What Does Deuteronomy 16:21 Mean?
Tree groves were sacred in Canaanite religion, associated with fertility worship and idolatry. The command forbids any practice that blurs the line between Israel's worship of the God of covenant and the fertility religions surrounding them. The altar must be isolated and pure, not shaded or softened by cultic vegetation.
The prohibition protects Israel's monotheism. By denying physical markers of syncretism (groves, pillars, images in next verse), the law clarifies that worship belongs to the God of Abraham, not to the gods of the land. Distinctiveness is a boundary of faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 16:21 in the Original Language
grove (אֲשֵׁרָה, asherah), 'sacred tree(s)' — fertility symbol in Canaanite practice, forbidden to Israel's monotheism.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 16:21
What does Deuteronomy 16:21 mean?
Do not plant a tree grove near God's altar.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 16:21?
The next two verses turn to the exclusivity God demands in worship, forbidding any syncretic mixing.