Deuteronomy 32:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Israel sacrificed to demons and invented new gods unknown to their ancestors.
The Context of Deuteronomy 32:17
Moses emphasizes Israel's turn to unknown, invented gods over ancestral covenant.
What Does Deuteronomy 32:17 Mean?
Calling idols 'devils' (or demons) expresses the belief that worship of false gods ultimately serves malevolent powers. Israel abandoned the tested covenant of their fathers for novelty. The phrase 'new gods that came newly up' suggests these are fashions or fads, not ancient wisdom.
The contrast with 'whom your fathers feared not' provides a measuring stick. Ancestral religion, rooted in covenant memory, serves as evidence against innovation. If the fathers built their lives on the true God and prospered, why trade that tested foundation for untried alternatives?
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 32:17
What does Deuteronomy 32:17 mean?
Israel sacrificed to demons and invented new gods unknown to their ancestors.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 32:17?
Moses emphasizes Israel's turn to unknown, invented gods over ancestral covenant.