Deuteronomy 7:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must consume all the peoples delivered to them without pity and avoid serving their gods.
The Context of Deuteronomy 7:16
Israel must completely destroy these peoples and resist the temptation to worship their gods.
What Does Deuteronomy 7:16 Mean?
The restatement of the destruction command emphasizes its totality: Israel will 'consume' (completely use up or destroy) all the peoples the LORD delivers. The prohibition against pity is explicit—no mercy, no sentiment, no negotiation. This hardness of heart is demanded not from cruelty but from theological clarity: any sparing of the people would risk their religious influence on Israel.
The final clause provides the reason: serving the gods of these peoples becomes a 'snare'—a trap that ensnares the unwary. Once Israel begins to participate in neighboring worship, escape becomes difficult. The logic throughout these verses is consistent: total separation in war becomes the only way to maintain separation in peace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 7:16
What does Deuteronomy 7:16 mean?
Israel must consume all the peoples delivered to them without pity and avoid serving their gods.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 7:16?
Israel must completely destroy these peoples and resist the temptation to worship their gods.