Deuteronomy 7:25 Meaning and Explanation
“The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Burn pagan idols and resist the temptation to take the silver and gold adorning them.
The Context of Deuteronomy 7:25
Pagan idols and their valuable ornaments must be destroyed to prevent spiritual corruption.
What Does Deuteronomy 7:25 Mean?
The return to religious purification closes the military narrative: all graven images must be burned with fire. But a specific temptation is addressed—the precious metals adorning these idols. Wealth itself is not forbidden in Deuteronomy, but wealth derived from pagan religious objects is a 'snare'—a trap that binds Israel to the very deities they are meant to reject.
The prohibition against taking the gold and silver recognizes human nature. Material wealth is attractive, and the ornaments on idols are genuinely valuable. Yet accepting them means accepting a spiritual entanglement; the wealth becomes a vehicle through which foreign gods and foreign practice subtly re-enter Israel. The protection is to burn everything completely, leaving nothing of value to tempt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 7:25
What does Deuteronomy 7:25 mean?
Burn pagan idols and resist the temptation to take the silver and gold adorning them.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 7:25?
Pagan idols and their valuable ornaments must be destroyed to prevent spiritual corruption.