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We will do the same.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> do not fall into the trap of following their customs and worshiping their gods. Do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations worship their gods? I want to follow their example.’ <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/12.htm">New King James Version</a> take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from your presence, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, &#8216How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> beware lest you be ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and lest you inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> beware that you are not lured (ensnared) into following them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods, so that I too may do likewise?’ <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, ‘How did these nations worship their gods? I’ll also do the same.’ <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, &#8216How did these nations worship their gods? I&#8217ll also do the same.&#8217 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But that's when you must be especially careful not to ask, "How did those nations worship their gods? Shouldn't we worship the LORD in the same way?" <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After they've been destroyed, be careful you aren't tempted to follow their customs. Don't even ask about their gods and say, "How did these people worship their gods? We want to do what they did." <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> After the LORD destroys those nations, make sure that you don't follow their religious practices, because that would be fatal. Don't try to find out how they worship their gods, so that you can worship in the same way. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> after they have been destroyed in your sight, be careful not to be ensnared as they were. Otherwise, you will seek their gods and ask yourselves, 'How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.' <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, ?How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.? <a href="/net/deuteronomy/12.htm">NET Bible</a> After they have been destroyed from your presence, be careful not to be ensnared like they are; do not pursue their gods and say, "How do these nations serve their gods? I will do the same." <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> be careful that you not be ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before you; and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, "How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise." <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/12.htm">World English Bible</a> be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them after they are destroyed from before you, and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> take heed to yourself lest you are ensnared after them, after their being destroyed out of your presence, and lest you inquire about their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods, that I also do so? <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> take heed to thee, lest thou be snared after them, after their being destroyed out of thy presence, and lest thou enquire about their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods, and I do so -- even I? <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Watch to thyself lest thou shalt be snared after them after their being destroyed from before thee; and lest thou shalt seek to their gods, saying, How shall these nations serve their gods? and so will I do also.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Beware lest thou imitate them, after they are destroyed at thy coming in, and lest thou seek after their ceremonies, saying: As these nations have worshipped their gods, so will I also worship. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> be careful that you do not imitate them, after they have been overturned at your arrival, and that you do not seek their ceremonies, saying: ‘Just as these nations have worshipped their gods, so also will I worship.’ <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/12.htm">New American Bible</a> be careful that you not be trapped into following them after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire regarding their gods, “How did these nations serve their gods, so I might do the same.” <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> take care that you are not snared into imitating them, after they have been destroyed before you: do not inquire concerning their gods, saying, “How did these nations worship their gods? I also want to do the same.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Take heed to yourselves that you may not go astray by following them, after the LORD has destroyed them from before you; and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? Even so I may do likewise. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Beware that you do not go astray after them, after LORD JEHOVAH destroys them from before you, and do not ask about their gods and say, 'How were the nations serving these their gods, that I may also do like them?'<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying: 'How used these nations to serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.' <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> take heed to thyself that thou seek not to follow them after they are destroyed before thee, saying, How do these nations act towards their gods? I will do likewise. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=3851" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/12.htm">A Warning Against Idolatry</a> 29When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations you are entering to dispossess, and you drive them out and live in their land, 30<a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: hiš·šā·mer (V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">be careful</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5367.htm" title="5367: tin·nā·qêš (V-Nifal-Imperf-2ms) -- To knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down. A primitive root; to entrap, literally or figuratively.">to be ensnared</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">by their ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/8045.htm" title="8045: hiš·šā·mə·ḏām (V-Nifal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To be exterminated or destroyed. A primitive root; to desolate.">they have been destroyed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pā·ne·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: ū·p̄en- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: tiḏ·rōš (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">inquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">about their gods,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asking,</a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: ’ê·ḵāh (Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">“How</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">do these</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: hag·gō·w·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ya·‘aḇ·ḏū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">their gods?</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I will</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">likewise.”</a> 31You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Exodus 23:24</a> You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces. <a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3</a> You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs. <a href="/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30</a> You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.” <a href="/numbers/33-52.htm">Numbers 33:52</a> you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places. <a href="/deuteronomy/7-16.htm">Deuteronomy 7:16</a> You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you. <a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Deuteronomy 18:9</a> When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. <a href="/joshua/23-7.htm">Joshua 23:7</a> So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. <a href="/judges/2-19.htm">Judges 2:19</a> But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. <a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm">2 Kings 17:15</a> They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. <a href="/psalms/106-35.htm">Psalm 106:35</a> but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. <a href="/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2</a> This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. <a href="/ezekiel/20-32.htm">Ezekiel 20:32</a> When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass. <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Matthew 6:7</a> And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a> They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” <a href="/mark/7-7.htm">Mark 7:7-8</a> They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ / You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Take heed to yourself that you be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before you; and that you inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.that thou<a href="/deuteronomy/7-16.htm">Deuteronomy 7:16</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/23-31.htm">Exodus 23:31-33</a> And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee… <a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3</a> After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.by following [heb] after <a href="/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2</a> Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.<a href="/ezekiel/20-32.htm">Ezekiel 20:32</a> And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.<a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/11-16.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-13.htm">Care</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-28.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-4.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-10.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/exodus/18-15.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-25.htm">Ensnared</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-28.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-25.htm">Inquiring</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-23.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-16.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-25.htm">Snared</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-14.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-19.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-10.htm">Used</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-22.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-4.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Care</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-5.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/job/34-30.htm">Ensnared</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-14.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">Inquiring</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-23.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-2.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/psalms/9-16.htm">Snared</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-27.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-21.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-6.htm">Used</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-4.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-31.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 12</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-1.htm">Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed</a> 4. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-4.htm">The place of God's service to be kept</a> 15. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-15.htm">Blood is forbidden</a> 17. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-17.htm">Holy things must be eaten in the holy place</a> 19. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-19.htm">The Levite is not to be forsaken</a> 20. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-20.htm">Blood is again forbidden</a> 26. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-26.htm">and holy things must be eaten in the holy place</a> 29. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm">Idolatry is not to be enquired after</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>be careful not to be ensnared by their ways This phrase serves as a warning to the Israelites about the dangers of adopting the practices of the Canaanite nations they were to displace. The term "ensnared" suggests a trap or a subtle enticement that could lead to spiritual downfall. Historically, the Canaanites were known for their idolatrous practices, which included child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God (<a href="/leviticus/20-26.htm">Leviticus 20:26</a>), and adopting pagan practices would compromise their distinct identity and covenant relationship with God.after they have been destroyed before you This refers to the divine mandate given to the Israelites to conquer the land of Canaan. The destruction of these nations was not merely a military conquest but a divine judgment against their abominable practices (<a href="/deuteronomy/9-4.htm">Deuteronomy 9:4-5</a>). The phrase underscores God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (<a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18-21</a>). It also serves as a reminder that the victory was due to God's power, not Israel's might.Do not inquire about their gods This command prohibits the Israelites from seeking knowledge about the Canaanite deities. In the ancient Near East, polytheism was prevalent, and each nation had its pantheon of gods. The inquiry into these gods could lead to syncretism, where elements of pagan worship might be incorporated into the worship of Yahweh. This was a direct violation of the first commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>) and could lead to spiritual adultery, as seen in the later history of Israel (<a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7-23</a>).asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? The curiosity about the worship practices of other nations could lead to imitation. The Canaanite religious rituals were often sensual and morally corrupt, designed to appease their gods and ensure fertility and prosperity. This phrase highlights the danger of being drawn into practices that are contrary to the worship of the one true God. The Israelites were to worship God according to His revealed will, not by adopting the methods of pagan nations (<a href="/deuteronomy/12-4.htm">Deuteronomy 12:4</a>).I will do likewise.” This final phrase warns against the temptation to emulate the worship practices of other nations. The Israelites were called to worship God in spirit and truth, as later emphasized by Jesus (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>). The desire to "do likewise" reflects a heart that is not fully devoted to God and is susceptible to idolatry. This serves as a timeless warning for believers to guard against conforming to the patterns of the world (<a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>) and to remain faithful to God's commandments.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to live in the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/c/canaanite_nations.htm">Canaanite Nations</a> The nations residing in the Promised Land, whose practices and gods the Israelites are warned against. 4. <a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a> The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god_of_israel.htm">God of Israel</a> The one true God, who commands exclusive worship and obedience from the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_syncretism.htm">Avoiding Syncretism</a> The Israelites were warned not to adopt the religious practices of the Canaanites. As Christians, we must be vigilant against blending worldly practices with our faith. <a href="/topical/e/exclusive_worship.htm">Exclusive Worship</a> God demands exclusive worship. We must ensure that our devotion is solely directed towards Him, avoiding any form of idolatry. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_discernment.htm">Cultural Discernment</a> Just as the Israelites were to discern and reject pagan practices, Christians today must discern cultural influences that contradict biblical teachings. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> The call to not inquire about other gods underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands as a demonstration of our love and commitment to Him. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_hearts.htm">Guarding Our Hearts</a> The warning against being ensnared by other ways highlights the need to guard our hearts and minds against influences that lead us away from God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 12</a> <a href="/q/what_is_kwanzaa_can_christians_join.htm">What is Kwanzaa, and can Christians celebrate it?</a> <a href="/q/why_would_a_loving_god_order_destruction.htm">How can a loving God command the complete destruction of entire cities, including women and children (Deuteronomy 20:16–17)? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_holistic_medicine_debated.htm">Why is holistic medicine controversial?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_samaritans_seen_as_antagonists.htm">In Ezra 4:2, if Samaritans were truly offering assistance in rebuilding the temple, why does the broader biblical narrative often portray them as antagonists? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared.--A necessary caution. "The fear" of heathen deities often attached itself to their seats of worship. It was found necessary to caution Israel against the fear of them and the dread of them in much later times. (See <a href="/context/jeremiah/10-2.htm" title="Thus said the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.">Jeremiah 10:2-5</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>be careful הִשָּׁ֣מֶר (hiš·šā·mer) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to not פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest to be ensnared תִּנָּקֵשׁ֙ (tin·nā·qêš) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5367.htm">Strong's 5367: </a> To knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down by their ways אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part after אַחֲרֵ֖י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part they have been destroyed הִשָּׁמְדָ֣ם (hiš·šā·mə·ḏām) Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8045.htm">Strong's 8045: </a> To be exterminated or destroyed before you. מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ (mip·pā·ne·ḵā) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face Do not וּפֶן־ (ū·p̄en-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest inquire תִּדְרֹ֨שׁ (tiḏ·rōš) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship about their gods, לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶ֜ם (lê·lō·hê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative asking, לֵאמֹ֨ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “How אֵיכָ֨ה (’ê·ḵāh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> How?, how!, where do these הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those nations הַגּוֹיִ֤ם (hag·gō·w·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts serve יַעַבְד֜וּ (ya·‘aḇ·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave their gods? אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative I will אָֽנִי׃ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I do וְאֶעֱשֶׂה־ (wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make likewise.” גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 12:30 Take heed to yourself that you not (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 12:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 12:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 12:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 12:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>