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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 20:18 so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/20-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/05_Deu_20_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 20:18 - Laws of Warfare" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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so should ye sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that they will not teach you to do all the same detestable practices of theirs which they have done for their gods, by which you would sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />so that they may not teach you to do according to all their detestable things which they have done for their gods, so that you would sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />in order that they may not teach you to do according to all their detestable things which they have done for their gods, so that you would sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />so that they may not teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, so that you would sin against Yahweh your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />so that they will not teach you to act in accordance with all the detestable practices which they have done [in worship and service] for their gods, and in this way cause you to sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that they won’t teach you to do all the detestable acts they do for their gods, and you sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that they won&#8217t teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and you sin against the LORD your God.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so would ye sin against Jehovah your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you allow them to live, they will persuade you to worship their disgusting gods, and you will be unfaithful to the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Otherwise, they will teach you to do all the disgusting things they do for their gods, and you will sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Kill them, so that they will not make you sin against the LORD by teaching you to do all the disgusting things that they do in the worship of their gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />so they won't teach you to do all the detestable things that they do for their gods. If you do what they teach you, you will sin against the LORD your God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />so that they cannot teach you all the abhorrent ways they worship their gods, causing you to sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that they not teach you to do after all their abominations, which they have done to their gods; so would you sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That they may not teach you to do after all their abominations which they have done to their gods; so would ye sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that they not teach you to follow all their abominations, which they have done for their gods; so would you sin against Yahweh your God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />so that they do not teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you have sinned against your God YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so that they teach you not to do according to all their abominations which they have done to their gods, and ye have sinned against Jehovah your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />So that they shall not teach you to do according to all their abominations to their gods; and ye sinned to Jehovah your God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Lest they teach you to do all the abominations which they have done to their gods: and you should sin against the Lord your God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Otherwise, they may teach you to do all the abominations which they have committed for their own gods. And then you would sin against the Lord your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />so that they do not teach you to do all the abominations that they do for their gods, and you thus sin against the LORD, your God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so that they may not teach you to do all the abhorrent things that they do for their gods, and you thus sin against the LORD your God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />That they may not teach you to do after all their abominations, which they have done in worshipping their gods; so you should sin in the sight of the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />That they may not teach you to do according to all their detestable things that they were doing for their gods, and you would sin before LORD JEHOVAH your God.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />that they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods, and so ye sin against the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that they may not teach you to do all their abominations, which they did to their gods, and <i>so</i> ye should sin before the Lord your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5643" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Laws of Warfare</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>For you must devote them to complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3925.htm" title="3925: yə·lam·mə·ḏū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. to teach:(un-) accustomed, X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er,ing).">teach</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kə·ḵōl (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: tō·w·‘ă·ḇō·ṯām (N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">the detestable things</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">they do</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">for their gods,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: wa·ḥă·ṭā·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">and so cause you to sin</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">against the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>When you lay siege to a city for an extended time while fighting against it to capture it, you must not destroy its trees by putting an axe to them, because you can eat their fruit. You must not cut them down. Are the trees of the field human, that you should besiege them?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32-33</a></span><br />You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. / They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-12.htm">Exodus 34:12-16</a></span><br />Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. / Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. / For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/33-51.htm">Numbers 33:51-56</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / 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. / You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Joshua 23:12-13</a></span><br />For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Judges 2:2-3</a></span><br />and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? / So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-2</a></span><br />King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-34.htm">Psalm 106:34-36</a></span><br />They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, / but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. / They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/9-1.htm">Ezra 9:1-2</a></span><br />After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. / Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-23.htm">Nehemiah 13:23-27</a></span><br />In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. / Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. / I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-9.htm">1 Corinthians 5:9-11</a></span><br />I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a></span><br />No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Ephesians 5:6-7</a></span><br />Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / Therefore do not be partakers with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">2 John 1:10-11</a></span><br />If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-4.htm">Revelation 18:4</a></span><br />Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done to their gods; so should you sin against the LORD your God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-4.htm">Deuteronomy 7:4,5</a></b></br> For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30,31</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/18-19.htm">Deuteronomy 18:19</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require <i>it</i> of him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/18-12.htm">Abominable</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-12.htm">Abominations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-12.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Example</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-12.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/numbers/31-14.htm">Service</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-18.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-31.htm">Worshiping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-16.htm">Abominable</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-17.htm">Abominations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-15.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-5.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-25.htm">Example</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-15.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-16.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-6.htm">Service</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-22.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/joshua/7-11.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-8.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-41.htm">Worshiping</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">What cities must be devoted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Trees must not be destroyed in the siege</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods</b><br>This phrase highlights the concern for spiritual purity and the avoidance of idolatry. The Canaanite practices were considered abominable, involving rituals such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution. The Israelites were warned against adopting these practices, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from pagan influences, as seen in passages like <a href="/leviticus/18-24.htm">Leviticus 18:24-30</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a>, where believers are cautioned against participating in pagan rituals. The historical context involves the Israelites entering a land with deeply entrenched pagan customs, necessitating a clear distinction between their worship and that of the surrounding nations.<p><b>and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God</b><br>This phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where sin is not merely a moral failing but a breach of covenant. The emphasis is on the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh, as outlined in the first commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>). The historical context is the conquest of Canaan, where the Israelites were to establish a society based on God's laws. Theologically, this reflects the concept of holiness, where God's people are set apart for His purposes. The warning against sinning against God is a recurring theme, seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-14.htm">Deuteronomy 6:14-15</a> and <a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Joshua 23:12-13</a>, emphasizing the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are being instructed by Moses on how to conduct themselves in the Promised Land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaanites.htm">Canaanites</a></b><br>The inhabitants of the land that the Israelites are to conquer, known for their idolatrous practices.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments and instructions to the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The one true God, who commands the Israelites to remain faithful and avoid idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_idolatry.htm">Avoiding Idolatry</a></b><br>The Israelites were warned to avoid the practices of the Canaanites to prevent falling into idolatry. As Christians, we must be vigilant in avoiding modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or secular ideologies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_of_culture.htm">Influence of Culture</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites were at risk of being influenced by the Canaanite culture, Christians today must be cautious of cultural influences that contradict biblical values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god.htm">Obedience to God</a></b><br>The command to destroy the Canaanite nations was ultimately about maintaining purity and obedience to God. We are called to obey God's Word and live lives that reflect His holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The physical battles of the Israelites symbolize the spiritual battles Christians face. We must be prepared to stand firm in our faith and resist the temptations of the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The Israelites were a community called to uphold God's standards. Similarly, Christians should support one another in living out their faith and holding each other accountable.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_child_sacrifice.htm">What does the Bible say about child sacrifice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_voodoo.htm">What is the Bible's stance on voodoo?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_11_12-15_align_with_sparing.htm">How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12–15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_command_killing_in_joshua_6_21.htm">If God loves everyone, why does He command the Israelites to kill entire populations, including women and children (Joshua 6:21)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֗עַן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">teach</span><br /><span class="heb">יְלַמְּד֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·lam·mə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3925.htm">Strong's 3925: </a> </span><span class="str2">To exercise in, learn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you to do</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּכֹל֙</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the detestable things</span><br /><span class="heb">תּֽוֹעֲבֹתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·‘ă·ḇō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they do</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשׂ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for their gods</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lê·lō·hê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] cause you to sin</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲטָאתֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·ṭā·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">לַיהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Deuteronomy 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:18 That they not teach you to do (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:19" /></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>