Old Testament
Deuteronomy 31:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And I will absolutely hide my face from them on that day because of all the evil they've done by turning to other gods.
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And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.
What Deuteronomy 31:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses a deep sense of disappointment and sorrow. He indicates that He will hide His face from the people because they have chosen to worship other gods instead of remaining faithful to Him. This act of turning away from God is seen as a serious offense, leading to a separation from His presence. The phrase 'hide my face' symbolizes a withdrawal of support and guidance. It highlights the consequences of their actions, emphasizing that their choices have real repercussions. God desires a relationship with His people, but their unfaithfulness creates a barrier. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and devotion in our relationships, especially with God. It challenges us to reflect on what we prioritize in our lives and whether we are turning to distractions that pull us away from our true source of strength and hope. Ultimately, it calls for a return to faithfulness and a commitment to the one true God who desires to be present in our lives.
How to apply Deuteronomy 31:18 to your life
Consider what distractions or 'gods' you might be turning to in your life. Reflect on your priorities and how they align with your values. Make a conscious effort to strengthen your relationship with God by dedicating time for prayer and reflection. Seek to be faithful in your commitments and choices each day. Remember, God desires closeness with you, so pursue that connection actively.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: “Be Strong and Courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:1–23)
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Moses
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Deuteronomy 31:18
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 31:18 mean?
Deuteronomy 31:18 expresses God's disappointment with His people for turning to other gods. It indicates that because of their unfaithfulness, God will withdraw His support and guidance, symbolized by hiding His face from them.
What is the significance of 'hide my face' in Deuteronomy 31:18?
The phrase 'hide my face' in Deuteronomy 31:18 signifies God's withdrawal from His people due to their disobedience. It represents a separation caused by their choice to worship other gods, highlighting the serious consequences of turning away from Him.
How does Deuteronomy 31:18 relate to faithfulness?
Deuteronomy 31:18 relates to faithfulness by illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder that loyalty to God is crucial for maintaining His presence and support in our lives.
What lessons can we learn from Deuteronomy 31:18?
From Deuteronomy 31:18, we learn the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and being aware of distractions that can lead us away from Him. It encourages self-reflection on our commitments and the need for faithfulness in our spiritual lives.
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