Old Testament
Deuteronomy 32:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They sacrificed to demons, not to God — to gods they had never known, new gods that had recently appeared, gods your ancestors never feared.
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They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
What Deuteronomy 32:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the focus is on the misguided actions of people who turn to false gods instead of the true God. They are making sacrifices to entities that are not real, showing a lack of understanding and respect for their heritage. These new gods are unfamiliar and have no history with their ancestors, who did not worship them. This highlights a significant shift in values and beliefs, where people abandon what is true for what is trendy or new. The verse serves as a warning against the dangers of following after things that are not genuine or worthy of devotion. It emphasizes the importance of knowing and honoring the true God, rather than being swayed by the allure of modern idols. Ultimately, it calls for a return to faithfulness and reverence for the divine that has been part of their history. This message resonates today, reminding us to evaluate what we truly value and worship in our lives, ensuring it aligns with what is real and meaningful to us and our heritage.
How to apply Deuteronomy 32:17 to your life
Reflect on what you prioritize in your life. Are there modern distractions or trends that pull you away from what truly matters? Take time to reconnect with your core values and beliefs, ensuring they are rooted in authenticity and respect for your heritage. Choose wisely what you devote your time and energy to, focusing on what is genuine and lasting. Be mindful of the influences around you and their impact on your faith journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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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 32:17 mean?
Deuteronomy 32:17 highlights the folly of sacrificing to false gods instead of the true God. It points out that these new gods are unfamiliar and have no historical connection to the ancestors, emphasizing a shift away from genuine worship.
What is the significance of 'sacrificed to demons' in Deuteronomy 32:17?
The phrase 'sacrificed to demons' indicates that the people are engaging in worship of entities that are not real or worthy, showing a serious misdirection in their faith and values.
What does 'new gods' refer to in Deuteronomy 32:17?
'New gods' refers to unfamiliar deities that have recently emerged, which the people have started to worship, contrasting with the established faith of their ancestors.
What warning does Deuteronomy 32:17 provide?
Deuteronomy 32:17 serves as a warning against abandoning true faith for trendy or modern idols, urging people to remain faithful to their heritage and genuine beliefs.
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