Old Testament

Exodus 34:15

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, God warns the people not to form agreements with the local inhabitants.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for they will go after their gods and offer sacrifices to them. They will invite you, and you will eat of their sacrifice.

KJVKing James Version

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God warns the people not to form agreements with the local inhabitants. The reason is that these people worship other gods and will try to lead you away from your faith. If you join them in their celebrations, you might end up participating in their sacrifices, which could draw you away from your commitment to God. This is a caution against being influenced by those who do not share your beliefs. The idea is to protect your relationship with God by avoiding situations that could compromise your values. It’s about staying true to what you believe and not getting caught up in practices that conflict with your faith. The message is clear: be mindful of who you associate with and the influences they have on your life. Your choices matter, and they can shape your spiritual journey significantly. Stay focused on your path and be aware of distractions that could lead you astray from your beliefs and commitments to God and your community of faith. This is about safeguarding your heart and mind. Explore related covenant.

How to apply Exodus 34:15 to your life

Consider the relationships in your life. Are there influences that lead you away from your values? Surround yourself with people who support your beliefs and encourage you to grow. Make choices that reflect your commitment to what you truly value and believe in. Stay true to yourself and your principles in all situations you face daily.  “Be mindful of your associations.”   “Choose wisely.”   “Stay focused.”   “Protect your heart.”

Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Exodus 34:15 mean?

Exodus 34:15 warns against making agreements with the local inhabitants who worship other gods. It emphasizes the risk of being led away from your faith by participating in their religious practices.

What is the significance of not making a covenant in Exodus 34:15?

The significance lies in protecting one's faith and values. By avoiding covenants with those who worship different gods, individuals can prevent being influenced away from their commitment to God.

What does 'go a whoring after their gods' mean in Exodus 34:15?

The phrase 'go a whoring after their gods' refers to the act of being unfaithful to God by pursuing other deities. It highlights the danger of being seduced by foreign worship practices.

How can Exodus 34:15 apply to modern relationships?

Exodus 34:15 applies to modern relationships by encouraging individuals to be cautious about who they associate with. It suggests surrounding oneself with people who share similar values to maintain spiritual integrity.

The Book of Exodus
Book Summary

The Book of Exodus

Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt

The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.

Premium

Unlock the full Exodus summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Exodus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 40 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Exodus summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.