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Deuteronomy 12:31 - Reject idolatry's cruel abominations

Deuteronomy 12:31 - דברים 12:31

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂה כֵן לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כִּי כָּל־תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר שָׂנֵא עָשׂוּ לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם כִּי גַם אֶת־בְּנֵיהֶם וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֵיהֶם יִשְׂרְפוּ בָאֵשׁ לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not do so to the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hates, have they done to their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Transliteration

Lo-ta'ase chen la'Adonai Eloheicha, ki kol-to'avat Adonai asher sane'u asu leiloheihem, ki gam et-bneihem ve'et-bnotam yisrefu va'esh leiloheihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂ֣ה כֵ֔ן לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כִּי֩ כׇל־תּוֹעֲבַ֨ת יְהֹוָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׂנֵ֗א עָשׂוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּ֣י גַ֤ם אֶת־בְּנֵיהֶם֙ וְאֶת־בְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם יִשְׂרְפ֥וּ בָאֵ֖שׁ לֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶֽם׃
לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂ֣ה כֵ֔ן לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כִּי֩ כׇל־תּוֹעֲבַ֨ת יְהֹוָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׂנֵ֗א עָשׂוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּ֣י גַ֤ם אֶת־בְּנֵיהֶם֙ וְאֶת־בְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם יִשְׂרְפ֥וּ בָאֵ֖שׁ לֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Idolatrous Practices

The verse (Devarim 12:31) strongly prohibits imitating the abominable practices of idolaters in the service of Hashem. Rashi explains that this refers to the prohibition of offering human sacrifices, particularly children, as was common among pagan nations. The Torah emphasizes that such acts are utterly detestable to Hashem, even if performed with the intention of serving Him.

Severity of the Transgression

Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 6:1) cites this verse as a foundation for the prohibition of imitating idolatrous customs in any form. The burning of children in fire was a well-known practice among ancient pagan cultures, such as the worship of Molech (Vayikra 18:21). The Torah stresses that such acts are not only forbidden but are particularly abhorrent to Hashem.

Moral and Theological Implications

The Sforno comments that this verse highlights the stark contrast between the ethical demands of Torah and the immoral practices of idolatry. While idolaters believed extreme cruelty would appease their gods, the Torah demands sanctity of life and rejects any form of human sacrifice. The Ibn Ezra adds that this prohibition extends to any form of worship that mimics idolatrous methods, even if the intention is to honor Hashem.

Halachic Applications

  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 429) derives from this verse the prohibition against adopting any foreign worship practices, even if redirected toward Hashem.
  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64b) discusses how this verse was a key factor in eradicating the practice of child sacrifice to Molech during the times of the Kings.
  • Ramban warns that any innovation in divine service not rooted in Torah tradition risks violating this prohibition, as it may stem from foreign influences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 64b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of idolatrous practices, particularly the burning of children as offerings, which is condemned as an abomination to God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 12:31 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 12:31 warns against imitating the idolatrous practices of other nations, particularly child sacrifice, which is an abomination to Hashem. The Torah emphasizes that such acts are completely forbidden and contrary to Jewish values.
Q: Why is child sacrifice mentioned in this verse?
A: The verse highlights the extreme cruelty of idolatrous practices, such as child sacrifice, to show how far removed they are from the sanctity and morality demanded by Hashem. Rashi explains that this serves as a stark contrast to the Torah's emphasis on preserving life and holiness.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 12:31 today?
A: This verse teaches us to reject immoral and destructive behaviors, even if they are culturally accepted by others. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) explains that we must distance ourselves from any practice that contradicts Torah values, no matter how prevalent it may be in society.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern idolatry?
A: While literal child sacrifice is rare today, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) teaches that idolatry can take many forms, such as excessive devotion to materialism or harmful ideologies. This verse reminds us to prioritize serving Hashem with purity and avoid any form of spiritual corruption.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that Hashem hates these practices?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that Hashem's hatred for such acts underscores their severity. Unlike pagan gods who demand cruelty, Hashem desires kindness, justice, and reverence for life—principles that define the Jewish way of serving Him.