Psalms 81:9 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Don't let any foreign god have a place in your life, and don't bow down to worship any foreign god.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is telling His people to worship Him alone and not to let any other gods into their hearts or lives.

📚 Historical Context

This psalm was written during a time when Israel was surrounded by nations that worshiped many different gods and idols. The Israelites were constantly tempted to adopt the religious practices of their neighbors, which often seemed more appealing or culturally acceptable. God had to repeatedly remind His chosen people that He alone deserved their worship and devotion.

Explore Similar Verses

2 Kings 17:26

So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, 'The foreign people you moved and settled in the cities of Samaria don't know how to worship the God of this land. Because of this, he has sent lions among them, and the lions are killing them, because they don't know the proper way to worship the God of this land.'

2 Chronicles 14:3

He removed the altars of foreign gods and the high places where people worshiped, broke down the idols, and cut down the sacred groves.

Jeremiah 16:13

Therefore I will throw you out of this land into a land that you don't know—a place neither you nor your ancestors have ever been. There you will serve other gods day and night, and I will not show you any mercy or kindness.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources