Deuteronomy 7:26 - Avoid idolatry's spiritual contamination

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Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־תָבִיא תוֹעֵבָה אֶל־בֵּיתֶךָ וְהָיִיתָ חֵרֶם כָּמֹהוּ שַׁקֵּץ תְּשַׁקְּצֶנּוּ וְתַעֵב תְּתַעֲבֶנּוּ כִּי־חֵרֶם הוּא׃

English Translation

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thy house, lest thou become accursed like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.

Transliteration

Ve-lo tavi to'eva el beitekha ve-hayita herem kamohu shaketz teshaktzenu ve-ta'ev teta'avenu ki-herem hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־תָבִ֤יא תֽוֹעֵבָה֙ אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ וְהָיִ֥יתָ חֵ֖רֶם כָּמֹ֑הוּ שַׁקֵּ֧ץ ׀ תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛נּוּ וְתַעֵ֥ב ׀ תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖נּוּ כִּי־חֵ֥רֶם הֽוּא׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Bringing Abominations into the Home

The verse (Devarim 7:26) commands not to bring an abomination (to'eivah) into one's home, warning that doing so would render a person cherem (accursed) like the object itself. Rashi explains that this refers specifically to idols and items used in idol worship, which are spiritually contaminating. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 7:2) expands this prohibition to include any object associated with idolatry, emphasizing that even keeping such items for aesthetic or monetary value is forbidden.

Complete Rejection of Abominations

The Torah mandates not merely avoidance but active revulsion: "שַׁקֵּץ תְּשַׁקְּצֶנּוּ וְתַעֵב תְּתַעֲבֶנּוּ" ("you shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it"). The Sifrei (Devarim 53) teaches that this language implies a requirement to cultivate an internal hatred for idolatry and its trappings, ensuring no trace of temptation remains. The Ibn Ezra notes that the double language (shaketz teshaktzenu, ta'av te'tavenhu) underscores the severity of the prohibition—both in action and thought.

The Nature of Cherem (Accursed Status)

The verse concludes by stating "כִּי־חֵרֶם הוּא" ("for it is a cursed thing"). The Ramban explains that cherem denotes something utterly forbidden and cut off from permissible use. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 54b) derives from this that even indirect benefit from such items is prohibited. The Kli Yakar adds that bringing an abomination into one’s home spiritually aligns a person with its cursed state, jeopardizing their connection to kedushah (holiness).

Practical Halachic Implications

Idolatrous Objects: One must destroy or dispose of any item used in idol worship (Shulchan Aruch YD 146:1).
Non-Jewish Art: Decorative items depicting idolatrous symbols are forbidden in a Jewish home (Mishneh Torah, Avodah Zarah 7:10).
Spiritual Influence: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 429) warns that proximity to such objects weakens one’s moral and spiritual resolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:26 mean when it says not to bring an 'abomination' into your house?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, this verse warns against bringing idolatrous objects or anything associated with avodah zarah (foreign worship) into one's home. The Torah emphasizes that such items are spiritually harmful and can negatively influence a person's connection to Hashem.

Q: Why does the Torah say we should 'utterly detest' certain things?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim that this commandment teaches us to actively distance ourselves from anything that could lead to idolatry or immoral behavior. By cultivating a strong aversion to these things, we protect our spiritual purity and commitment to Torah values.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer face the same idolatrous practices as in ancient times, Orthodox Judaism applies this principle to avoiding any influences that contradict Torah values. This includes being careful about what media, artwork, or cultural items we bring into our homes that might conflict with Jewish law or morality.

Q: What does it mean that something can make you 'accursed like it'?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 52b) explains that associating with forbidden objects can spiritually contaminate a person just as the objects themselves are contaminated. This teaches that we're affected by what we allow into our environment and lives.

Q: What kind of items would be included in this prohibition today?
A: While the primary reference is to idolatrous items, halachic authorities extend this to include any object used for prohibited purposes or that represents values antithetical to Torah. For example, some poskim prohibit owning certain statues or artwork that might be problematic based on their form or origin.