King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The likeness of any beast that [is] on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
Complete Jewish Bible:
or a representation of any animal on earth, or a representation of any bird that flies in the air,
Berean Standard Bible:
of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air,
American Standard Version:
the likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flieth in the heavens,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The likeness{H8403} of any beast{H929} that is on the earth{H776}, the likeness{H8403} of any winged{H3671} fowl{H6833} that flieth{H5774} in the air{H8064},
Cross-References (KJV):
Romans 1:23
- And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Deuteronomy 4:17
Deuteronomy 4:17 is part of Moses' second address to the Israelites, which comprises the book of Deuteronomy. This verse is situated within a broader passage (Deuteronomy 4:15-20) that warns the people against idolatry, reminding them of the incident at Mount Sinai (Horeb) where they saw no form when God spoke to them, and thus should not make or worship any graven image.
The historical context of this verse is the period just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses is preparing them for life in Canaan, where they will be surrounded by pagan cultures that worship a pantheon of gods in various forms, including animals and celestial bodies.
**Themes of Deuteronomy 4:17:**
1. **Prohibition of Idolatry:** The primary theme of this verse is the strict prohibition against making idols or representations of any living creature, whether animals or birds, for the purpose of worship. This command is rooted in the belief that God is spiritual and does not have a physical form that can be captured in an image.
2. **Monotheism:** The verse underscores the monotheistic nature of Israelite religion, emphasizing that there is only one God, who is distinct from all created beings and should not be confused with them through the worship of idols.
3. **Divine Revelation:** The passage alludes to the unique way in which God revealed Himself to the Israelites at Mount Sinai—without any visible form—which serves as the basis for the command against idolatry.
4. **Obedience to God's Commands:** The verse is part of a larger discourse on the importance of obeying God's laws. Moses stresses that adherence to these commands is essential for the well-being and faithfulness of the Israelite community in the land they are about to possess.
5. **Cultural Purity:** By prohibiting the creation of idols resembling creatures, God is also safeguarding the cultural and religious purity of Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations and their religious practices.
In summary, Deuteronomy 4:17 reflects the importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh, the rejection of idolatry, and the maintenance of religious and cultural distinctiveness as the Israelites prepare to enter and live in the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8403
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּבְנִית
Transliteration: tabnîyth
Pronunciation: tab-neeth'
Description: from בָּנָה; structure; by implication, a model, resemblance; figure, form, likeness, pattern, similitude. - Strong's Number: H929
There are 172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּהֵמָה
Transliteration: bᵉhêmâh
Pronunciation: be-hay-maw'
Description: from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective); beast, cattle. - Strong's Number: H776
There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶרֶץ
Transliteration: ʼerets
Pronunciation: eh'-rets
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. - Strong's Number: H3671
There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּנָף
Transliteration: kânâph
Pronunciation: kaw-nawf'
Description: from כָּנַף; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle; [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). - Strong's Number: H6833
There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צִפּוֹר
Transliteration: tsippôwr
Pronunciation: tsip-pore'
Description: or צִפֹּר; from צָפַר; a little bird (as hopping); bird, fowl, sparrow. - Strong's Number: H5774
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוּף
Transliteration: ʻûwph
Pronunciation: oof
Description: a primitive root; to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence (as denominative from עוֹף); to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning); brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. - Strong's Number: H8064
There are 395 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁמַיִם
Transliteration: shâmayim
Pronunciation: shaw-mah'-yim
Description: dual of an unused singular שָׁמֶה; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve); air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s).