Deuteronomy 4:16

KJV

Lest ye corrupt [yourselves], and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest ye corrupt {H7843} yourselves, and make {H6213} you a graven image {H6459}, the similitude {H8544} of any figure {H5566}, the likeness {H8403} of male {H2145} or female {H5347},

Complete Jewish Bible

do not become corrupt and make yourselves a carved image having the shape of any figure - not a representation of a human being, male or female,

Berean Standard Bible

that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female,

American Standard Version

lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:16 delivers a foundational prohibition against idolatry, sternly warning the Israelites not to corrupt themselves by creating any physical representation of God or other deities. This command extends to any "graven image" or "similitude" in human or animal form, directly confronting the pervasive pagan practices of the ancient Near East. The verse powerfully reinforces the unique, transcendent, and invisible nature of Yahweh, who cannot be confined or depicted by human hands, thereby underscoring the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion as a cornerstone of the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:16 is situated within Moses's impassioned first discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a profound call to remember and faithfully obey the covenant laws revealed at Mount Horeb (Sinai). The verse directly follows Moses's emphatic declaration in [Deuteronomy 4:15](/deuteronomy/4-15 "Deuteronomy 4:15 - No Form at Horeb") that during God's appearance at Horeb, the people "saw no form." This crucial absence of a visible manifestation of God provides the theological bedrock for the subsequent prohibition against making images. Moses meticulously articulates the terms of Israel's unique relationship with God, emphasizing that their God is incomparable and cannot be reduced to a tangible form, thus setting the stage for the comprehensive warnings against idolatry that follow throughout the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal historical juncture, poised to enter Canaan, a land deeply entrenched in polytheistic cultures where the worship of numerous gods, often embodied by physical idols, was commonplace. Surrounding nations, including the Egyptians from whom Israel had recently been delivered, engaged in elaborate cultic practices involving images of deities in human, animal, or composite forms. The command in [Deuteronomy 4:16](/deuteronomy/4-16 "Deuteronomy 4:16 - Prohibition Against Idolatry") was not merely an abstract theological point but a vital practical safeguard against syncretism and assimilation into the corrupting practices of their neighbors. It served to sharply distinguish Israel's unique religious identity, centered on the worship of an invisible, transcendent God who demanded exclusive allegiance, thereby preserving the purity of their covenant relationship and preventing the moral and spiritual degradation associated with pagan worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Prohibition of Idolatry**, directly reiterating the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment") and emphasizing that the creation of any "graven image" is an act of rebellion against God's unique nature. It highlights God's **Transcendence and Invisibility**, asserting that the God of Israel cannot be confined or represented by human-made objects, for He is Spirit, infinite, and utterly beyond human comprehension. The phrase "Lest ye corrupt yourselves" introduces the theme of **Spiritual Purity and Corruption**, underscoring that idolatry is not merely a ritualistic error but a profound moral and spiritual defilement that severs the worshipper's unique relationship with the living God. Finally, it reinforces **Covenant Fidelity** and **Exclusive Worship**, reminding Israel that their special relationship with Yahweh demanded absolute loyalty and devotion, setting them apart from the polytheistic nations and echoing the foundational call for singular devotion found in the [Shema](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **corrupt (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This verb (H7843) signifies to decay, ruin, destroy, or pervert, often carrying strong moral and ethical connotations. In this context, it describes the internal defilement and moral degradation that result from engaging in idolatry. It implies that idolatry is not just an external act but a profound spiritual deterioration that pollutes the worshiper's relationship with God and distorts their very being, leading to a state of spiritual ruin.
* **graven image (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut" or "to hew," _peçel_ (H6459) refers specifically to an idol carved from wood or stone, or cast from metal. It emphasizes the human manufacture of the object, contrasting sharply with the uncreated, self-existent God. This term highlights that the object of worship is a product of human hands and imagination, inherently limited and powerless, unlike the living God.
* **similitude (Hebrew, _tᵉmûwnâh'_):** This word (H8544) denotes a form, shape, or representation. Its use here, especially in conjunction with the preceding verse ([Deuteronomy 4:15](/deuteronomy/4-15 "Deuteronomy 4:15 - No Form at Horeb")), reinforces that God has no discernible form that can be replicated. The prohibition extends beyond just "graven images" to any attempt to capture or depict God's essence in a visible, tangible way, emphasizing His incomparable and spiritual nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest ye corrupt [yourselves]":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the dire consequence of idolatry: self-corruption. The act of making and worshipping idols is not merely an external transgression but an internal defilement that pollutes the worshiper's soul and distorts their spiritual integrity. It highlights the inherent danger of turning away from the true God, leading to moral decay and a ruined relationship with the divine.
* **"and make you a graven image":** This is the direct command, prohibiting the physical creation of idols. The emphasis is on the human agency in manufacturing these objects of worship, which are then imbued with false power. This act is a direct violation of God's command and a denial of His invisible, incomparable nature.
* **"the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female":** This clause expands the scope of the prohibition to be all-encompassing. "Any figure" (Hebrew _çemel_, H5566) includes animals, celestial bodies, or any other created thing that pagan cultures worshipped. "The likeness of male or female" (Hebrew _tabnîyth_, H8403, of _zâkâr_, H2145, or _nᵉqêbâh_, H5347) specifically forbids representing God or any deity in human form, directly challenging the anthropomorphic idols common in the ancient world. This comprehensive language ensures that no form of created thing, whether human, animal, or otherwise, is to be used as a representation for worship, reinforcing God's unique transcendence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is **Prohibition**, expressed through negative commands ("Lest ye corrupt... and make not"). This direct, legalistic language underscores the absolute nature of the commandment. There is also a strong sense of **Warning**, indicated by "Lest ye," which highlights the severe consequences of disobedience. The verse utilizes **Merism** through the phrase "male or female," which serves to encompass all humanity, indicating that no human form, regardless of gender, is suitable for representing the divine. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Exposition** by elaborating on the implications of the preceding statement in [Deuteronomy 4:15](/deuteronomy/4-15 "Deuteronomy 4:15 - No Form at Horeb") that God has no visible form. The **Repetition** of the concept of "likeness" or "similitude" (implied from "figure" and "likeness") reinforces the comprehensive nature of the ban on any visual representation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:16 is a powerful theological statement about the nature of God and the nature of true worship. It asserts God's absolute transcendence and uniqueness, declaring that He cannot be confined to human categories or represented by anything created. Any attempt to do so diminishes His glory, reduces Him to the level of human-made objects, and ultimately corrupts the worshiper. This prohibition is not merely about avoiding physical statues but about cultivating an understanding of God as Spirit, infinite, and beyond human manipulation. It calls for a worship that is spiritual and internal, rather than material and external. The verse also highlights the exclusive nature of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, demanding singular loyalty and setting them apart from the idolatrous nations. True worship requires a heart undivided, focused solely on the invisible, living God.

* [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment")
* [Isaiah 40:18-20](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18-20 - God's Incomparable Nature")
* [Romans 1:22-23](/romans/1-22 "Romans 1:22-23 - The Exchange of God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Deuteronomy 4:16 addresses the literal creation of physical idols in the ancient world, its underlying principle remains profoundly relevant for believers today. The core warning is against anything that displaces God from His rightful place of supreme devotion in our lives or distorts our understanding of His true nature. In a contemporary context, "graven images" can manifest as materialism, where wealth and possessions demand our ultimate allegiance; as self-worship, where personal ambition, comfort, or ego become the center of our universe; or as the idolization of ideologies, relationships, or even ministry itself. We can also "corrupt ourselves" by creating a god in our own image—a god who conforms to our desires, never challenges our sin, or exists merely to serve our purposes, rather than the majestic, holy God revealed in Scripture. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination: What truly holds our affection, time, and energy? What do we trust in for security, identity, and fulfillment? A pure faith demands exclusive devotion to the one true God, worshipping Him in spirit and truth, free from any substitutes or distortions that would "corrupt" our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "graven images" or "similitudes" might I be creating in my own life that subtly displace God from His rightful place?**
* **How might my pursuit of comfort, success, or approval inadvertently become an idol that "corrupts" my spiritual integrity?**
* **Am I worshipping God as He has revealed Himself in His Word, or have I created a "likeness" of God that is more comfortable or convenient for me?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to the invisible, transcendent God?**

### FAQ
**Does this command mean all images or art are forbidden for Christians?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The prohibition in [Deuteronomy 4:16](/deuteronomy/4-16 "Deuteronomy 4:16 - Prohibition Against Idolatry") (and the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")) is specifically against making images *for worship* or as *representations of God* that would diminish His transcendence. It's a ban on idolatry, not on art or visual representation in general. The Bible itself describes divinely commanded artistic creations, such as the cherubim in the tabernacle ([Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains")) and temple ([1 Kings 6:23](/1_kings/6-23 "1 Kings 6:23 - Cherubim in the Temple")), which were not worshipped but served symbolic purposes. The key distinction lies in whether an image becomes an object of devotion, a means of controlling God, or a reduction of His infinite nature.

**How does "corrupt yourselves" relate to the act of making an idol?**

Answer: The phrase "corrupt yourselves" (Hebrew _shâchath_) indicates that idolatry is not merely an external ritualistic error but a profound internal defilement. When one creates an idol, they are attempting to confine the infinite God to a finite, human-made object. This act distorts one's understanding of God, leads to a false sense of control over the divine, and ultimately degrades the worshiper's own spiritual and moral character. The act of worshiping a created thing instead of the Creator fundamentally perverts the worshiper's relationship with God, leading to spiritual decay and moral compromise, as seen in passages like [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Romans 1:21-25 - Exchange of Truth for a Lie").

**Is this command still relevant for believers today, given that most people don't worship physical statues?**

Answer: Absolutely. While physical statue worship may be less prevalent in many modern societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry, at its core, is putting anything in God's place or deriving ultimate meaning, security, or identity from anything other than God. Modern "graven images" can take many forms: materialism, career success, relationships, technology, self-image, political ideologies, or even religious traditions that become ends in themselves. [Deuteronomy 4:16](/deuteronomy/4-16 "Deuteronomy 4:16 - Prohibition Against Idolatry") calls us to examine our hearts and lives for anything that demands our ultimate allegiance, reminding us that true worship requires exclusive devotion to the one true God, in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:16, with its stern warning against making any "similitude" or "likeness" of God, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prohibition underscored God's invisibility and transcendence, emphasizing that no human-made image could ever capture His essence. Yet, in the New Testament, we are told that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Jesus, Image of the Invisible God")) and the "exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, Exact Imprint of His Nature")). God, who could not be seen or represented by human hands, has now perfectly revealed Himself in the Incarnate Son. Jesus is not a "graven image" made by human hands, but God Himself, fully revealing the Father to us. He perfectly embodies the truth of God's nature, allowing humanity to truly "see" God without violating the command against idolatry. Through Christ, the spiritual corruption caused by idolatry is addressed; He purifies our hearts and enables us to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), freeing us from the bondage of false gods and redirecting our worship to the Father through Him. As [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols") exhorts, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols," a call that is truly possible only as we fix our gaze on the one who is the true and living image of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 17:29

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

Romans 1:22

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:24

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Deuteronomy 4:23

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.

Exodus 20:4

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Deuteronomy 5:8

Thou shalt not make thee [any] graven image, [or] any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters beneath the earth: