Deuteronomy 4:17

KJV

The likeness of any beast that [is] on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:17 stands as a foundational prohibition within Moses's final discourse to Israel, explicitly forbidding the creation of any graven image resembling land animals or winged birds. This verse is part of a broader warning against idolatry, emphasizing God's incomparable nature and the absolute necessity of worshipping Him alone, without physical representations. It underscores the purity of worship required by the covenant and serves as a timeless reminder against substituting the Creator with any part of His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:17 is embedded within Moses's impassioned appeal to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a theological introduction to the Deuteronomic law, reminding the people of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Specifically, verses 15-19 constitute a direct expansion of the Second Commandment found in [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment"). Moses vividly recalls their experience at Mount Horeb (Sinai), emphasizing that when God spoke from the fire, they saw "no form" ([Deuteronomy 4:15](/deuteronomy/4-15 "Deuteronomy 4:15 - No Form Seen at Horeb")). This foundational truth – God's invisibility and transcendence – is the basis for the subsequent prohibition against making any physical likeness of Him. The list of forbidden images in [Deuteronomy 4:16-18](/deuteronomy/4-16 "Deuteronomy 4:16-18 - Forbidden Images") systematically covers all realms of creation: human, land animals, birds, creeping things, and fish, culminating in a warning against worshipping celestial bodies in [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Sun, Moon, and Stars Worship").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures that practiced various forms of idolatry. The surrounding nations, such as the Canaanites, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, routinely worshipped deities represented by animalistic forms (e.g., Egyptian animal-headed gods, bull worship, serpent cults). Moses's warning was not merely theoretical but a crucial safeguard against syncretism and apostasy, which had plagued Israel in the past (e.g., the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")). The prohibition aimed to establish Israel's distinct identity as a people whose God was utterly unique, incomparable, and transcendent, not to be confused with the immanent, often zoomorphic, deities of their neighbors. This command was vital for maintaining the purity of their covenant relationship and preventing the moral degradation often associated with pagan worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is the **Prohibition of Idolatry**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and the exclusive nature of true worship. It underscores **God's Incomparability and Transcendence**, highlighting that Yahweh is beyond human representation or comprehension, distinct from all created things. Any attempt to confine Him to a physical form diminishes His glory and nature, as seen in [Isaiah 40:18](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18 - To Whom Will You Liken God?"). The verse also champions the **Purity of Worship**, demanding that devotion be directed solely to the invisible, living God, fostering a spiritual and relational connection rather than a ritualistic or materialistic one. Finally, adherence to this command was a cornerstone of **Covenant Fidelity**, ensuring Israel's faithfulness to the covenant made at Horeb and preserving their unique identity as God's chosen people, set apart from the idolatrous nations around them, as reiterated throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Likeness (Hebrew, _temunah'_):** The Hebrew word תְּמוּנָה (_temunah_) signifies "form," "figure," "likeness," "representation," or "image." Its use here is crucial, as it prohibits not just the worship of actual animals, but the creation of any *representation* or *likeness* of them for religious purposes. This term emphasizes that even an artistic rendering, if intended as an object of worship or a representation of God, falls under the divine prohibition. It speaks to the idea that God cannot be confined to any created form, nor can He be adequately represented by one.
* **Beast (Hebrew, _behemah'_):** The Hebrew word בְּהֵמָה (_behemah_) is a general term for "beast" or "domesticated animal," but in broader contexts like this, it encompasses all land animals. By specifying "any beast that is on the earth," the text ensures a comprehensive prohibition against using any creature from the terrestrial realm as an idol or a divine representation. This category would include cattle, wild animals, and any creature that walks or crawls on the ground.
* **Winged fowl (Hebrew, _tsippor kanaph'_):** The phrase צִפּוֹר כָּנָף (_tsippor kanaph_) literally translates to "bird of wing" or "winged bird," referring to any flying creature. This explicitly extends the prohibition to the aerial realm, preventing the Israelites from making images of birds, which were often associated with deities or divine messengers in ancient Near Eastern religions. Together with "beast," it forms a comprehensive pair covering the animal kingdom on land and in the air.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The likeness of any beast that [is] on the earth":** This clause directly forbids the crafting of any image or representation that resembles a land animal. The emphasis is on the "likeness" (_temunah_), indicating that the prohibition is not merely against worshipping actual animals, but against creating an artistic or sculptural form that *looks like* a land animal, with the intent of using it in worship or as a divine symbol. This was a common practice in surrounding pagan cultures, where animal forms were often used to represent gods or their attributes.
* **"the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,"**: This second clause extends the previous prohibition to include all flying creatures. Just as with land animals, the creation of any "likeness" (_temunah_) of a bird or winged creature for idolatrous purposes is strictly forbidden. This comprehensive coverage of the animal kingdom (land and air) underscores the absolute nature of the command: no part of God's creation, however majestic or symbolic, is to be used as a substitute for the invisible, incomparable Creator Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:17 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are mentioned to represent a whole. By specifying "beast that is on the earth" and "winged fowl that flieth in the air," Moses covers the entirety of the animal kingdom, implying that *no* animal, regardless of its habitat, is suitable for representing God. This comprehensive scope leaves no room for exception. The repetition of "the likeness of any" at the beginning of each clause is an example of **Anaphora**, which adds emphasis and rhythm, reinforcing the absolute nature of the prohibition. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear **Prohibition**, a direct command against a specific action, which is characteristic of legal and covenantal texts in the Old Testament. The starkness of the prohibition highlights the unique nature of Israel's God, who cannot be contained or depicted by human artifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:17 is a cornerstone in the biblical theology of idolatry, deeply rooted in the understanding of God's unique nature. It asserts that because God is spirit, transcendent, and incomparable, He cannot be reduced to or represented by any created thing. This prohibition safeguards the purity of worship and the integrity of the covenant relationship, preventing Israel from falling into the syncretistic practices of surrounding nations. The command is not merely about physical images but about the heart's allegiance; anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, demanding ultimate loyalty or trust, becomes an idol. This theological principle resonates throughout Scripture, condemning any attempt to exchange the glory of the invisible God for created forms or concepts.

* [Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")
* [Isaiah 40:18](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18 - God's Incomparability")
* [Romans 1:23](/romans/1-23 "Romans 1:23 - Exchanging God's Glory for Images")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:17, while addressing ancient forms of idolatry, carries profound contemporary relevance. In a world saturated with images, consumerism, and self-promotion, the principle remains: anything that usurps God's rightful place in our hearts and minds becomes an idol. Modern idolatry often manifests not in carved statues, but in the worship of success, wealth, power, comfort, personal image, or even ideologies and political affiliations. This verse challenges us to constantly examine our allegiances and motivations, ensuring that our ultimate devotion is reserved for the living, incomparable God. It calls us to cultivate a spiritual worship that transcends physical representations, focusing on an intimate relationship with the Creator rather than relying on created things for security, identity, or fulfillment. True worship demands that God alone sits on the throne of our lives, unshared and unrivaled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "likenesses" or created things in my life might be subtly taking the place of God, demanding my ultimate loyalty or trust?**
* **How does the invisibility and incomparability of God, as emphasized in this verse, shape my understanding of true worship?**
* **In what ways can I ensure that my pursuit of success, comfort, or personal identity does not become an idol that diminishes God's sovereignty in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why is God so strict about images, especially those of animals?**

Answer: God is strict about images, including those of animals, primarily because He is transcendent and incomparable. As [Deuteronomy 4:15](/deuteronomy/4-15 "Deuteronomy 4:15 - No Form Seen at Horeb") states, when God revealed Himself at Horeb, the Israelites "saw no form." Any attempt to depict God with a created image, whether human, animal, or celestial, inherently diminishes His infinite glory and unique nature. Animals, while part of God's creation, are finite and limited; using their likeness to represent the Creator would reduce Him to the level of His creation, fostering a distorted and idolatrous understanding of who He is. This strictness was also a protective measure for Israel, safeguarding them from the prevalent pagan practices of the ancient Near East where animalistic deities were common, often associated with immoral rituals and false worship. God desired an exclusive, spiritual relationship with His people, free from the corrupting influence of idolatry.

**Does this verse forbid all forms of art or representation, even non-religious ones?**

Answer: No, this verse specifically forbids the creation of "likenesses" for the purpose of worship or as representations of God. The prohibition is against idolatry – making images to bow down to them or serve them, as outlined in [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment"). It does not prohibit art or representation in general. The Bible itself describes intricate artistic creations for the Tabernacle and Temple (e.g., cherubim, oxen, lions in [1 Kings 7:25-29](/1_kings/7-25 "1 Kings 7:25-29 - Bronze Sea and Bases in the Temple")), which were not intended for worship but for symbolic or decorative purposes within the context of God's prescribed worship. The key distinction lies in the *intent* and *use* of the image: if it is made to represent God or to be worshipped, it is forbidden; if it is for artistic, educational, or symbolic purposes that do not infringe on God's unique glory, it is not.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:17, with its emphatic prohibition against making images of created things to represent God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently declares God's invisibility and incomparability, stating that no one has seen God ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Yet, the New Testament boldly proclaims that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")) and "the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrew/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). While Israel was forbidden to create any physical likeness of God, God Himself, in His ultimate act of self-revelation, took on human likeness in the person of Jesus. In Christ, the transcendent, invisible God became visible and tangible, not as a created image to be worshipped *instead* of God, but as God Incarnate, the perfect revelation of the Father. Through Jesus, we are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), liberated from the need for physical representations and empowered to have direct fellowship with the living God through His Son. All forms of idolatry, whether ancient animal images or modern self-worship, are rendered obsolete by the supreme reality of Christ, who alone is worthy of our ultimate devotion and through whom we truly know and approach the Father.

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

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.