Deuteronomy 4:35

KJV

Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he [is] God; [there is] none else beside him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto thee it was shewed {H7200}, that thou mightest know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} he is God {H430}; there is none else {H5750} beside him {H905}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was shown to you, so that you would know that ADONAI is God, and there is no other beside him.

Berean Standard Bible

You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.

American Standard Version

Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that Jehovah he is God; there is none else besides him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:35 delivers a foundational declaration of Yahweh's singular and absolute sovereignty, presented by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab. This verse encapsulates the profound truth that the God of Israel is unique, unrivaled, and the only true deity, revealed through His mighty acts so that His people might attain a transformative knowledge of Him, leading to exclusive worship and faithful obedience. It underscores that divine revelation is not merely for intellectual understanding but for a relationship that demands singular allegiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:35 is situated within Moses' opening discourse to the new generation of Israelites, poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a fervent exhortation to remember and obey the covenant laws established at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Moses vividly recounts the unparalleled, awe-inspiring revelation at Horeb, where God spoke directly to the entire nation "out of the midst of the fire" without assuming any visible form, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 4:12](/deuteronomy/4-12 "Deuteronomy 4:12 - God Speaks from Fire"). This direct, sensory encounter, further elaborated in [Deuteronomy 4:33-34](/deuteronomy/4-33-34 "Deuteronomy 4:33-34 - God Speaking from Fire"), stands in stark contrast to the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. It serves as the irrefutable evidence for the absolute declaration of God's singularity in verse 35, asserting that no other nation had experienced such a direct, powerful divine manifestation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the threshold of Canaan, a land permeated by polytheistic worship, diverse pantheons, and fertility cults. The surrounding cultures worshipped numerous gods and goddesses, often represented by physical idols, natural phenomena, or celestial bodies. In this spiritual landscape, the declaration of Yahweh as the one true God was revolutionary and profoundly counter-cultural. It was a foundational truth essential for Israel's distinct identity and survival as a holy nation set apart. Their covenant relationship, their unique laws, and their very existence were predicated on the exclusive worship of Yahweh, distinguishing them sharply from their neighbors and safeguarding them from the spiritual corruption of idolatry, a persistent temptation throughout their history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Revelation** is paramount; God actively "shewed" Himself, indicating a purposeful, intentional unveiling of His nature and will, not a human discovery or philosophical construct. This revelation was not merely a spectacle but a profound lesson designed to instill an undeniable truth about His uniqueness. Secondly, **Absolute Monotheism** is the core message, emphatically stating "the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him." This stands in stark opposition to the pervasive polytheism of the ancient Near East, asserting Yahweh's exclusive claim to deity and His unrivaled power. This foundational truth would be critical for Israel to maintain their distinct covenant identity and avoid syncretism. Thirdly, **Knowledge and Obedience** are inextricably linked; the explicit purpose of this revelation was "that thou mightest know." This knowledge was not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential, and transformative understanding of God's character and identity, intended to lead the Israelites to faithful obedience to the covenant, as Moses continually urged them to "keep his statutes and his commandments" found in [Deuteronomy 4:40](/deuteronomy/4-40 "Deuteronomy 4:40 - Keep His Statutes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shewed (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this primitive root signifies "to see, literally or figuratively." In this context, it emphasizes God's active, intentional, and public self-revelation to Israel. It implies a divine initiative to make Himself known through tangible, undeniable demonstrations, such as the events at Horeb, to ensure His people would "perceive" and "discern" His unique identity and power. This showing was not passive but a purposeful display designed to impart understanding.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know," encompassing a vast array of senses from intellectual ascertainment to intimate, experiential understanding. Here, it denotes more than mere intellectual recognition; it implies a deep, transformative, and relational knowledge of God's character and truth. The purpose of God's revelation was that Israel might "be aware," "comprehend," and "acknowledge" Him in a way that would lead to covenant faithfulness and exclusive devotion, moving beyond simple information to profound, life-altering conviction.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, signifying "the Self-Existent or Eternal One." Its usage here emphasizes God's personal, active, and unchanging nature, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant promises with Israel. When combined with "God" (`ʼĕlôhîym`), as "the LORD he is God," it powerfully asserts that Yahweh, the unique covenant-making God of Israel, is the one and only true supreme divine being, distinguishing Him from all other purported deities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto thee it was shewed":** This opening clause underscores the deliberate and direct nature of God's self-revelation to the nation of Israel. It was not a truth discovered by human intellect or philosophical inquiry, but a purposeful, divine demonstration, particularly referring to the miraculous events at Mount Horeb. The "thee" refers collectively to the Israelite people, emphasizing that this revelation was for their benefit and understanding.
* **"that thou mightest know":** This phrase articulates the explicit purpose of God's revelation. The "knowing" intended here is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential, and transformative understanding of God's unique character and identity. It implies a personal recognition that should lead to a life of worship, trust, and obedience, shaping their entire worldview and conduct.
* **"that the LORD he is God":** This is the central theological declaration of the verse, asserting Yahweh's exclusive claim to deity. It explicitly identifies the covenant God of Israel (YHWH) as the one true God (`ʼĕlôhîym`), establishing His absolute supremacy and singular authority over all other gods or idols. This statement forms the unshakeable theological bedrock of Israel's faith and their distinct identity.
* **"[there is] none else beside him":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful, unequivocal affirmation of absolute monotheism. It leaves no ambiguity regarding God's uniqueness and unrivaled status. It negates the existence of any other legitimate divine being, reinforcing that Yahweh is not merely the greatest god among many, but the only God worthy of worship and allegiance, demanding exclusive devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:35 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological truth and impress it upon the Israelite consciousness. The most prominent is **Declaration**, presenting an absolute, authoritative, and non-negotiable statement about God's nature and identity. This is powerfully reinforced by **Emphasis** through direct assertion and the use of emphatic language, particularly in the twin declarations "the LORD he is God" and "there is none else beside him," which serve to underscore the absolute singularity and exclusivity of Yahweh. The verse also utilizes implicit **Contrast**, setting Yahweh, who reveals Himself directly and without visible form, against the pagan deities of the ancient Near East, who were often represented by idols and associated with natural forces. This contrast highlights the unique and incomparable relationship Israel had with their transcendent God. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Didacticism**, as its explicit purpose is "that thou mightest know," indicating its role as a teaching instrument designed to instruct, persuade, and transform the understanding of the Israelite people regarding their God and their covenant responsibilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:35 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, establishing the absolute monotheism that defines Israel's faith and, subsequently, Christianity. It declares God's inherent uniqueness and His sovereign right to exclusive worship, setting Him apart from all other claimants to deity. This truth is not merely an abstract theological concept but a call to radical devotion and a foundation for understanding God's character as faithful, powerful, and utterly incomparable. It underscores that true knowledge of God comes from His self-revelation, not human speculation, and this knowledge demands a response of singular allegiance and obedience. The implications extend to the very identity of God's people, who are called to reflect His uniqueness in a world of competing allegiances, and it foreshadows the New Testament's affirmation of one God.

* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the LORD, and there is none else")
* [Mark 12:29](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29 - The Foremost Commandment")
* [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One God, One Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:35 calls believers today to a profound re-evaluation of their ultimate allegiance and the objects of their devotion. In a world saturated with competing philosophies, ideologies, material pursuits, and even self-worship, which often function as modern idols, this verse anchors our faith in the singular reality of the one true God. It reminds us that our God is not merely one option among many spiritual paths, but the unrivaled Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things, who has actively revealed Himself so that we might truly know Him. This knowledge should inspire exclusive devotion, deep trust, and unwavering obedience, recognizing that true life, meaning, and blessing are found only in Him. It challenges us to examine what truly holds the place of "God" in our lives and to align our worship, priorities, and actions with the profound truth that there is "none else beside Him."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or ultimate allegiances, whether material, ideological, or personal, compete for your devotion in today's world, and how does the truth of Deuteronomy 4:35 challenge them?**
* **In what specific ways has God "shewed" Himself to you personally and corporately (through Scripture, creation, or community), and how has that revelation deepened your knowledge and understanding of His unique nature?**
* **How does the foundational knowledge that "the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him" practically impact your prayer life, your worship expressions, and your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **Considering the pluralistic and often secular society we inhabit, how can you more consistently and authentically live out an exclusive devotion to the one true God in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so crucial for Israel to grasp the concept of God's singularity before entering the Promised Land?**

Answer: It was absolutely crucial because the Promised Land, Canaan, was steeped in pervasive polytheistic worship, with numerous local deities, fertility cults, and idolatrous practices. Without a firm understanding and unwavering commitment to Yahweh's absolute singularity, Israel would have inevitably assimilated into the surrounding cultures, adopting their gods and practices. This would have directly violated their covenant with Yahweh, who demanded exclusive worship as outlined in the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). Their distinct identity, their ethical framework, their national purpose, and their very existence as God's chosen people depended entirely on their unique relationship with the one true God. Knowing "there is none else beside him" was their spiritual shield against syncretism, apostasy, and ultimately, national judgment.

**How does God "shew" Himself to humanity today, if not through fire and voice as at Horeb?**

Answer: While God no longer typically reveals Himself through dramatic, audible pronouncements from fire to entire nations, His self-revelation continues in profound and sufficient ways. Primarily, God has revealed Himself definitively and fully in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). As [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") states, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Additionally, God reveals Himself authoritatively through His written Word, the Bible, which is "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture Is God-Breathed")). He also reveals Himself universally through creation, where His "invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made" ([Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes")), and intimately through the inner witness and illumination of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth and convicts the world of sin and righteousness ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:35's profound declaration that "the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him" finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament powerfully asserts the singularity of God, the New Testament reveals how this one God eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with Jesus being the very embodiment of the "LORD" (Yahweh) and "God" (Elohim) who revealed Himself to Israel. Jesus Himself declared, "I and the Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father Are One")), and the apostle Paul affirms that "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The unique self-revelation of God to Israel, culminating in the burning bush and the voice from the fire, foreshadows the ultimate, personal, and accessible revelation of God's character and nature in the incarnate Son. Through Christ, humanity truly "knows" God in a way previously unimaginable, for He is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The exclusive claim of Yahweh in Deuteronomy is not diminished but perfectly unveiled and made accessible through the Lamb of God, who is the "true God and eternal life" ([1 John 5:20](/1_john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - True God and Eternal Life")), inviting all to know the one true God through Him.

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

Isaiah 45:18

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.

1 Samuel 2:2

[There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God.

Isaiah 45:5

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Deuteronomy 4:39

Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart, that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else.

Isaiah 44:8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.