Deuteronomy 4:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Know {H3045} therefore this day {H3117}, and consider {H7725} it in thine heart {H3824}, that the LORD {H3068} he is God {H430} in heaven {H8064} above {H4605}, and upon the earth {H776} beneath: there is none else.

Complete Jewish Bible

know today, and establish it in your heart, that ADONAI is God in heaven above and on earth below - there is no other.

Berean Standard Bible

Know therefore this day and take to heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

American Standard Version

Know therefore this day, and lay it to thy heart, that Jehovah he is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath; there is none else.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:39 is a pivotal declaration of God's singular identity and universal sovereignty, serving as a foundational truth for the nation of Israel and all who seek to know Him. It is an urgent, heartfelt call to internalize the profound reality that the LORD (YHWH) is the one true God, reigning supreme over all creation, with no rival, equal, or alternative. This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical monotheism, demanding a deep, experiential acknowledgment of God's unmatched power, authority, and exclusive claim to worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:39 stands as the climactic theological assertion within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The immediate preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 4:32-38](/deuteronomy/4-32-38 "Deuteronomy 4:32-38 - God's Unparalleled Acts")) meticulously detail God's unparalleled acts of self-revelation and deliverance. Moses systematically builds an irrefutable case for YHWH's uniqueness by recounting the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, the divine voice speaking "out of the midst of the fire" at Mount Sinai ([Deuteronomy 4:33](/deuteronomy/4-33 "Deuteronomy 4:33 - God Speaks from Fire")), and the Lord's direct intervention to establish Israel as His chosen people. This verse, therefore, is not an abstract theological statement but the logical, necessary, and awe-inspiring conclusion drawn from God's demonstrable power, faithfulness, and covenant relationship throughout their history, demanding a profound, heartfelt response from the new generation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the precipice of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures that worshipped a vast pantheon of local and regional deities. These gods were often associated with natural phenomena (like Baal, the storm god) or specific cities, and their worship frequently involved practices anathema to YHWH, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. Moses' impassioned exhortation throughout [Deuteronomy 4](/deuteronomy/4 "Deuteronomy 4 - Warning Against Idolatry"), and particularly in this verse, served as a crucial bulwark against the inevitable temptations of syncretism and idolatry. The radical declaration that "the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else" was a counter-cultural assertion in a world teeming with gods, establishing Israel's unique monotheistic identity and calling them to unwavering, exclusive allegiance to their covenant God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty**, asserting His dominion over both the celestial and terrestrial realms, demonstrating that He is not merely a national deity but the cosmic ruler, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 4](/deuteronomy/4 "Deuteronomy 4 - Warning Against Idolatry"). Secondly, it establishes **Exclusive Monotheism**, a direct and unequivocal refutation of the polytheistic worldview prevalent in the ancient Near East. The phrase "there is none else" is an absolute statement of YHWH's solitary existence as God, demanding singular worship and devotion, a theme echoed profoundly in prophetic literature like [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God is the First and the Last"). Thirdly, the command to "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart" highlights the theme of **Internalized Knowledge and Obedience**. It is a profound call for a deep, personal conviction that transcends mere intellectual assent, demanding that this truth shape their identity, choices, and future in the Promised Land, aligning with the foundational call to love God with all their heart, soul, and might in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** This verb (H3045) signifies far more than mere intellectual apprehension. It denotes a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge, implying intimate acquaintance, recognition, and acknowledgment that profoundly shapes one's being and actions. To "know" God in this context means to acknowledge His reality, His power, and His exclusive claim on one's life through personal encounter and ongoing relationship, as demonstrated by His mighty acts of deliverance and revelation. It is a knowledge that leads to commitment and obedience.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** The divine tetragrammaton (H3068), God's personal, covenantal name revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God's Name Revealed")). This name signifies God's self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM"), His faithfulness to His promises, and His active, redemptive presence in the history of His people. The use of YHWH here emphasizes that it is this specific, covenant-making God, the God of Israel, who is the sole sovereign over all creation, distinct from all pagan deities.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" (H3824) is not merely the seat of emotion but the comprehensive center of one's entire being—encompassing intellect, will, conscience, and affections. To "consider it in thine heart" means to ponder deeply, to internalize this truth to the very core of one's person, allowing it to govern one's thoughts, decisions, and desires, leading to wholehearted commitment, unwavering devotion, and transformed living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart":** This opening imperative is a dual call to action, emphasizing both intellectual and volitional engagement. "Know" (יָדַע, _yada'_) demands an experiential, relational understanding of God's uniqueness, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, personal conviction. "Consider [it] in thine heart" (שׂוּם עַל־לְבָבֶךָ, _sum al-levavekha_) urges deep, reflective meditation and internalization of this truth. The "heart" (_levav_) in Hebrew thought encompasses the mind, will, and emotions, signifying that this truth must permeate every aspect of one's being, leading to conviction and transformed living. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of this command for the generation poised to enter Canaan, highlighting its timeless relevance.
* **"that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath":** This clause declares YHWH's absolute and comprehensive sovereignty. "The LORD he is God" (יְהוָה הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים, _YHWH hu ha'Elohim_) is a definitive statement of identity and exclusive deity, asserting that the covenant God of Israel is indeed the supreme God. The phrase "in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath" is a classic **merism**, a literary device using two contrasting parts to represent a complete whole. It signifies God's universal dominion over all realms—celestial and terrestrial, seen and unseen, spiritual and physical—leaving no sphere outside His authority. He is the God of the cosmos, not merely a local or national deity.
* **"[there is] none else":** This concluding phrase is a powerful, unequivocal declaration of exclusive monotheism. It is an absolute negation of any other deity, rival, or alternative to YHWH. This statement serves as the theological bedrock of Israel's faith, distinguishing them sharply from the polytheistic nations around them and demanding singular allegiance and worship. It underscores God's incomparable nature, His solitary existence, and His sole claim to divine status, leaving no room for syncretism or divided loyalties.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:39 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and urgent message. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as Moses passionately urges the people to internalize this foundational truth, using imperative verbs ("Know," "consider"). The structure of the verse itself, moving from a command to a definitive declaration and culminating in an absolute statement, builds a powerful rhetorical **Crescendo**, emphasizing the gravity and finality of the truth presented. The phrase "in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath" is a classic example of **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole, effectively conveying God's total and universal dominion over all creation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a profound **Monotheistic Affirmation**, a concise and emphatic statement of the singularity and supremacy of YHWH, setting the theological stage for all subsequent Israelite history and prophecy. The strategic use of the divine personal name **YHWH** alongside the generic "God" (**Elohim**) emphasizes both God's unique covenantal relationship with Israel and His universal divine nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:39 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, establishing the absolute uniqueness and universal sovereignty of God. This declaration underpins the entire covenant relationship between YHWH and Israel, demanding exclusive worship and allegiance. It fundamentally refutes all forms of idolatry and polytheism, asserting that the God who miraculously delivered Israel from Egypt is the one true God of all creation. This truth is not merely intellectual but calls for a deep, heartfelt conviction that shapes one's entire worldview and way of life, leading to faithful obedience. The theological implications extend to understanding God's omnipotence, omnipresence, and His unparalleled nature as the sole source of life, truth, and salvation, against whom no other power can stand.

* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Sole Deity")
* [Mark 12:29](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29 - The Greatest Commandment")
* [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One God, One Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly fragmented by competing ideologies, spiritualities, and allegiances, Deuteronomy 4:39 serves as an indispensable anchor for the believer. It calls us to a profound, internalized conviction that the LORD, the God of the Bible, is the one true God, sovereign over every facet of existence. This truth should not remain a mere theological concept but must permeate our hearts, minds, and wills, shaping our priorities, decisions, and responses to life's challenges. When we truly "know and consider" that there is "none else," our trust deepens, our worship becomes more fervent, and our lives are reoriented away from the subtle and overt idolatries of our age—be they wealth, comfort, self-reliance, worldly approval, or even personal ambition. This verse empowers us to live with unwavering devotion, recognizing that our ultimate hope, security, and allegiance belong solely to the incomparable God who reigns in heaven above and on earth beneath, whose power and love are without equal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to give ultimate allegiance or trust to something "else" besides the LORD?**
* **How does truly knowing God's absolute sovereignty impact my sense of control, anxiety, or worry in challenging circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more heartfelt "consideration" of God's uniqueness and supremacy in my daily life?**
* **How does the truth that "there is none else" transform my worship, prayer life, and evangelistic efforts?**

### FAQ

**Why is "consider it in thine heart" so important, and what does it mean for us today?**

Answer: The phrase "consider it in thine heart" (Hebrew: שׂוּם עַל־לְבָבֶךָ, _sum al-levavekha_) emphasizes that the truth of God's singularity and sovereignty is not meant to be merely an intellectual fact but a deep, internalized conviction that permeates one's entire being. In biblical thought, the "heart" (_levav_) is the comprehensive seat of intellect, will, and emotion—the core of one's personhood. Therefore, to "consider it in thine heart" means to ponder this truth deeply, allow it to shape your thoughts, desires, and decisions, and let it become the foundational principle of your life. For us today, it means moving beyond head-knowledge to heart-knowledge—allowing God's supreme identity to inform our worldview, guide our choices, and ignite our worship. It's a call to a living, transformative faith that impacts every area of our existence, as highlighted in the wisdom of [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart").

**How does Deuteronomy 4:39 relate to the concept of idolatry in a modern context?**

Answer: While overt idol worship of physical statues may be less common in many contemporary societies, the core principle of idolatry—placing anything or anyone in the rightful place of God—remains profoundly relevant. Deuteronomy 4:39's declaration, "there is none else," serves as a powerful and timeless warning against any form of idolatry, whether ancient or modern. In a modern context, "idols" can be subtle: wealth, career, power, comfort, self-image, relationships, technology, political ideologies, or even personal achievements. Anything that consumes our ultimate devotion, trust, and hope, or dictates our values and priorities more than God does, functions as an idol. This verse calls us to constantly examine our hearts and ensure that the LORD alone holds the supreme position, reminding us that true fulfillment, security, and purpose are found only in Him, as warned against in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:39, with its resounding declaration of God's singular identity and universal sovereignty, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament proclaims that "there is none else" besides YHWH, the New Testament reveals that this one true God has perfectly and fully revealed Himself in His Son. Jesus is not merely another prophet or a created being; He is the unique and eternal Son, the very radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, as declared in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). Through Him, all things were created, and in Him, all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The "LORD" who is "God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath" is the Father who sent the Son, and it is through the Son that we truly "know" the Father, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - The Son Reveals the Father")). Thus, the exclusive monotheism of Deuteronomy is not abolished but completed and clarified in the Trinitarian understanding of God, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God, and Jesus is the unique manifestation of that incomparable deity, the very "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, the invisible God is made visible, and His supreme reign is perfectly embodied and exercised.

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

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Deuteronomy 4:35

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

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Psalms 135:6

Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

Hosea 7:2

And they consider not in their hearts [that] I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.