Deuteronomy 5:7

KJV

Thou shalt have none other gods before me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt have none other {H312} gods {H430} before {H6440} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are to have no other gods before me.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall have no other gods before Me.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:7 presents the foundational first commandment, "Thou shalt have none other gods before me," delivered by God to Israel through Moses. This pivotal declaration establishes the absolute exclusivity of the covenant relationship between the Lord and His people, demanding their singular allegiance, undivided worship, and complete devotion, thereby setting the theological bedrock for their national identity and spiritual life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses's grand address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," is largely a reiteration and exposition of the Mosaic Law given at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Moses's speech serves as a solemn reminder of the covenant stipulations, emphasizing obedience as the pathway to life and blessing in the land. The Ten Commandments, presented here in Deuteronomy 5, form the very core of this covenant, serving as the foundational principles upon which all other laws and societal structures are built. This specific commandment is the first and most fundamental, establishing the unique nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh before any other ethical or ritualistic commands are given.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is approximately 40 years after the Exodus, with the generation that experienced Mount Sinai having largely passed away. Moses is addressing their children, who are on the cusp of inheriting the land promised to Abraham. This new generation, while having witnessed God's provision in the wilderness, needs to internalize the covenant for themselves. They are about to enter Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures, idol worship, and fertility cults. The command "Thou shalt have none other gods before me" served as a stark and urgent warning against syncretism and apostasy, distinguishing Israel's monotheistic faith from the surrounding paganism and ensuring their distinct identity as God's chosen people in a hostile spiritual environment.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 5:7 introduces and undergirds several major themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it establishes **radical monotheism and divine exclusivity**, asserting that Yahweh alone is God and tolerates no rivals. This sets Israel apart from all other nations and their pantheons, as seen in the declaration of God's uniqueness in [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord Alone is God"). Secondly, it defines the **covenant relationship** as one of absolute loyalty and singular devotion; breaking this command is a direct violation of the covenant's primary condition, leading to severe consequences as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, it lays the groundwork for the **prohibition of idolatry**, not just in physical forms but in any allegiance or reverence given to anything other than the Lord, a theme further developed in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God"). Finally, it underscores **God's absolute supremacy and sovereignty**, emphasizing that His presence and authority are unparalleled and that no other entity can stand "before" Him in terms of worship or significance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm'_):** While often translated as "God" when referring to the one true God, here `ʾĕlōhîm` is used in the plural, referring to "other gods" or deities. This highlights the contrast between the multitude of pagan gods worshipped by surrounding nations and the singular, unique God of Israel. The command is not merely against specific idols but against the very concept of acknowledging or serving any other divine being.
* **Before me (Hebrew, _ʿal-pānay'_):** This crucial phrase literally translates to "upon my face" or "in my presence." It signifies more than just "in front of me" in a spatial sense. It conveys the idea of "in opposition to me," "alongside me," or "in my sight." It implies that no other god should even be conceived of, acknowledged, or honored in God's immediate sphere of influence or in a way that rivals His absolute claim to worship. It underscores God's omnipresence and His demand for exclusive, undivided attention and loyalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt have":** This opening phrase is a direct, emphatic, and personal prohibition. It uses the second person singular, addressing each Israelite individually, highlighting the personal responsibility to uphold this command. The verb implies possession or existence, meaning "you shall not have existing for you" or "you shall not possess."
* **"none other gods":** This specifies the object of the prohibition: any deity apart from Yahweh. It is a sweeping exclusion of all rival gods, whether they be the national gods of other peoples, local spirits, or even abstract concepts elevated to a divine status. The command is against polytheism in all its forms.
* **"before me":** As analyzed above, this phrase intensifies the exclusivity. It's not just about not worshipping other gods in secret, but about not having them exist "in God's sight" or "in His presence." It means no rival god is to be given any place, honor, or consideration that would diminish or compete with Yahweh's supreme authority and unique claim over His people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:7 powerfully employs several literary devices. Primarily, it is a **Direct Command** or **Imperative**, reflecting the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of God's will. The use of the negative "Thou shalt not" (implied in "none other") is a common feature of apodictic law, presenting an absolute prohibition. It functions as a **Monotheistic Declaration**, asserting the singularity and uniqueness of Yahweh in a world teeming with polytheistic beliefs. The phrase "before me" serves as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a "face" or "presence" to God, making His demand for exclusivity more immediate and personal. Furthermore, the commandment is an act of **Covenant Language**, laying the foundational condition for the relationship between God and Israel, where loyalty is paramount.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This first commandment is the theological cornerstone of the entire Mosaic Law, establishing the nature of the God with whom Israel has entered into covenant. It reveals God as utterly unique, sovereign, and jealous for His glory, demanding exclusive worship and loyalty from His people. This principle transcends mere ritualistic adherence, reaching into the very heart of one's devotion and allegiance. Any form of idolatry, whether overt worship of pagan deities or subtle devotion to anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives, is a direct affront to His supremacy and a breach of the covenant. This command sets the stage for understanding all subsequent commandments as flowing from and upholding this primary truth: God alone is God, and He alone is worthy of worship.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "God's Uniqueness")
* [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Jesus' Affirmation of Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:7 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities and allegiances. While overt idol worship may not be common in many contemporary societies, the principle of having "other gods before me" remains profoundly relevant. Anything that occupies the supreme place in our hearts, minds, and lives—anything that we trust in more than God, pursue more passionately than God, or derive our ultimate identity and security from apart from God—becomes an idol. This could manifest as the pursuit of wealth, career success, social status, personal comfort, relationships, or even our own self-will and desires. This commandment challenges us to continually examine our hearts, asking what truly holds the highest place in our lives and whether our devotion is truly singular and undivided towards the one true God. It is a call to continuous repentance and realignment, ensuring that God remains undeniably "before" all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "other gods" in my life that might subtly or overtly compete for God's rightful place?**
* **How does my daily schedule, spending habits, and thought life reflect my true priorities and allegiances?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to trust in something or someone other than God for security, identity, or fulfillment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more singular and undivided devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What does "before me" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase `ʿal-pānay` (literally "upon my face" or "in my presence") is crucial. It means more than just "in front of me" spatially. It conveys the idea of "in opposition to me," "alongside me," or "in my sight." It signifies that no other god should be acknowledged, worshipped, or even conceived of in God's immediate sphere of influence or in a way that competes with His absolute claim to worship. It underscores God's omnipresence and His demand for exclusive, undivided attention and loyalty. It's an absolute prohibition against any form of polytheism or syncretism that would diminish God's unique and supreme position.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The demand for singular devotion to God is perfectly embodied by Jesus, who consistently glorified the Father and declared His own unique relationship with Him, stating, "I and my Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")). Jesus affirmed the supremacy of this first commandment when asked about the greatest commandment, responding, "You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only" ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' Response to Temptation") and [Luke 4:8](/luke/4-8 "Luke 4:8 - Jesus' Rejection of Satan's Offer")), echoing the very essence of Deuteronomy 5:7. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate revelation of God, the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), through whom alone we can truly know and worship the Father. He is the sole mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")), making Him the exclusive path to God, thereby fulfilling the spirit of the command that there should be "none other gods before" the one true God revealed in Him. Our worship of the Father *through* the Son, in the power of the Spirit, is the New Covenant expression of this foundational commandment.

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

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

1 John 5:21

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

John 5:23

That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.