Deuteronomy 6:16

KJV

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted [him] in Massah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not tempt {H5254} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, as ye tempted {H5254} him in Massah {H4532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not put ADONAI your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah [testing].

Berean Standard Bible

Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.

American Standard Version

Ye shall not tempt Jehovah your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:16 delivers a solemn warning to the new generation of Israelites, standing on the precipice of the Promised Land, to avoid repeating the grievous sin of their ancestors. It prohibits "tempting" or "testing" the LORD their God, specifically referencing the incident at Massah where Israel challenged God's presence and provision, demonstrating a profound lack of faith and trust in His covenant faithfulness. This command serves as a foundational principle for living in faithful obedience and unwavering reliance on God's character and promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses's second major discourse in Deuteronomy, a series of exhortations delivered just before Israel enters Canaan. It immediately follows the "Shema" in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"), which commands singular love and devotion to the LORD. Following this foundational declaration, Moses provides practical applications of covenant fidelity, warning against idolatry and presumptuous testing of God. The surrounding verses emphasize the importance of diligently teaching God's commands to future generations ([Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching God's Commands")), ensuring that the lessons of the wilderness, both positive and negative, are not forgotten. The prohibition in [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the LORD") thus reinforces the absolute nature of the covenant relationship, demanding complete trust and obedience rather than skepticism or challenge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the LORD") directly references the incident at Massah (and Meribah), recorded in [Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim"). This event occurred early in Israel's wilderness wanderings when they faced a severe water shortage. Instead of trusting God's provision, they grumbled against Moses and, by extension, against God, demanding proof of His presence among them. Their question, "Is the LORD among us or not?" ([Exodus 17:7](/exodus/17-7 "Exodus 17:7 - Massah and Meribah")), encapsulated their profound doubt and lack of faith. Moses addresses a new generation, born after this event, who are about to inherit the land. He uses the historical failure of their parents as a cautionary tale, urging them to learn from the past and avoid similar acts of unbelief. In the ancient Near East, challenging a deity's power or demanding signs was a serious transgression, undermining the deity's sovereignty and the worshiper's loyalty.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the LORD") contributes significantly to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **covenant faithfulness** and the absolute necessity of **trust in God's provision**. The act of "tempting" God is presented as a direct antithesis to the singular love and devotion commanded in the Shema, highlighting the danger of **unbelief and doubt**. The verse also underscores the theme of **remembrance**, as Moses repeatedly calls the Israelites to recall God's mighty acts and their own past failures, ensuring that history serves as a teacher. Furthermore, it implicitly affirms **God's sovereignty** and His right to act according to His will, not according to human demands or challenges. The warning against testing God is a call to **humility and dependence**, recognizing that true obedience flows from a heart that trusts God's character, even in times of hardship, rather than demanding proof.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tempt (Hebrew, _nasah'_):** The Hebrew verb נָסָה (_nasah_) carries a range of meanings, including "to test," "to try," "to prove," or "to put to the test." While God often "tests" humanity to refine faith and reveal character (e.g., [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - The Testing of Abraham")), when humans "test" God, the connotation is overwhelmingly negative. In this context, it signifies challenging God's power, presence, or faithfulness, often out of unbelief, impatience, or a rebellious spirit. It is not an earnest seeking of God's will but a demanding of proof or a presumptuous act that puts God's character on trial.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** The use of the covenant name יְהוָה (_YHWH_), often translated as "LORD" (in all caps), is highly significant. This is the personal, redemptive name of God, by which He revealed Himself to Israel and with whom He established His covenant. To "tempt the LORD" is not merely to challenge a generic deity, but to challenge the very God who delivered them from slavery, sustained them in the wilderness, and promised them a land. It is a betrayal of the unique, intimate, and faithful relationship He initiated with them.
* **Massah (Hebrew, _Massah'_):** The place name מַסָּה (_Massah_) literally means "testing" or "proving." This name was given to the location in the wilderness (along with Meribah, meaning "quarreling") precisely because of the Israelites' act of testing God there. By referencing Massah, Moses provides a concrete, historical example of the kind of presumptuous testing that is forbidden. It serves as a vivid mnemonic for a profound failure of faith and trust in God's presence and provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition, a negative command (a jussive with a negative particle). It forbids any action or attitude that questions God's character, power, or presence. It is a call to unwavering faith and submission, rather than demanding that God prove Himself or act according to human expectations. The phrase "your God" emphasizes the covenant relationship and the absurdity of challenging the One who has demonstrated such faithfulness to them.
* **"as ye tempted [him] in Massah":** This clause provides the specific historical precedent for the prohibition. It grounds the abstract command in a concrete, well-known, and shameful incident from Israel's recent past. The sin at Massah was characterized by murmuring, demanding water, and questioning God's presence ("Is the LORD among us or not?"). By referencing this event, Moses reminds the new generation of the severe consequences of such unbelief and the importance of learning from the failures of their predecessors. It is a warning against repeating a specific, egregious act of faithlessness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:16 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful warning. **Allusion** is central, as the verse directly references the incident at Massah, a pivotal and negative event in Israel's wilderness history. This allusion immediately conjures images of Israel's murmuring and lack of faith, providing a concrete example of the forbidden behavior. The verse also functions as an **imperative**, delivering a direct and authoritative command ("Ye shall not..."), highlighting its non-negotiable nature within the covenant. Furthermore, it uses **historical analogy**, drawing a parallel between the past generation's failure at Massah and the potential for the current generation to repeat that sin. This analogy serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging the people to learn from history and avoid the same pitfalls of unbelief and presumption. The concise yet impactful phrasing also lends itself to **memorability**, ensuring the warning remains etched in the collective consciousness of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against tempting the LORD in [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the LORD") is a profound theological statement about the nature of humanity's relationship with God. It underscores that true faith is not about demanding proof from God, but about trusting His character and promises even when circumstances are challenging or His ways are inscrutable. To "tempt" God is to usurp His sovereignty, to question His goodness, or to presume upon His grace in a way that undermines the very foundation of covenant relationship. It is a failure to recognize God's absolute authority and His unwavering faithfulness. This principle resonates throughout scripture, emphasizing that God is to be worshipped and obeyed, not put on trial by His creation. It calls for a posture of humility, dependence, and unwavering trust, rather than skepticism or rebellion.

* [Psalm 95:8-9](/psalms/95-8 "Psalm 95:8-9 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Warning Against Unbelief")
* [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Warning Against Testing Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:16 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless warning against a subtle but dangerous form of unbelief. In our own lives, "tempting the LORD" can manifest in various ways: demanding miraculous signs as a condition for faith, presuming upon God's protection by engaging in reckless behavior without His clear leading, or succumbing to persistent complaining and doubt when faced with trials or unanswered prayers. It challenges us to examine our hearts: do we truly trust God's character and provision, or do we subtly (or overtly) put Him to the test, demanding that He conform to our expectations? This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering faith that rests in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult. It encourages patience, perseverance, and a spirit of gratitude, reminding us that our God is faithful and does not need to be proven or challenged.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we distinguish between earnestly seeking God's will and presumptuously "tempting" Him in our daily lives?**
* **What does it truly look like to trust God's character and provision, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be guilty of "testing" the Lord today, perhaps through complaining, demanding signs, or taking unnecessary risks?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness, both in scripture and in our personal lives, help us avoid the temptation to doubt and challenge Him in the present?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "tempt the LORD" as forbidden in Deuteronomy 6:16?**

Answer: To "tempt the LORD" (Hebrew: _nasah_) in this context means to put God to an unnecessary and presumptuous test, often out of unbelief, doubt, or a rebellious spirit. It's not about humbly seeking God's guidance or testing His promises in faith, but rather challenging His power, presence, or faithfulness. The incident at Massah ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")) illustrates this: the Israelites, lacking water, grumbled and demanded that God prove He was among them, effectively putting Him on trial. This act demonstrated a profound lack of trust in the God who had already performed mighty wonders for them. It is a sin because it questions God's character and sovereignty, demanding He act according to human terms rather than trusting His divine will and timing.

**Why is the incident at Massah so significant that it is referenced here?**

Answer: The incident at Massah ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")) is a foundational negative example in Israel's history, representing a critical failure of faith. It was one of the earliest and most blatant instances where the Israelites, despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, questioned His presence and ability to provide for them in the wilderness. By referencing Massah, Moses provides a concrete, unforgettable illustration of the sin of "testing God." It serves as a powerful warning to the new generation that they must not repeat the same errors of unbelief and murmuring that characterized their predecessors, which led to severe consequences and prolonged their wilderness wandering. It underscores the importance of unwavering trust and obedience in their covenant relationship with the LORD.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:16 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. When tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus directly quotes this very verse, declaring, "[Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")" ([Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Response to Temptation"); also [Luke 4:12](/luke/4-12 "Luke 4:12 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")). Satan's temptation to jump from the temple pinnacle was a direct challenge to Jesus to "test" God's protection, presuming upon His power. Jesus, as the faithful Son and the true Israel, perfectly resists this temptation, demonstrating absolute trust and obedience to the Father, even in the face of extreme duress. Unlike the Israelites at Massah who doubted God's presence and provision, Jesus never wavered in His reliance on the Father. His life was a perfect embodiment of unwavering faith, culminating in His ultimate act of trust on the cross, where He did not demand deliverance but faithfully submitted to God's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His perfect obedience, Jesus fulfills the Law's demand for absolute trust in God, providing both the ultimate example for believers and the means by which we, through faith in Him, can also live lives that do not tempt the LORD.

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 17:7

And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

Luke 4:12

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Matthew 4:7

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Psalms 95:8

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Psalms 95:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Hebrews 3:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.