Deuteronomy 4:16
Deuteronomy 4:16 in Multiple Translations
that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female,
Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
So that you may not be turned to evil ways and make for yourselves an image in the form of any living thing, male or female,
that you don't spoil your relationship with the Lord by making an idol for yourselves in any shape or form, whether it looks like a male or female,
That ye corrupt not your selues, and make you a grauen image or representation of any figure: whither it be the likenes of male or female,
lest ye do corruptly, and have made to you a graven image, a similitude of any figure, a form of male or female —
lest you corrupt yourselves, and make yourself a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
Lest ye corrupt yourselves , and make to you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
Lest perhaps being deceived you might make you a graven similitude, or image of male or female,
that you do not sin by making for yourselves any idol of something that can be seen! Do not make an idol that resembles any person, either a man or a woman,
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּ֨ן
תַּשְׁחִת֔וּ/ן
וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֥ם
לָ/כֶ֛ם
פֶּ֖סֶל
תְּמוּנַ֣ת
כָּל
סָ֑מֶל
תַּבְנִ֥ית
זָכָ֖ר
א֥וֹ
נְקֵבָֽה
פֶּ֨ן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תַּשְׁחִת֔וּ/ן
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֥ם
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
לָ/כֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
פֶּ֖סֶל
peçel
H6459
idol
N-ms
תְּמוּנַ֣ת
tᵉmûwnâh
H8544
likeness
N-fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
סָ֑מֶל
çemel
H5566
idol
N-ms
תַּבְנִ֥ית
tabnîyth
H8403
pattern
N-fs
זָכָ֖ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
נְקֵבָֽה
nᵉqêbâh
H5347
female
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:16
פֶּ֨ן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תַּשְׁחִת֔וּ/ן
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֥ם
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/כֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
פֶּ֖סֶל
peçel
H6459
"idol"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.
Definition: idol, image Also means: pe.sil (פָּסִיל "idol" H6456)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image. See also: Exodus 20:4; 2 Chronicles 33:7; Psalms 97:7.
תְּמוּנַ֣ת
tᵉmûwnâh
H8544
"likeness"
N-fs
This word signifies a likeness or image, such as the likeness of God in humanity, as seen in Genesis 1:26. It represents a shape or form, and can be a manifestation of favor. The Bible uses it to describe God's image in people.
Definition: form, image, likeness, representation, semblance
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: image, likeness, similitude. See also: Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:23; Psalms 17:15.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
סָ֑מֶל
çemel
H5566
"idol"
N-ms
An idol or image, often referring to a statue or figure worshipped as a god. This concept is seen in the Bible as something that goes against God's commands. It represents a false god or object of worship.
Definition: image, statue, idol
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: figure, idol, image. See also: Deuteronomy 4:16; 2 Chronicles 33:15; Ezekiel 8:5.
תַּבְנִ֥ית
tabnîyth
H8403
"pattern"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a pattern or model, like a blueprint for building something. It appears in Exodus 25:40, describing the pattern for the tabernacle. The idea is to follow a specific design or plan.
Definition: 1) pattern, plan, form, construction, figure 1a) construction, structure 1a1) meaning uncertain 1b) pattern 1c) figure, image (of idols)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: figure, form, likeness, pattern, similitude. See also: Exodus 25:9; 1 Chronicles 28:12; Psalms 106:20.
זָכָ֖ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
נְקֵבָֽה
nᵉqêbâh
H5347
"female"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means female, referring to a woman, girl, or female animal. It is used in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe the female sex.
Definition: 1) female 1a) woman, female child 1b) female animal
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: female. See also: Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 12:5; Jeremiah 31:22.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:16
Context — A Warning against Idolatry
14At that time the LORD commanded me to teach you the statutes and ordinances you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.
15So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful
16that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female,
17of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, 18or of any creature that crawls on the ground or fish that is in the waters below.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 17:29 | Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 5:8 | You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. |
| 3 | Exodus 20:4–5 | You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 4 | Romans 1:22–24 | Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:23 | Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you. |
| 6 | Exodus 32:7 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:25 | After you have children and grandchildren and you have been in the land a long time, if you then act corruptly and make an idol of any form—doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God and provoking Him to anger— |
| 8 | Acts 20:4–5 | Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 4:8–9 | And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today? Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. |
| 10 | John 4:24 | God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” |
Deuteronomy 4:16 Summary
This verse is warning us not to make idols or images of God, because He is a spiritual being who cannot be represented by physical forms. We should not try to create our own images or objects of worship, because this can lead to corruption and turning away from the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:16 and supported by Exodus 20:4-5, where it says that we should not make any idols or bow down to them. Instead, we should focus on worshiping God in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24. By remembering that God is a transcendent and spiritual being, we can avoid the danger of idolatry and stay focused on Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to act corruptly in Deuteronomy 4:16?
Acting corruptly in this context means to turn away from God's commands and follow our own desires, which can lead to idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:16 and supported by Romans 1:25, where it says that people exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped created things rather than the Creator.
Why is making an idol in the likeness of a male or female forbidden?
Making an idol in the likeness of a male or female is forbidden because it is a form of idolatry, where we give reverence and worship to something that is not God, as warned in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 4:16, which emphasizes the importance of worshiping God alone.
How does this verse relate to the first commandment?
This verse relates to the first commandment, which says to have no other gods before the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:3 and supported by Deuteronomy 4:16, where it warns against making idols and acting corruptly.
What is the significance of not seeing a form of God at Horeb?
The significance of not seeing a form of God at Horeb, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:15, is that it emphasizes God's transcendence and the danger of trying to represent Him with physical forms or idols, as warned in Deuteronomy 4:16 and supported by Isaiah 40:18, which asks who can compare to God or make an image of Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be acting corruptly or making idols in my own life, and how can I repent and turn back to God?
- How can I ensure that I am worshiping God alone and not giving reverence to created things or other idols?
- What are some things that I prioritize or give my attention to that might be taking the place of God in my life, and how can I realign my priorities to focus on Him?
- How can I remember and apply the warning in Deuteronomy 4:16 to my daily life, especially in a world that often promotes idolatry and corruption?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:16
Lest ye corrupt yourselves,.... And not themselves only, but the word and worship of God, by idolatry, than which nothing is more corrupting and defiling, nor more abominable to God: and make you a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:16
Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
i.e. Lest ye corrupt your minds with mean and carnal thoughts of God. Or, corrupt your ways or courses, by worshipping God in a corrupt manner, or by falling into idolatry. A graven image, to wit, for worship, or for the representation of God, as it is explained , for otherwise it was not simply unlawful to draw the picture or make a figure of a man or a beast.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt [yourselves], and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,Ver. 16. The likeness of male or female.] As the blind Ethnics did, concluding their petitions with that general, Dii, Deaeque omnes. Servius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
(16) Lest ye corrupt . . . and make.—The connection between idolatry and corruption is twofold. First, it changes “the glory of the incorruptible God” into an image of His corruptible creatures. Secondly, it always ends in corrupting the idolater. Man was made to have dominion over the works of God’s hands. He cannot worship anything in creation, which he was not intended to rule. He can only fulfil his destiny when he strives after the Divine likeness, rising to that which is above him, instead of stooping to that which is below. (17,18) Likeness of any beast . . . fowl . . .—There may be an allusion to the animal idolatry of Egypt here.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
Verse 16. The likeness of male or female] Such as Baal-peor and the Roman Priapus, Ashtaroth or Astarte, and the Greek and Roman Venus; after whom most nations of the world literally went a whoring.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:16
16. lest ye corrupt yourselves] Act perniciously. a graven image] Heb. pesel: any idol carved in stone or wood. figure] Heb. semel, only here; Ezekiel 8:3; Ezekiel 8:5; 2 Chronicles 33:7; 2 Chronicles 33:15, the Phoen. apparently for a statue, ἀνδριάς (CIS i. i. 41, line i.; 88, lines 2, 5; 91, 1). So here of the human figure as the following words show. the likeness, etc.] Rather, the build or mould, Heb. tabnξth, of male or female.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:16
, Deuteronomy 4:15-24.Idolatry in various and in most gross forms prevailed throughout the East among the nations with whom Israel would be brought in contact.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Does God Love the World Outside of Jesus Christ? by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. He states that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ and that al |
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Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |
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Acts 19_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worshiping the beast and receiving the mark of his name as described in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the |
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Of the Nature of God. by John Gill | John Gill explores the profound nature of God, emphasizing that while God's essence is incomprehensible to human understanding, it is essential to recognize Him as the ultimate Cre |
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The King and His Kingdom by Winkie Pratney | Winkie Pratney preaches about the King of all Kings, emphasizing the fellowship of three Divine Personalities known as the Godhead, who have always existed unmade, distinct yet one |
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Second River -- Idol Worship by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of idolatry, emphasizing the First Commandment's prohibition of internal idolatry and the Second Commandment's prohibition of out |
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(The Role of Demons in Today's Society) Part 4 by Dean Hochstetler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the spiritual world alongside the physical world. He emphasizes that humans are not just physical beings, but |