Deuteronomy 4:28

Deuteronomy 4:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.

King James Version KJV

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

American Standard Version ASV

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Bible in Basic English BBE

There you will be the servants of gods, made by men's hands, of wood and stone, having no power of seeing or hearing or taking food or smelling.

Free Bible Version FBV

There you will worship gods of wood and stone made by human beings. These idols can't see or hear or eat or smell.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And there ye shall serue gods, euen ye worke of mans hand, wood, and stone, which neither see, nor heare, nor eate, nor smelll.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and ye have served there gods, work of man's hands, wood and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

World English Bible WEB

There you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And there you shall serve gods, that were framed with men’s hands: wood and stone, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Translation for Translators T4T

When you are in those nations, you will worship gods that are made of wood and stone, gods made by humans, gods that cannot see anything or hear anything or eat anything or smell anything.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:28

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 4:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/עֲבַדְתֶּם שָׁ֣ם אֱלֹהִ֔ים מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יְדֵ֣י אָדָ֑ם עֵ֣ץ וָ/אֶ֔בֶן אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא יִרְאוּ/ן֙ וְ/לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ/ן וְ/לֹ֥א יֹֽאכְל֖וּ/ן וְ/לֹ֥א יְרִיחֻֽ/ן

וַ/עֲבַדְתֶּם ʻâbad H5647 to serve Conj | V-Qal-2mp

שָׁ֣ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה maʻăseh H4639 deed N-ms

יְדֵ֣י yâd H3027 hand N-cd

אָדָ֑ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms

עֵ֣ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

וָ/אֶ֔בֶן ʼeben H68 stone Conj | N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִרְאוּ/ן֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִשְׁמְע֔וּ/ן shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יֹֽאכְל֖וּ/ן ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יְרִיחֻֽ/ן rûwach H7306 to smell V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:28

וַ/עֲבַדְתֶּם ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

שָׁ֣ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה maʻăseh H4639 "deed" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.

יְדֵ֣י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אָדָ֑ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

עֵ֣ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

וָ/אֶ֔בֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" Conj | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.

Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִרְאוּ/ן֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִשְׁמְע֔וּ/ן shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יֹֽאכְל֖וּ/ן ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יְרִיחֻֽ/ן rûwach H7306 "to smell" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff

This word means to smell or perceive, and is used in the Bible to describe how we sense and enjoy things, like a horse smelling its surroundings.

Definition: 1) (Hiphil) to smell, scent, perceive odour, accept 1a) of horse 1b) of delight (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, smell, [idiom] touch, make of quick understanding. See also: Genesis 8:21; Judges 16:9; Psalms 115:6.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:28
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:28

Context — A Warning against Idolatry

26I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed. 27Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.

28And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.

29But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 28:64	Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known.
2	Jeremiah 16:13	So I will cast you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known. There you will serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’
3	Deuteronomy 28:36	The LORD will bring you and the king you appoint to a nation neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone.
4	Isaiah 46:7	They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.
5	Ezekiel 20:39	And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols.
6	Psalms 135:15–18	The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
7	Isaiah 45:20	Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save.
8	Psalms 115:4–8	Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
9	1 Samuel 26:19	Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
10	Isaiah 44:9	All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.

Deuteronomy 4:28 Summary

Deuteronomy 4:28 warns us about the dangers of worshiping things that are not really gods, like statues made of wood or stone. These idols are powerless and cannot help us, unlike our loving God who sees, hears, and knows everything (Psalm 94:9). This verse reminds us to put our trust in the one true God, who is our Creator and Provider, rather than in things that are made by human hands (Isaiah 44:9-20). By seeking God with all our heart and soul, we can find Him and experience His love and care in our lives (Deuteronomy 4:29).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to serve man-made gods of wood and stone?

In Deuteronomy 4:28, serving man-made gods of wood and stone means to worship and put trust in idols that are created by human hands, rather than the one true God, as warned in Exodus 20:4-5 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:8-9.

Why does the Bible emphasize that these idols cannot see or hear or eat or smell?

This emphasis in Deuteronomy 4:28 highlights the contrast between the powerlessness of man-made idols and the almighty power of the living God, who sees, hears, and knows all things, as stated in Psalm 94:9 and Jeremiah 32:19.

Is this verse relevant to our lives today?

Yes, Deuteronomy 4:28 remains relevant as it reminds us of the dangers of idolatry, which can take many forms, including the pursuit of wealth, status, or other worldly things that distract us from worshiping the one true God, as warned in 1 John 5:21 and Colossians 3:5.

How does this verse fit into the broader context of Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy 4:28 is part of a larger warning given by Moses to the Israelites about the consequences of disobeying God's commandments, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and loyalty to God alone, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:23-24 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15.

Reflection Questions

What are some modern-day idols that I might be unknowingly serving, and how can I redirect my worship to the one true God?
In what ways do I prioritize the things of God, and are there areas where I need to seek Him with all my heart and soul, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:29?
How does the realization that idols are powerless and unable to provide for my needs affect my trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my life?
What role does gratitude play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a heart of thankfulness for His presence and power in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:28

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone,.... Idols made by men, cut out of wood and stone; these they should be enticed into the service of, or compelled to serve;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:28

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. There ye shall serve gods.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28

i.e. Idols. You shall be compelled by men, and given up by me to idolatry. So that very thing which was your choice shall be your punishment; it being just and usual for God to punish one sin by giving them up to another, as is manifest from ,25.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28

Deuteronomy 4:28 And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’ s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.Ver. 28. And there ye shall serve gods.] As ye have made a match with mischief, so ye shall have enough of it. Ephraim is joined to idols, &c. See Acts 7:42.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28

(28) And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands.—That is, “you shall be in bondage to them,” being ruled by their worshippers. And so Rashi explains it. Captivity was the means of eradicating idolatry from Israel rather than encouraging it. But the cause of a people and its idols is so constantly identified in the Old Testament, that those who are in bondage to a nation may naturally be described as in bondage to its gods. The gods were even held to be sharers in the captivity of the nation. It is said of Bel and Nebo, in Isaiah 46:2, “They could not deliver . . . but themselves are gone into captivity”(29, 30, 31) Comp. Deuteronomy 30:1-5 for a more explicit promise and prophecy of the same thing, and see Note on that passage.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28

Verse 28. There ye shall serve gods - wood and stone] This was also true of the Israelites, not only in their captivities, but also in their own land. And it may now be literally the case with the ten tribes who were carried away captive by the Assyrians, and of whose residence no man at present knows any thing with certainty. That they still exist there can be no doubt; but they are now, most probably, so completely incorporated with the idolaters among whom they dwell, as to be no longer distinguish able: yet God can gather them.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:28

28. ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, etc.] The acme of their punishment. They have chosen to serve idols; idols must they serve in a land where the worship of Jehovah is impossible. This scorn of senseless idols, also in Deuteronomy 27:15, Deuteronomy 28:36; Deuteronomy 28:64, Deuteronomy 29:17, Deuteronomy 31:29, is an essential temper of monotheism, appearing also in Hosea 8:6; Hosea 13:2; Isaiah 2:8; Isaiah 2:20, etc.; Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 10:1-10, and most frequently in Isaiah 40:19 f., Isaiah 41:7, Isaiah 44:9-20, Isaiah 46:6 f.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:28

AMONG THE HEATHEN , Deuteronomy 4:25-28.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:28

	Sermon	Description
	Holl-07 Israel's Final Chastisement by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experience of the Messiah, who was despised and rejected by men. He emphasizes that the Jewish people, who are called to be a light to the
	Nehemiah #1: Chapter 1, Rebuilding the Wall by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the burden that Nehemiah carried as the cup-bearer to the king. Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had to maintain a joyful appearance before
	Lukewarm No More - Part 13 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of an evangelist named Roy Hesham who was transformed by the East African revival in the 50s and 60s. The revival emphasized personal
	A Model Prayer of Intercession by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the characteristics of intercessory prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of anguish, knowledge of God, persistence, vicarious
	The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the distinct roles and relationships of Israel, the church, and the Gentiles as outlined in the Bible. He highlights the unique promises, histories, and d
	Worship and Witness by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the sower from the eighth chapter of the gospel of Luke. He emphasizes the contrast between those who receive the word of God
	Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill	David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co