Deuteronomy 5:8
Deuteronomy 5:8 in Multiple Translations
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.
Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
You may not make for yourselves an image in the form of anything in heaven or on earth or in the waters under the earth:
You must not make for yourself any kind of idol, whether in the form of anything in the heavens above, or on the earth beneath, or in the waters below.
Thou shalt make thee no grauen image or any likenesse of that that is in heauen aboue, or which is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters vnder the earth.
'Thou dost not make to thee a graven image, any similitude which [is] in the heavens above, and which [is] in the earth beneath, and which [is] in the waters under the earth;
“You shall not make a carved image for yourself—any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Thou shalt not make for thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of any things, that are in heaven above, or that are in the earth beneath, or that abide in the waters under the earth.
You must not carve/make for yourselves any idol that represents anything in the sky or anything that is on the ground or anything that swims in the water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 5:8
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Deuteronomy 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 5:8
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 5:8
Context — The Ten Commandments
8You 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.
9You 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, 10but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 20:4 | 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. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 4:15–19 | So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful 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, of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, or of any creature that crawls on the ground or fish that is in the waters below. When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. |
Deuteronomy 5:8 Summary
This verse is telling us not to make or worship anything that represents a false god, whether it's a statue, a natural wonder, or an idea. The Lord wants us to remember that He is the only true God, and we should not try to replace Him with anything else, as also seen in Exodus 20:4-5 and Isaiah 45:5-6. By obeying this commandment, we can show our love and devotion to the Lord, and avoid the dangers of idolatry. By keeping our focus on the one true God, we can experience His love and blessing in our lives, as promised in Deuteronomy 5:10 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to make an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath?
This refers to creating or worshiping anything that represents a false god, whether it's a statue, a natural wonder, or an idea, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:8, and warned against in Exodus 20:4 and Isaiah 44:9-20.
How does this verse relate to having other gods before the Lord?
This verse expands on the idea presented in Deuteronomy 5:7, emphasizing that having other gods before the Lord often involves creating idols or images to represent those false gods, as also discussed in Ezekiel 6:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:19-21.
What is the significance of the Lord being a jealous God, as mentioned in the next verse?
The Lord's jealousy, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 5:9, is a result of His passionate love for His people and His desire for their exclusive devotion, as also seen in Exodus 34:14 and Joshua 24:19-20.
How does this commandment apply to our lives today?
This commandment reminds us to be careful not to elevate anything or anyone to a place of worship or priority above the one true God, as warned in 1 John 5:21 and Matthew 6:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I surrender them to the Lord?
- How does my heart's desire for control or security sometimes lead me to create idols or false gods in my life?
- In what ways can I practically apply the commandment to not make idols, in my daily thoughts, actions, and relationships?
- What are some Bible verses or stories that illustrate the dangers of idolatry, and how can I learn from them?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for the one true God, and avoid the temptation to worship created things instead of the Creator?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:8
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:8
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:8
Sermons on Deuteronomy 5:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Are You Saved? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Exodus 20:1-7 and emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He highlights that God owns us and desires our compl |
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Where Does Passion Come From? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the problem of taking our victories over problems and putting them aside, thinking we no longer need God. He emphasizes the constant need for |
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David and Goliath by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, which is described as the glory of all lands on earth. He emphasizes the importance of cas |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with God at Bethel. The preacher emphasizes that one cannot run away from God, as David also wrote about |
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Boasting in the Law by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the apostle Paul systematically addresses different types of people and their beliefs about acceptance before God. He emphasizes that all |
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The Joy of Fearing God by Hans Peter Royer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the fear of God in today's world. He references 2 Samuel 23:3, which states that when one rules in the fear of God, they are |






