Deuteronomy 4:17 - the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,
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What does "Deuteronomy 4:17" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 4:17, is part of a broader warning against idolatry. It specifically prohibits making idols in the likeness of any animal or bird.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"the likeness of any animal that is on the earth...": This refers to any four-legged creature that lives on land. This could include cattle, sheep, goats, lions, bears, dogs, etc. Essentially, no animal found on Earth should be represented as an object of worship.
"the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky...": This includes any bird that flies, such as eagles, doves, ravens, or any other fowl. Again, the intention is to prevent the creation of idols in the image of birds.
Context within Deuteronomy 4:
Deuteronomy 4:15-19 provides the broader context:
> 15 Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water below the earth. 19 And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.
Significance and Interpretation:
Prohibition of Idolatry: The core message is a strong prohibition against idolatry. God had revealed Himself without a physical form at Mount Sinai, emphasizing His transcendent nature. To then create a physical image to represent Him would be a distortion and a form of rebellion.
Rejecting Pagan Practices: Surrounding cultures frequently worshipped gods and goddesses represented by animals or celestial bodies. This prohibition was a means of setting Israel apart from these cultures and preventing them from adopting pagan practices. Many cultures at the time had gods and goddesses represented by animals, like the Egyptian goddess Bastet represented by a cat, or gods represented by birds.
Focus on God's Transcendence: By forbidding images, God was emphasizing His spiritual and transcendent nature. He could not be limited or contained by any physical representation.
Not All Images are Prohibited: It's important to note that this prohibition specifically refers to images made for the purpose of worship or representing God. Decorative or artistic representations of animals or birds are not necessarily forbidden, unless they lead to idolatry.
In summary, Deuteronomy 4:17 is a specific part of a broader commandment forbidding the making of idols to represent God or other deities, particularly those in the form of animals or birds. It was intended to protect Israel from idolatry and to emphasize the unique, spiritual, and transcendent nature of God.
Deuteronomy 4:17 - the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,
What does "Deuteronomy 4:17" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 4:17, is part of a broader warning against idolatry. It specifically prohibits making idols in the likeness of any animal or bird.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"the likeness of any animal that is on the earth...": This refers to any four-legged creature that lives on land. This could include cattle, sheep, goats, lions, bears, dogs, etc. Essentially, no animal found on Earth should be represented as an object of worship.
"the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky...": This includes any bird that flies, such as eagles, doves, ravens, or any other fowl. Again, the intention is to prevent the creation of idols in the image of birds.
Context within Deuteronomy 4:
Deuteronomy 4:15-19 provides the broader context:
> 15 Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water below the earth. 19 And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.
Significance and Interpretation:
Prohibition of Idolatry: The core message is a strong prohibition against idolatry. God had revealed Himself without a physical form at Mount Sinai, emphasizing His transcendent nature. To then create a physical image to represent Him would be a distortion and a form of rebellion.
Rejecting Pagan Practices: Surrounding cultures frequently worshipped gods and goddesses represented by animals or celestial bodies. This prohibition was a means of setting Israel apart from these cultures and preventing them from adopting pagan practices. Many cultures at the time had gods and goddesses represented by animals, like the Egyptian goddess Bastet represented by a cat, or gods represented by birds.
Focus on God's Transcendence: By forbidding images, God was emphasizing His spiritual and transcendent nature. He could not be limited or contained by any physical representation.
Not All Images are Prohibited: It's important to note that this prohibition specifically refers to images made for the purpose of worship or representing God. Decorative or artistic representations of animals or birds are not necessarily forbidden, unless they lead to idolatry.
In summary, Deuteronomy 4:17 is a specific part of a broader commandment forbidding the making of idols to represent God or other deities, particularly those in the form of animals or birds. It was intended to protect Israel from idolatry and to emphasize the unique, spiritual, and transcendent nature of God.