Deuteronomy 4:15

Authorized King James Version

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם

H8104

heed

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מְאֹ֖ד

H3966

Take ye therefore good

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם

H5315

unto yourselves

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רְאִיתֶם֙

H7200

for ye saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּמוּנָ֔ה

H8544

no manner of similitude

something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of

בְּי֗וֹם

H3117

on the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

דִּבֶּ֨ר

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#11

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֲלֵיכֶ֛ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

בְּחֹרֵ֖ב

H2722

unto you in Horeb

choreb, a (generic) name for the sinaitic mountains

#14

מִתּ֥וֹךְ

H8432

out of the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#15

הָאֵֽשׁ׃

H784

of the fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Deuteronomy 4:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources