Deuteronomy 4:16
Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
Original Language Analysis
פֶּ֨ן
H6435
פֶּ֨ן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תַּשְׁחִת֔וּן
Lest ye corrupt
H7843
תַּשְׁחִת֔וּן
Lest ye corrupt
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
2 of 12
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֥ם
yourselves and make
H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֥ם
yourselves and make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תְּמוּנַ֣ת
the similitude
H8544
תְּמוּנַ֣ת
the similitude
Strong's:
H8544
Word #:
6 of 12
something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תַּבְנִ֥ית
the likeness
H8403
תַּבְנִ֥ית
the likeness
Strong's:
H8403
Word #:
9 of 12
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
זָכָ֖ר
of male
H2145
זָכָ֖ר
of male
Strong's:
H2145
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
Cross References
Acts 17:29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.Deuteronomy 4:23Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.Deuteronomy 5:8Thou 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:Exodus 32:7And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures routinely depicted deities anthropomorphically—Zeus/Jupiter as male, Artemis/Diana as female, Egyptian gods with animal forms (Anubis as jackal, Horus as falcon). Israel constantly battled temptation to syncretize Yahweh worship with Canaanite practices, as evidenced by repeated warnings (Exodus 20:4-6, 23:24, 34:13-17) and tragic failures (golden calf, bronze serpent worship, 2 Kings 18:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does idolatry 'corrupt' not only worship practices but the worshiper's very character and relationship with God?
- What modern equivalents to ancient idolatry (career, family, entertainment, self-image) threaten to usurp God's rightful place in your affections?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The warning 'lest ye corrupt yourselves' reveals that idolatry defiles and distorts covenant relationship. The Hebrew 'shachat' (corrupt) implies moral and spiritual ruin. Creating any 'graven image' or 'similitude' violates God's revealed will, reducing the transcendent Creator to created forms. 'Any figure' emphasizes the comprehensive prohibition—no representation whatsoever, whether male, female, animal, or celestial. This absolute ban protects God's uniqueness and prevents reducing Him to manageable, controllable objects. Idolatry always diminishes God and exalts human autonomy, the essence of sin.