Deuteronomy 4:18
The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Original Language Analysis
תַּבְנִ֛ית
The likeness
H8403
תַּבְנִ֛ית
The likeness
Strong's:
H8403
Word #:
1 of 11
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
רֹמֵ֖שׂ
of any thing that creepeth
H7430
רֹמֵ֖שׂ
of any thing that creepeth
Strong's:
H7430
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm
תַּבְנִ֛ית
The likeness
H8403
תַּבְנִ֛ית
The likeness
Strong's:
H8403
Word #:
5 of 11
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בַּמַּ֖יִם
that is in the waters
H4325
בַּמַּ֖יִם
that is in the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 11
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical Context
Philistine religion centered on Dagon, depicted with human upper body and fish tail (1 Samuel 5:1-5). Mesopotamian creation myths featured Tiamat, the chaos sea-monster goddess. Canaanite religion included Yam, sea deity opposing Baal. Israel's coastal neighbors worshiped marine deities, making fish idolatry a constant temptation. God's absolute prohibition established that He alone controls seas and sea creatures, all of which serve His sovereign purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the comprehensive nature of this prohibition (land, air, sea) emphasize God's absolute transcendence over all creation?
- What does the prohibition of sea creature imagery teach about God's sovereignty over realms that ancient cultures considered chaotic and divine?
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Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition includes aquatic creatures—'likeness of any fish that is in the waters.' This completes the comprehensive ban covering all creation realms: land, air, and sea, corresponding to Genesis 1 creation domains. No aspect of creation may represent the Creator. Ancient religions deified seas and water creatures (Dagon, Leviathan mythology), yet Scripture insists these are merely creatures under God's sovereign control (Psalm 104:25-26). The exhaustive prohibition underscores God's transcendent otherness—He is categorically different from all created things.