Deuteronomy 4:19

Authorized King James Version

And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּפֶן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּשָּׂ֨א

H5375

And lest thou lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עֵינֶ֜יךָ

H5869

thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְֽ֠רָאִיתָ

H7200

and when thou seest

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ

H8121

the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיָּרֵ֜חַ

H3394

and the moon

the moon

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הַכּֽוֹכָבִ֗ים

H3556

and the stars

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

#12

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

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

#13

צְבָ֣א

H6635

even all the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#14

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#15

וְנִדַּחְתָּ֛

H5080

shouldest be driven

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

#16

וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוִ֥יתָ

H7812

to worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#17

לָהֶ֖ם

#18

וַֽעֲבַדְתָּ֑ם

H5647

them and serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#19

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

חָלַ֜ק

H2505

hath divided

to be smooth (figuratively)

#21

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

them which the LORD

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

#22

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#23

אֹתָ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

לְכֹל֙

H3605

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

#25

הָֽעַמִּ֔ים

H5971

unto all nations

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#26

תַּ֖חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#27

כָּל

H3605

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

#28

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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Deuteronomy 4:19

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources