Deuteronomy 4:23

Authorized King James Version

Take 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִשָּֽׁמְר֣וּ
H8104
Take heed
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
לָכֶ֗ם
H0
#3
פֶּֽן
H6435
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#4
תִּשְׁכְּחוּ֙
H7911
unto yourselves lest ye forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בְּרִ֤ית
H1285
the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#7
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
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
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
כָּרַ֖ת
H3772
which he made
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#11
עִמָּכֶ֑ם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
H6213
with you and make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
לָכֶ֥ם
H0
#14
פֶּ֙סֶל֙
H6459
you a graven image
an idol
#15
תְּמ֣וּנַת
H8544
or the likeness
something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
#16
כֹּ֔ל
H3605
of any
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
צִוְּךָ֖
H6680
hath forbidden
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#19
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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