Deuteronomy 4:3
Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.
Original Language Analysis
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙
Your eyes
H5869
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙
Your eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
1 of 20
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הָֽרֹא֔וֹת
have seen
H7200
הָֽרֹא֔וֹת
have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֥ה
did
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאִ֗ישׁ
for all the men
H376
הָאִ֗ישׁ
for all the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
11 of 20
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָלַךְ֙
H1980
הָלַךְ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
that followed
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
that followed
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The Baal-peor incident (Numbers 25) occurred shortly before this address, where 24,000 Israelites died in a plague after engaging in sexual immorality and idol worship with Moabite women. This fresh memory made Moses' warnings vivid and powerful. Those who remained faithful survived; those who compromised perished. The contrast was undeniable and recent.
Questions for Reflection
- What recent examples of sin's consequences should warn you toward faithfulness?
- How does 'claving unto the LORD' manifest practically in your daily life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The reference to Baal-peor—'Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor'—invokes recent judgment as warning. The contrast 'the LORD thy God hath destroyed them... from among you' versus those who 'clave unto the LORD your God are alive' emphasizes that faithfulness preserves life while idolatry brings death. Past judgment should inform present obedience—God's holiness and justice remain constant.