Deuteronomy 4:35
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.
Original Language Analysis
הָרְאֵ֣תָ
Unto thee it was shewed
H7200
הָרְאֵ֣תָ
Unto thee it was shewed
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לָדַ֔עַת
that thou mightest know
H3045
לָדַ֔עַת
that thou mightest know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
he is God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
he is God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 10
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
Cross References
Isaiah 45:18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.Isaiah 45:5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:Isaiah 44:8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.Deuteronomy 4:39Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.Isaiah 44:6Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Historical Context
Moses declares that Israel's experiences at Horeb and during the Exodus were designed to reveal that Yahweh alone is God. In the polytheistic Ancient Near East where each nation had patron deities, Moses' monotheistic declaration was radical, preparing Israel to reject Canaanite polytheism across the Jordan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the exclusivity of biblical monotheism challenge contemporary religious pluralism and the assumption that all paths lead to God?
- In what areas of life do you functionally live as though there were other 'gods' with legitimate claims alongside the Lord?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.
Moses states the purpose of Israel's extraordinary experience: lada'at (לָדַעַת, 'that you might know'). The Exodus and Sinai were not divine spectacle for its own sake but pedagogical revelation—God teaching Israel His identity. The verb hor'eta (הָרְאֵתָ, 'it was shown to you') indicates demonstrative proof, not theoretical argument. Israel learned God's uniqueness through experienced reality.
The declaration Yahweh hu ha'Elohim (יְהוָה הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים, 'the LORD, He is God') identifies Israel's covenant Lord with the one true God. This is not henotheism (Yahweh is our god among many) but monotheism (Yahweh is the only God). The emphatic ein od milvado (אֵין עוֹד מִלְּבַדּוֹ, 'there is none else beside him') excludes all competitors absolutely.
This radical monotheism would soon collide with Canaanite polytheism. Israel must understand: Baal is not a regional deity with legitimate claims in agricultural matters; Asherah is not a fertility goddess who complements Yahweh. There is no divine division of labor. Yahweh alone is God over all creation, all nations, all aspects of life. This foundational truth shapes all biblical theology and finds its fullest expression in Christ, 'the image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15).