Deuteronomy 5:7
Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֱלֹהִ֥֨ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥֨ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 7
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
אֲחֵרִ֖֜ים
Thou shalt have none other
H312
אֲחֵרִ֖֜ים
Thou shalt have none other
Strong's:
H312
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
Historical Context
Israel entered a polytheistic world where nations worshiped multiple deities simultaneously. Egypt had pantheons of gods; Canaan worshiped Baal, Asherah, Molech, and Chemosh; Mesopotamia served Marduk, Ishtar, and others. Israel's exclusive monotheism was radically countercultural. Yet Israel repeatedly violated this command through syncretism—worshiping Yahweh alongside Baal (1 Kings 18:21), Asherah (Judges 6:25-30), and other gods, ultimately resulting in exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the first commandment require not merely external monotheism but wholehearted affection and exclusive trust in God alone?
- What modern 'gods' compete for the heart's supreme devotion, and how can you identify and remove them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The first commandment 'Thou shalt have none other gods before me' establishes radical monotheism and exclusive covenant loyalty. The Hebrew 'al-panai' (before my face/in my presence) suggests both priority and exclusivity—no rivals tolerated in God's presence. This commandment grounds all ethics in proper God-worship. The Reformed tradition sees this as requiring wholehearted affection, trust, and obedience directed solely to Yahweh. Any divided loyalty—whether to literal idols or modern equivalents (money, pleasure, reputation)—constitutes covenant violation. True religion is primarily a heart disposition, not merely external conformity.