Deuteronomy 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Thou shalt not make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לְךָ֥֣
H0
#4
פֶ֣֙סֶל֙׀
thee any graven image
an idol
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
תְּמוּנָ֔֡ה
or any likeness
something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
#7
אֲשֶׁ֤֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
בַּשָּׁמַ֣֙יִם֙׀
of any thing that is in 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
#9
מִמַּ֔֡עַל
above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#10
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃
beneath the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
מִתָּ֑֜חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#13
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
בַּמַּ֖֣יִם׀
beneath or that is in the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#15
מִתַּ֥֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#16
לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃
beneath the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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