Deuteronomy 6:16
Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 8
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
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Exodus 17:7And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?Luke 4:12And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.Matthew 4:7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.1 Corinthians 10:9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.Exodus 17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?Numbers 20:13This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
Historical Context
At Massah (meaning 'testing') and Meribah ('quarreling'), Israel's third month after Exodus, the people contended with Moses, demanding water and questioning God's presence (Exodus 17:1-7). Despite witnessing plagues, Red Sea crossing, and manna provision, they doubted. God commanded Moses to strike the rock, producing water. Yet the place remained named 'Massah' as perpetual warning against testing God. Psalm 95:7-11 references this incident, warning against hardened hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does demanding signs or proof beyond God's revealed Word constitute 'tempting' God?
- What does Jesus' use of this command when resisting Satan teach about trusting Scripture without requiring miraculous validation?
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Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition 'Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah' forbids testing God through demanding signs or doubting His promises. At Massah (Exodus 17:1-7), Israel demanded water, questioning whether God was among them. Tempting God manifests as: demanding proof beyond His Word, challenging His power or faithfulness, and presuming upon His grace. Jesus quotes this verse resisting Satan's temptation (Matthew 4:7), demonstrating proper trust in God's promises without demanding miraculous validation. Faith trusts God's Word; unbelief demands additional proof.