Exodus 20:4

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not make unto 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 water under the earth:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֨ה
H6213
Thou shalt not make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לְךָ֥֣
H0
#4
פֶ֣֙סֶל֙׀
H6459
unto thee any graven image
an idol
#5
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
תְּמוּנָ֡֔ה
H8544
or any likeness
something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
#7
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
of any thing that
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
בַּשָּׁמַ֣֙יִם֙׀
H8064
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
מִמַּ֡֔עַל
H4605
above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#10
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
of any thing that
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃
H776
or that is in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
מִתַָּ֑֜חַת
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#13
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
of any thing that
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
בַּמַּ֖֣יִם׀
H4325
beneath or that is in the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#15
מִתַּ֥֣חַת
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#16
לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃
H776
or that is in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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