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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make thee <i>any</i> graven image, <i>or</i> any likeness <i>of any thing</i> that <i>is</i> in heaven above, or that <i>is</i> in the earth beneath, or that <i>is</i> in the waters beneath the earth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness <i>of anything</i> that <i>is</i> in heaven above, or that <i>is</i> in the earth beneath, or that <i>is</i> in the water under the earth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, <i>or</i> any likeness <i>of</i> what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘You shall not make for yourself an idol, <i>or</i> any likeness <i>of</i> what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />‘You shall not make for yourself an idol—any likeness <i>of</i> what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘You shall not make for yourself an idol [as an object to worship], or any likeness (form, manifestation) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not make an idol for yourself in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not make an idol for yourself in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky or on earth or in the ocean under the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, the likeness of any form that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Never make your own carved idols or statues that represent any creature in the sky, on the earth, or in the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"'Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br /> "You are not to make for yourselves a carved image resembling any form in the heavens above, on earth below, or in the waters under the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must not make for yourself an image of anything in heaven above, on earth below, or in the waters beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Do not make an engraved image for yourself, or any likeness of what is in heaven above, or on the earth below, or that is in the waters below the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make for thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not make a carved image for yourself—any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not make a carved image for yourself, any likeness which [is] in the heavens above, or which [is] in the earth beneath, or which [is] in the waters under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou dost not make to thee a graven image, any similitude which is in the heavens above, and which is in the earth beneath, and which is in the waters under the earth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make to thee a carved thing, any appearance that is in the heavens from above, and which is in the earth underneath, and that is in the waters under the earth:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of any things, that are in heaven above, or that are in the earth beneath, or that abide in the waters under the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself a graven image, nor the likeness of anything, which is in heaven above, or on earth below, or which abides in the waters under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol or a likeness of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the waters under the earth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourselves any image or any form that is in the sky from above or that is in the earth from beneath or that is in the water beneath the land.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, even any manner of 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not make to thyself an image, nor likeness of any thing, whatever things <i>are</i> in the heaven above, and whatever <i>are</i> in the earth beneath, and whatever <i>are</i> in the waters under the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1674" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/5.htm">The Ten Commandments</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>You shall have no other gods before Me. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ṯa·‘ă·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">make</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/6459.htm" title="6459: p̄e·sel (N-msc) -- An idol, image. From pacal; an idol.">an idol</a> <a href="/hebrew/8544.htm" title="8544: tə·mū·nāh (N-fs) -- Likeness, form. Or tmunah; from miyn; something portioned out, as a shape, i.e. phantom, or embodiment, or manifestation.">in the form</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of anything</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: baš·šā·ma·yim (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">in the heavens</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: mim·ma·‘al (Prep-m:: Adv) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.">above,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">on the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: mit·tā·ḥaṯ (Prep-m:: Adv) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">below,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: bam·ma·yim (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">or in the waters</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: mit·ta·ḥaṯ (Prep-m) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">beneath.</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: lā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Leviticus 26:1</a></span><br />“You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved image or sacred pillar; you must not place a sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it. For I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a></span><br />All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a></span><br />Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a></span><br />The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a></span><br />For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-9.htm">1 Kings 14:9</a></span><br />You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have proceeded to make for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me, and you have flung Me behind your back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-16.htm">2 Kings 17:16</a></span><br />They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-7.htm">2 Chronicles 33:7</a></span><br />Manasseh even took the carved image he had made and set it up in the house of God, of which God had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">Isaiah 40:18-20</a></span><br />To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him? / To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? / One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a></span><br />Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Romans 1:23</a></span><br />and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-14.htm">1 Corinthians 10:14</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">1 John 5:21</a></span><br />Little children, keep yourselves from idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Revelation 9:20</a></span><br />Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall not make you 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:</p><p class="hdg">graven image</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15-19</a></b></br> Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day <i>that</i> the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4</a></b></br> Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness <i>of any thing</i> that <i>is</i> in heaven above, or that <i>is</i> in the earth beneath, or that <i>is</i> in the water under the earth:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-49.htm">Below</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-39.htm">Beneath</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-40.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-39.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-39.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Image</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-18.htm">Water</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-18.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-38.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-22.htm">Below</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Beneath</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-26.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-5.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-24.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-24.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-16.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-12.htm">Image</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-14.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-9.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-11.htm">Water</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-7.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-30.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-1.htm">The covenant in Horeb</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-6.htm">The ten commandments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">At the people's request Moses receives the law from God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You shall not make for yourself an idol</b><br>This commandment is part of the Decalogue, given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It emphasizes the prohibition against idolatry, a prevalent practice among the surrounding nations of Israel, such as Egypt and Canaan. Idolatry involves creating physical representations of deities, which was common in ancient Near Eastern religions. This commandment underscores the monotheistic nature of the Israelite faith, distinguishing it from polytheistic cultures. The prohibition reflects God's desire for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth, without reliance on physical images. This command is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are warned against idolatry in any form (1 <a href="/john/5-21.htm">John 5:21</a>).<p><b>in the form of anything in the heavens above</b><br>The heavens above refer to celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars, which were often deified in ancient cultures. For instance, the Egyptians worshiped Ra, the sun god, and the Babylonians revered astral deities. This phrase warns against the temptation to attribute divine power to created things, which are merely part of God's creation. The Bible consistently teaches that God alone is the Creator and sustainer of the universe (<a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>, <a href="/psalms/19.htm">Psalm 19:1</a>).<p><b>on the earth below</b><br>This phrase includes all terrestrial creatures and objects that might be idolized. In ancient times, animals like bulls and serpents were often worshiped, as seen in the golden calf incident (Exodus 32). The commandment calls for a rejection of any earthly representation as a deity, emphasizing that God is transcendent and not confined to any physical form. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God is spirit (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>) and should not be represented by material images.<p><b>or in the waters beneath</b><br>The waters beneath refer to aquatic life and mythical sea creatures that were sometimes objects of worship. In ancient mythology, sea creatures like Leviathan were often associated with chaos and divine power. The commandment prohibits the veneration of any such beings, reinforcing the idea that God is sovereign over all creation, including the seas (<a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Psalm 104:25-26</a>). This prohibition highlights the uniqueness of God, who is not to be equated with any part of His creation.<br><br>Overall, this commandment serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the call for His people to worship Him alone, without the use of idols or images. It points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>), providing a perfect revelation of God's nature without the need for physical idols.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai and delivered them to the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were given the Law to guide their covenant relationship with God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, a significant event in the history of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ten_commandments.htm">The Ten Commandments</a></b><br>A set of laws given by God to the Israelites, forming the foundation of their covenant relationship with Him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The Promised Land that the Israelites were journeying towards, where they would need to remain faithful to God amidst surrounding pagan cultures.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_idolatry.htm">Understanding Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry is not just the worship of physical images but can also include anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_uniqueness.htm">God's Uniqueness</a></b><br>This commandment underscores the uniqueness and holiness of God, who alone is worthy of worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_influence.htm">Cultural Influence</a></b><br>The Israelites were surrounded by cultures that practiced idolatry, and this command served as a safeguard against adopting those practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/modern_idolatry.htm">Modern Idolatry</a></b><br>In today's context, idolatry can manifest in the form of materialism, career, relationships, or anything that becomes more important than God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god.htm">Faithfulness to God</a></b><br>Remaining faithful to God requires vigilance and a commitment to prioritize Him above all else in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_second_commandment.htm">What does the second commandment state?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_inherited_guilt_fit_with_individual_responsibility_in_the_bible.htm">Deuteronomy 5:9–10 mentions punishment extending for generations; how is this concept of inherited guilt consistent with other biblical teachings on individual responsibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_pastor_worship.htm">What does the Bible say about worshiping pastors?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_86_8_conflict_with_monotheism.htm">Psalm 86:8 - Does acknowledging the existence of 'other gods' conflict with the Bible's insistence on strict monotheism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 8-10.</span> - Here the spirituality of God is asserted, and, in the prohibition of the use of images in the worship of the Deity, all idolatry is denounced, and all deification of the powers of nature in any sense is prohibited. By the Jews, this commandment was not always regarded, for they were not infrequently seduced into following the idolatrous usages of the nations around them. It does not appear, however, that, though they set up images of the idol-gods whom they were thus led to worship, they ever attempted to represent by image or picture the great God whom their fathers worshipped - Jehovah - by whom this command was given; and at a later period, when they had long renounced all idolatry, they became noted as the one nation that adored the Deity as a spirit, without any sensible representation of him: "Judaei mente sola unumque Numen intelligunt... igitur nulla simulacra urbibus suis, nedum temples sinunt" (Tacit., 'Hist.,' 5:5). It appears that, by many of them at least, the commandment was regarded as prohibiting absolutely the graphic and plastic arts (Philo, 'Quis Rer. Div. Haer. sit.,' p. 496, edit. Mangey; ' De Ebriet.,' p. 374; ' De Gigant.,' p. 270). This may account for the low state of these arts among the Jews, and for the fact that they alone of the civilized nations of antiquity have left no monuments of art for the instruction or admiration of posterity. <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them</span>; LXX., <span class="greek">προσκυνήσιες αὐτοῖς οὐδὲ μή λατρεύσης αὐτοῖς</span>. Every kind of worship of images is forbidden, alike that of <span class="accented">proskunesis</span> and that of <span class="accented">latria</span>. <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>And showing mercy unto thousands</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. to the thousandth generation (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Deuteronomy 7:9</a>) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You shall not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽ֣א־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">make</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה־</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·‘ă·śeh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for yourself</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֥֣</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">an idol</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶ֣֙סֶל֙ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(p̄e·sel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6459.htm">Strong's 6459: </a> </span><span class="str2">An idol, image</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the form</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּמוּנָ֔֡ה</span> <span class="translit">(tə·mū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8544.htm">Strong's 8544: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something portioned, out, as a, shape, phantom, embodiment, manifestation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of anything</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the heavens</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּשָּׁמַ֣֙יִם֙ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(baš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">above</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמַּ֔֡עַל</span> <span class="translit">(mim·ma·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4605.htm">Strong's 4605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or on the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאָ֖֨רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beneath</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתָּ֑֜חַת</span> <span class="translit">(mit·tā·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or in the waters</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמַּ֖֣יִם ׀</span> <span class="translit">(bam·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">below.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתַּ֥֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(mit·ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 5:8 You shall not make an engraved image (Deut. 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