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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 4:23 Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/4-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/05_Deu_04_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 4:23 - Warning Against Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/4-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/4-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-22.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:22">◄</a> Deuteronomy 4:23 <a href="/deuteronomy/4-24.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New International Version</a> Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So be careful not to break the covenant the LORD your God has made with you. Do not make idols of any shape or form, for the LORD your God has forbidden this. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the LORD your God has forbidden you. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the LORD your God has forbidden you. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So be careful yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “So watch yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So keep yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of Yahweh your God which He cut with you and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which Yahweh your God has commanded you. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So be on your guard and watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He has made with you, and make for yourselves a carved or sculpted image in the form of anything which the LORD your God has forbidden you. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you, and make an idol for yourselves in the shape of anything he has forbidden you. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you, and make an idol for yourselves in the shape of anything He has forbidden you. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of Jehovah your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image in the form of anything which Jehovah thy God hath forbidden thee. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Always remember the agreement that the LORD your God made with you, and don't make an idol in any shape or form. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image in the form of any thing which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Be careful that you don't forget the promise that the LORD your God made to you. Don't make your own carved idols or statues that represent anything the LORD your God has forbidden. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Be certain that you do not forget the covenant that the LORD your God made with you. Obey his command not to make yourselves any kind of idol, <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Be careful! Otherwise, you will forget the covenant of the LORD your God, who established that covenant with you. Don't make carved images of any likeness in violation of everything that you were commanded by the LORD your God. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Be on guard so that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he has made with you, and that you do not make an image of any kind, just as he has forbidden you. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Be careful, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you an engraved image in the form of anything which the LORD your God has forbidden you. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Take heed to yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Be careful, lest you forget the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made with you, and make yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which Yahweh your God has forbidden you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Take heed to yourselves lest you forget the covenant of your God YHWH which He has made with you, and have made a carved image for yourselves, a likeness of anything [concerning] which your God YHWH has charged you; <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Take heed to yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of Jehovah your God, which He hath made with you, and have made to yourselves a graven image, a similitude of anything concerning which Jehovah thy God hath charged thee: <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Watch for yourselves lest ye shall forget the covenant of Jehovah your God which he cut out with you, and ye make to you any carved thing, the appearance of any thing which Jehovah thy God commanded thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Beware lest thou ever forget the covenant of the Lord thy God, which he hath made with thee: and make to thyself a graven likeness of those things which the Lord hath forbid to be made: <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Be careful, lest you at sometime forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he has formed with you, and lest you make for yourselves a graven likeness of those things which the Lord has prohibited to be made. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Be careful, therefore, lest you forget the covenant which the LORD, your God, has made with you, and fashion for yourselves against his command an idol in any form whatsoever. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So be careful not to forget the covenant that the LORD your God made with you, and not to make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything that the LORD your God has forbidden you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and corrupt yourselves, and make for yourselves images, or the likeness of anything, which the LORD your God has forbidden you. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Beware that you do not forget the covenant of LORD JEHOVAH your God which he covenanted with you and you make an image for yourselves or a form of anything that LORD JEHOVAH your God commanded you.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which He made with you, and make you a graven image, even the likeness of any thing which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Take heed to yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord our God, which he made with you, and ye transgress, and make to yourselves a graven image of any of the things concerning which the Lord thy God commanded thee. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1335" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Warning Against Idolatry</a> …22For I will not be crossing the Jordan, because I must die in this land. But you shall cross over and take possession of that good land. 23<a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: hiš·šā·mə·rū (V-Nifal-Imp-mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">Be careful</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">that you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: tiš·kə·ḥū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">forget</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: kā·raṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">He made</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do not make</a> <a href="/hebrew/6459.htm" title="6459: pe·sel (N-ms) -- An idol, image. From pacal; an idol.">an idol</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">for yourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/8544.htm" title="8544: tə·mū·naṯ (N-fsc) -- 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/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of anything</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/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God"></a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wə·ḵā (V-Piel-Perf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">has forbidden you.</a> 24For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4-5</a> 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. / 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, <a href="/exodus/34-17.htm">Exodus 34:17</a> You shall make no molten gods for yourselves. <a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Leviticus 26:1</a> “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. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Deuteronomy 5:8-9</a> 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. / 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, <a href="/deuteronomy/6-14.htm">Deuteronomy 6:14-15</a> Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. / For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. <a href="/deuteronomy/27-15.htm">Deuteronomy 27:15</a> ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ <a href="/joshua/23-16.htm">Joshua 23:16</a> If you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from this good land He has given you.” <a href="/judges/2-12.htm">Judges 2:12</a> Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, <a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">2 Kings 17:35-38</a> For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them. / Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him. / And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/33-7.htm">2 Chronicles 33:7-9</a> 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. / I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to leave the land that I assigned to your fathers, if only they are careful to do all that I have commanded them through Moses—all the laws, statutes, and judgments.” / So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. <a href="/psalms/106-19.htm">Psalm 106:19-21</a> At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image. / They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. / They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt, <a href="/isaiah/42-8.htm">Isaiah 42:8</a> I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. <a href="/jeremiah/25-6.htm">Jeremiah 25:6</a> Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’ <a href="/ezekiel/20-7.htm">Ezekiel 20:7-8</a> And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ / But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt. <a href="/hosea/13-4.htm">Hosea 13:4</a> Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD your God has forbidden you.heed<a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9,15,16</a> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; … <a href="/deuteronomy/27-9.htm">Deuteronomy 27:9</a> And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.<a href="/joshua/23-11.htm">Joshua 23:11</a> Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.lest ye forget<a href="/deuteronomy/6-12.htm">Deuteronomy 6:12</a> Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-25.htm">Deuteronomy 29:25</a> Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:<a href="/deuteronomy/31-20.htm">Deuteronomy 31:20</a> For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.make you<a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Deuteronomy 4:16</a> Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,<a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4,5</a> 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: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-13.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Care</a> <a href="/numbers/28-2.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-14.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-13.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Image</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-31.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Care</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-1.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-31.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Image</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-12.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a> 41. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a> 44. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God This phrase emphasizes the importance of vigilance in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. The covenant refers to the agreement established between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments and other laws (Exodus 19-24). Forgetting the covenant implies neglecting the laws and commands that were given, which could lead to spiritual and moral decline. The call to "be careful" suggests an active, ongoing effort to remember and uphold the covenant, reflecting the human tendency to drift away from commitments over time. This vigilance is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a>, which encourages meditation on the law day and night.that He made with you This part of the verse highlights the personal nature of the covenant. It was not just a general agreement but one specifically made with the people of Israel. This personal aspect underscores the relational nature of God's dealings with His people, akin to a marriage covenant. The covenant was a binding agreement, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as detailed in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. The personal pronoun "you" indicates that each individual within the community is responsible for upholding the covenant.do not make an idol for yourselves This command directly addresses the prohibition against idolatry, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. Idolatry was a significant temptation for the Israelites, as they were surrounded by nations that worshiped various gods represented by physical idols. The command is rooted in the first and second commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>), which forbid the worship of other gods and the making of graven images. Idolatry is seen as a betrayal of the exclusive relationship between God and His people, akin to spiritual adultery.in the form of anything He has forbidden you This phrase specifies that the prohibition against idols includes any form that God has expressly forbidden. The Israelites were instructed not to create images of any creature or celestial body (<a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15-19</a>). This prohibition is based on the understanding that God is spirit and cannot be represented by any physical form (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>). The warning against creating forbidden forms serves as a reminder of God's transcendence and the danger of reducing Him to a mere object of human creation. This command also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (<a href="/john/4-23.htm">John 4:23-24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments and warnings to the people before they enter the Promised Land. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who are being reminded of their covenant with the LORD and warned against idolatry. 3. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> The solemn agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes the Ten Commandments and other laws given at Mount Sinai. 4. <a href="/topical/i/idolatry.htm">Idolatry</a> The act of worshiping idols or false gods, which is strictly forbidden by God as it violates the first and second commandments. 5. <a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a> The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/remember_the_covenant.htm">Remember the Covenant</a> As believers, we must continually remind ourselves of our commitment to God and His commandments. This involves regular study of Scripture and prayer. <a href="/topical/g/guard_against_idolatry.htm">Guard Against Idolatry</a> Idolatry can take many forms, not just physical idols. We must examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God, such as money, power, or even relationships. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> Obedience is a sign of our love and respect for God. We should strive to live according to His Word, understanding that His commands are for our good. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_forgetfulness.htm">The Danger of Forgetfulness</a> Spiritual forgetfulness can lead to disobedience. We should establish practices that help us remember God's faithfulness and commands, such as journaling or participating in community worship. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a> Being part of a faith community helps us stay accountable and encourages us to uphold our covenant with God. We should seek fellowship with other believers to strengthen our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_bible's_family_idols.htm">What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_idol_worship.htm">What defines the practice of idol worship?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_8's_view_on_idols_compare.htm">How does the severe condemnation of these idolatries in Ezekiel 8 align or conflict with other biblical accounts of tolerating foreign gods?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_exodus_34_14_with_polytheism.htm">(Exodus 34:14) How do we reconcile the commandment against worshiping other gods with archaeological finds suggesting Israel's early polytheistic practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - A graven image, or the likeness of any thing, etc. - literally, a graven (sculptured) image of a form of all that Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee; s.c. not to make (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/16.htm">Deuteronomy 16-18</a> and Deuteronomy 2:37). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Be careful הִשָּׁמְר֣וּ (hiš·šā·mə·rū) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to that you do not פֶּֽן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest forget תִּשְׁכְּחוּ֙ (tiš·kə·ḥū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention the covenant בְּרִ֤ית (bə·rîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that He made כָּרַ֖ת (kā·raṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant with you; עִמָּכֶ֑ם (‘im·mā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with do not make וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם (wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make an idol פֶּ֙סֶל֙ (pe·sel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6459.htm">Strong's 6459: </a> An idol, image for yourselves לָכֶ֥ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> in the form תְּמ֣וּנַת (tə·mū·naṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8544.htm">Strong's 8544: </a> Something portioned, out, as a, shape, phantom, embodiment, manifestation of anything כֹּ֔ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every He יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has forbidden you. צִוְּךָ֖ (ṣiw·wə·ḵā) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">Deuteronomy 4:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-23.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:23 Take heed to yourselves lest you forget (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>