King James Version
Deuteronomy 4:16 in the King James Version says “Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,”
Deuteronomy 4:16 · KJV
And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.
Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Lest ye corrupt”
H7843to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
“yourselves and make”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
“the similitude”
H8544something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“of male”
H2145properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Deuteronomy 4:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Deuteronomy 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge