King James Version
Deuteronomy 4:17 in the King James Version says “The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,”
Deuteronomy 4:17 · KJV
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:
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. divided: or, imparted
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“of any beast”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“of any winged”
H3671an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“that flieth”
H5774to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
“in the air”
H8064the 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
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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge