King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 5:7 Mean?
“Thou shalt have none other gods before me.”
Context
5
(I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,
6
I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. bondage: Heb. servants
7
Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
8
Thou shalt not make 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 waters beneath the earth:
9
Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Thou shalt have none other gods before me.**—Literally, *upon my face, in addition to my presence; *or, as Rashi says, “in any place where I am, that is, in the whole world.” “Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit, or whither *shall I flee from Thy face?*” Idols are, at the very best, only masks which man puts upon the face of God, insulting to His dignity, and tending to conceal Him from our view.
(8,9) These two verses should be closely connected, according to the idiom of the original, “Thou shalt not make to thyself any of these things *for the purpose of *bowing down to them or worshipping them.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
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.
Theological Significance
Deuteronomy 5:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Deuteronomy 5:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge