King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:8 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Deuteronomy 5:8 · KJV


Context

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,

10

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The second commandment prohibits making 'any graven image, or any likeness' of created things. This guards God's transcendence and prohibits reducing Him to manageable, visible forms. The comprehensive list 'in heaven...earth...waters' covers all creation realms, emphasizing no creature may represent the Creator. This commandment regulates worship's form, while the first regulates worship's object. The Reformed tradition insists this prohibits religious images, icons, and representations used in worship. God reveals Himself through Word (Scripture), ultimately through the incarnate Word (Christ), not human-crafted images.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient religions relied heavily on idols and images for worship. Pagan temples housed deity statues believed to contain divine presence. Israel's imageless worship was revolutionary. Yet Israel repeatedly violated this command: golden calf (Exodus 32), Micah's idol (Judges 17-18), Jeroboam's calves (1 Kings 12:28), Manasseh filling Jerusalem with idols (2 Kings 21:3-7). The second commandment protected true worship from pagan corruption and maintained God's transcendent otherness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prohibition of images protect both God's transcendence and the primacy of Word-based worship?
  2. In what subtle ways might modern worship incorporate visual elements that distract from Scripture's centrality and God's invisible glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לֹֽ֣א1 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה2 of 16

Thou shalt not make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֥֣3 of 16
H0
פֶ֣֙סֶל֙׀4 of 16

thee any graven image

H6459

an idol

כָּל5 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּמוּנָ֔֡ה6 of 16

or any likeness

H8544

something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of

אֲשֶׁ֤֣ר7 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּשָּׁמַ֣֙יִם֙׀8 of 16

of any thing that is in heaven

H8064

the 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

מִמַּ֔֡עַל9 of 16

above

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃11 of 16

beneath the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִתָּ֑֜חַת12 of 16
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּמַּ֖֣יִם׀14 of 16

beneath or that is in the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מִתַּ֥֣חַת15 of 16
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃16 of 16

beneath the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study