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Deuteronomy 4:23

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.

Deuteronomy 4:23 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse serves as a reminder to the people of Israel to be cautious and vigilant in their faith. It warns against forgetting the covenant made with the Lord, which included the prohibition of creating graven images or idols. The verse highlights the importance of staying true to the beliefs and commandments set forth by God. By emphasizing the dangers of straying from the covenant, the verse urges individuals to remain devoted to their faith and to avoid any temptation to worship false idols. This passage not only serves as a warning against idolatry but also as a call to remember and honor the sacred covenant established with the Lord. It emphasizes the significance of loyalty and devotion to God's teachings, reminding believers to uphold their faith and resist the temptation of idol worship.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Deuteronomy, the phrase "take heed unto yourselves" emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and mindful of one's actions. The verse warns against forgetting the covenant of the Lord and creating graven images or idols, which are forbidden by God. This serves as a reminder to the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient to God's commandments. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of loyalty and devotion to God, as well as the consequences of straying from His path. By studying the words used in this verse, we can understand the depth of God's expectations for His people and the seriousness of idolatry in His eyes. The emphasis on remembering the covenant and avoiding idol worship demonstrates the importance of true worship and faithfulness in the eyes of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 4:23 in other translations

American Standard Version

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.

World English Bible

Be careful, lest you forget the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made with you, and make yourselves an engraved image in the form of anything which Yahweh your God has forbidden you.

Douay-Rheims

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:

Geneva Bible (1599)

Take heede vnto your selues, least ye forget the couenant of the Lord your God which hee made with you, and least ye make you any grauen image, or likenes of any thing, as the Lord thy God hath charged thee.