The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
DEUTERONOMY 4:18KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 4:18 mean?
Deuteronomy 4:18 warns the Israelites not to make images or idols shaped like any creature that crawls on the ground or any fish that lives in the water under the earth. The verse is part of a larger command against creating physical representations of living things for worship.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the land God promised them. He is reminding them of the importance of worshipping God alone and not turning to images or idols, which were common in surrounding cultures. The verse specifically mentions animals that creep on the ground and fish in the waters, showing how thorough the command is—no creature, whether on land or in water, should be made into an object of worship.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 4:18
- תְּמוּנָה (temunah, “likeness”): This word refers to a form, shape, or image. The use of "likeness" stresses that even a representation, not just the real thing, is forbidden as an object of worship.
- רֶמֶשׂ (remes, “thing that creepeth”): This term covers small animals or creatures that move along the ground, like insects or reptiles. The command includes even the smallest and most humble creatures.
- דָּג (dag, “fish”): This word means fish, and its mention shows that the prohibition extends to creatures in the water, not just those on land.
- מַיִם (mayim, “waters”): This word means waters, emphasizing that the command covers all areas—land and water alike.
Why Deuteronomy 4:18 matters
- Deuteronomy 4:18 makes clear that the command against idols is not limited to images of people or heavenly beings but includes every kind of creature, even the lowliest animals and fish.
- This verse helps explain how different Israel’s worship was meant to be from the idol practices of neighboring nations, who often made images of animals and fish as part of their religions.
- By listing specific types of creatures, Moses is emphasizing the thoroughness of God’s command and helping the people avoid any loopholes or excuses for making idols.