Deuteronomy 5 7

Deuteronomy 5:7 kjv

Thou shalt have none other gods before me.

Deuteronomy 5:7 nkjv

'You shall have no other gods before Me.

Deuteronomy 5:7 niv

"You shall have no other gods before me.

Deuteronomy 5:7 esv

"'You shall have no other gods before me.

Deuteronomy 5:7 nlt

"You must not have any other god but me.

Deuteronomy 5 verses

Deuteronomy 5 7 Meaning

Deuteronomy 5:7 is the foundational First Commandment of the Decalogue, directly prohibiting polytheism and demanding exclusive allegiance to YHWH, the God of Israel. It declares that no other deity or object of worship shall be acknowledged or served alongside or in place of Him, asserting His supreme and singular sovereignty. This commandment underscores the unique covenant relationship between God and His people, requiring absolute loyalty and devotion solely to Him.

Deuteronomy 5 7 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 5 serves as Moses' powerful reiteration of the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the promised land. Forty years after the original giving of the Law at Mount Horeb (Sinai), this discourse revitalizes the covenant for a people who did not directly experience the awe-inspiring original revelation.

This setting is crucial. The Israelites are about to enter Canaan, a land deeply entrenched in polytheistic and idolatrous practices. The first commandment, therefore, is not merely an abstract theological statement but a practical and immediate warning against the pervasive allure of pagan gods associated with fertility (Baal, Asherah), nature, and local cults. It firmly establishes the identity of Israel's God, YHWH, as unique and sovereign, in direct opposition to the prevalent contemporary beliefs in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who often embodied natural forces or human passions. The commandment is the foundational pillar upon which Israel's entire national and religious identity is to be built, separating them distinctly from all other nations.

Deuteronomy 5 7 Word Analysis

• You shall have (לֹא תִהְיֶה - lo tihyeh): The Hebrew lo (לֹא) is an emphatic negation, a strong prohibition, meaning "not at all" or "absolutely not." Tihyeh means "you shall be" or "there shall be for you." Combined, it expresses a firm, divine command forbidding any existence or presence of other gods in relationship to the Israelites.

• no (לֹא - lo): Reiterates the strong negative particle, reinforcing the absolute and unconditional nature of the prohibition.

• other gods (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים - 'elohim acherim):

  • 'elohim (אֱלֹהִים): While often translated "God" (capitalized, referring to YHWH), it is a plural form. Here, it refers to pagan deities, "gods." It signifies divine beings or objects of worship recognized by other nations.
  • acherim (אֲחֵרִים): Means "other," "different," "alien," or "foreign." It emphasizes that these are not the God of Israel but separate and illegitimate objects of worship. The very concept implies a rejection of these entities as worthy of any veneration. This is a direct theological polemic against the polytheism and pantheons of the ancient Near East, affirming YHWH's uniqueness.

• before me (עַל־פָּנָֽי - 'al-panay): This is a crucial phrase with significant interpretive depth:

  • 'al (עַל): Can mean "upon," "over," "against," "before," "in front of."
  • panay (פָּנָי): Means "my face" or "my presence."
  • Interpretation:
    • In my presence/sight: It suggests that no other gods are to exist or be acknowledged "in My view" or "in My presence." This implies that even if one believes other gods exist, they must never be presented, worshipped, or even conceptually harbored in the same space as YHWH. It underlines God's omniscient awareness and jealous exclusivity.
    • Besides me/alongside me: This emphasizes exclusivity. No other gods are to be set up as rivals or partners with YHWH. There is no sharing of divine glory or authority. YHWH tolerates no co-regent or subordinate deity in Israel's worship.
    • In opposition to me/in defiance of me: It implies that setting up other gods is an act of rebellion against YHWH's supreme authority.

• "No other gods before me" (לֹא יִהְיֶה־לְךָ אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים עַל־פָּנָֽי): This complete phrase asserts that Israel is not to acknowledge, possess, or worship any god in the presence or alongside YHWH. It forbids polytheism, syncretism, and any act that diminishes YHWH's unique sovereignty. It's not merely a caution against a hierarchy where YHWH is supreme but others exist below Him; it's a denial of any legitimacy for other gods at all within the scope of Israel's faith and practice.

Deuteronomy 5 7 Bonus Section

• Divine Jealousy: This commandment inherently implies YHWH's "jealousy" (as seen in Ex 34:14, Deut 4:24), which is not a human emotion of envy but a divine zeal for His exclusive rights and the pure devotion of His people, recognizing the profound danger of anything that compromises His absolute claim.
• Foundation for all Ethics: Because Israel's God is singular, unique, and righteous, the ethical framework He establishes is also distinct. Unlike the capricious, often amoral deities of paganism, YHWH's singularity ties morality directly to His unchanging character, ensuring a stable and just foundation for society.
• Spirit of the Law: While often understood in terms of literal worship of idols, Christian tradition interprets this commandment's spirit to extend to anything that takes precedence over God in one's life—be it wealth, power, fame, comfort, or even good works done outside of devotion to Him. As Paul later stated (Col 3:5), greed can be considered idolatry, indicating the internal, spiritual dimension of this commandment.

Deuteronomy 5 7 Commentary

Deuteronomy 5:7 articulates the absolute core of biblical faith: the exclusive worship of the one true God, YHWH. It is more than a mere prohibition against physical idols; it commands total allegiance of the heart and mind. This first commandment establishes the non-negotiable principle of monotheism for Israel, distinguishing their covenant God from all the "gods" of the surrounding nations—who were often tied to natural phenomena, human desires, or political power structures. By stating "no other gods before me," God asserts His unique status, refusing to share His glory or the devotion of His people with any rival. This forms the indispensable foundation for all subsequent commands and defines the essence of the covenant relationship. Any deviation from this absolute fidelity to YHWH, whether through worshipping literal idols, coveting wealth, or seeking self-exaltation, constitutes a violation of this foundational command. It is a call to a singularly focused, wholehearted devotion that resonates throughout all of Scripture.