Deuteronomy 4:17 web — the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,

World English Bible

"the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,"

— Deuteronomy 4:17, World English Bible

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Deuteronomy 4:17 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 4 — Context

14

Yahweh commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it.

15

Take therefore good heed to yourselves; for you saw no kind of form on the day that Yahweh spoke to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire.

16

Lest you corrupt yourselves, and make yourself an engraved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

17

the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,

18

the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth;

19

and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Yahweh your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole sky.

20

But Yahweh has taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as at this day.

Deuteronomy 4:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 4:17 say?
Deuteronomy 4:17 in the World English Bible reads: “the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,”
Where is Deuteronomy 4:17 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 4:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 4, verse 17.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 4:17.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 4:17 in?
Deuteronomy 4:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 4:17?
Deuteronomy 4:17 reads (WEB): “the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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