Old Testament
Deuteronomy 4:25
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse warns about the dangers of turning away from what is right after living a long time in a place of blessing.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
After you've had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time, if you corrupt yourselves by making a carved image of any kind and the LORD your God sees that you have done evil, provoking him to anger —
When thou shalt beget children, and children’s children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns about the dangers of turning away from what is right after living a long time in a place of blessing. It highlights the importance of staying true to your values, especially after experiencing prosperity and having a family. The act of creating idols represents a serious betrayal of trust, as it shows a lack of respect for the relationship with God. When you allow distractions or false beliefs to take root in your life, it can lead to anger and disappointment. This passage serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and faithful, even when life seems stable and secure. It encourages you to reflect on your choices and the impact they have on your relationship with God. Ultimately, it’s about maintaining integrity and honoring the commitments you’ve made, both to your faith and to your family. The consequences of neglecting this can be severe, affecting not just you but future generations as well. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay grounded in your beliefs and avoid the temptation to stray. Explore related faithfulness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Deuteronomy 4:25 to your life
Consider what distractions or false beliefs might be influencing your life. Reflect on your values and how they align with your actions. Make a conscious effort to prioritize your relationship with God and ensure that your choices reflect your commitment to those values. Protect your legacy for future generations by living authentically and faithfully. Stay aware of the potential pitfalls that can arise from complacency in your faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 4:25 mean?
Deuteronomy 4:25 warns against the dangers of turning away from God after experiencing blessings. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and avoiding idolatry, which can provoke God's anger and lead to serious consequences.
What is the significance of idolatry in Deuteronomy 4:25?
Idolatry in Deuteronomy 4:25 represents a betrayal of trust in God. Creating carved images or false gods shows a lack of respect for the relationship with God and can lead to negative repercussions for individuals and their families.
How does Deuteronomy 4:25 relate to family legacy?
Deuteronomy 4:25 highlights the impact of one's choices on future generations. By remaining faithful and avoiding idolatry, individuals can protect their family's legacy and ensure that their values are passed down.
What are the consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:25?
The consequences in Deuteronomy 4:25 include provoking God's anger and experiencing negative outcomes due to turning away from Him. This can affect not only the individual but also their descendants.

The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 1: Moses Reviews the Wilderness Journey
Moses speaks to all Israel in the plains of Moab and recalls earlier events. He says the LORD tells Israel to leave Horeb and go toward the land promised to their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses explains how the people become too numerous for him to manage alone, so leaders are appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and judges are instructed to judge fairly without respect of persons.
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