Deuteronomy 5:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt have none other gods before me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The first commandment: Israel must worship God alone, placing nothing before Him.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:7
The first of the Ten Commandments, addressing Israel's primary allegiance.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:7 Mean?
This commandment establishes exclusive loyalty to God at the center of covenant life. The word before can mean 'in place of' or 'to the exclusion of'—nothing in heaven, earth, or human desire is permitted to rival God's place in Israel's worship or allegiance. All other obligations and loves flow from this primary commitment.
Monotheism was revolutionary in the ancient world, where nations worshiped dozens of deities. Israel's radical commitment was to know and obey one God alone, a foundation for coherent faith and moral life.
Deuteronomy 5:7 in the Original Language
panai (לְפָנַי), 'before me' — literally 'to my face,' emphasizing that no other deity may stand in God's presence or receive the honor due to Him alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:7
What does Deuteronomy 5:7 mean?
The first commandment: Israel must worship God alone, placing nothing before Him.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:7?
The first of the Ten Commandments, addressing Israel's primary allegiance.