Deuteronomy 6:16
Deuteronomy 6:16 in Multiple Translations
Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.
¶ Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
Ye shall not tempt Jehovah your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did in Massah.
Don't test the Lord your God like you did at Massah.
Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye did tempt him in Massah:
'Ye do not try Jehovah your God as ye tried in Massah;
You shall not tempt the LORD your God, as you tempted him in Massah.
Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God, as thou temptedst him in the place of temptation.
Do not do sinful things to find out if you can do them without Yahweh our God punishing you, like your ancestors did at Massah.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 6:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 6:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֣א
תְנַסּ֔וּ
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֑ם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
נִסִּיתֶ֖ם
בַּ/מַּסָּֽה
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְנַסּ֔וּ
nâçâh
H5254
to test
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
נִסִּיתֶ֖ם
nâçâh
H5254
to test
V-Piel-Perf-2mp
בַּ/מַּסָּֽה
Maççâh
H4532
Massah
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 6:16
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְנַסּ֔וּ
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נִסִּיתֶ֖ם
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
V-Piel-Perf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
בַּ/מַּסָּֽה
Maççâh
H4532
"Massah"
Prep | N-proper
Massah was a place in the desert where the Israelites tested God, questioning if He was with them, as told in Exodus 17:7.
Definition: § Massah = "temptation" the place in the wilderness where the Israelites tested Jehovah also 'Meribah'
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Massah. See also: Exodus 17:7; Deuteronomy 9:22; Deuteronomy 33:8.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 6:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 6:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:16
Context — The Greatest Commandment
14Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.
15For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.
16Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.
17You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you. 18Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, so that it may be well with you and that you may enter and possess the good land that the LORD your God swore to give your fathers,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 17:7 | He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” |
| 2 | Luke 4:12 | But Jesus answered, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” |
| 3 | Matthew 4:7 | Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” |
| 4 | Psalms 95:8–9 | do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work. |
| 5 | Hebrews 3:8–9 | do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 10:9 | We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. |
| 7 | Exodus 17:2 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” |
| 8 | Numbers 21:4–5 | Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” |
| 9 | Numbers 20:3–4 | The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? |
| 10 | Numbers 20:13 | These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. |
Deuteronomy 6:16 Summary
This verse reminds us not to test or doubt God's power and presence in our lives, just like the Israelites did at Massah. Instead, we should trust in His goodness and provision, and seek to obey His commandments, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and experience God's blessing and presence in our lives, as promised in Deuteronomy 6:18 and Jeremiah 29:11. We can start by trusting God in the small things and seeking to obey His Word, and then watch as He works in our lives in amazing ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to test the Lord our God?
Testing the Lord our God means to doubt His power, provision, or presence in our lives, as seen in the incident at Massah, where the Israelites demanded water from Moses, questioning God's ability to provide for them, as recorded in Exodus 17:1-7 and Numbers 20:1-13.
What is the significance of Massah in this verse?
Massah refers to the place where the Israelites tested God by demanding water, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of doubting God's power and provision, as seen in Exodus 17:1-7, where God provided water from the rock.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and not demanding signs or proofs of His presence, but instead, seeking to obey His commandments and trust in His goodness, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the relationship between this verse and the preceding verses?
This verse is connected to the preceding verses, which warn against following other gods and emphasize God's jealousy, highlighting the importance of exclusive devotion to the one true God, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:14-15 and Exodus 20:3-5.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I test God in my daily life, and how can I trust in His provision instead?
- What are some areas where I struggle with doubt or unbelief, and how can I apply the truth of God's power and presence to those areas?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are challenging or uncertain?
- What does it mean to 'diligently keep the commandments of the Lord' in my own life, as mentioned in the following verse, Deuteronomy 6:17?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:16
Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God,.... By striving with him or against him, by murmuring at or complaining of his providential dealings with them, or by requiring a sign of him, or miracles to be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:16
Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
i.e. Not provoke him, as the following instance explains. Sinners, especially presumptuous sinners, are oft said to tempt God, i.e. to make a trial of God, whether he be what he pretends to be, so wise as to see their sins, so just and true and powerful as to take vengeance on them for their sins, concerning which they are very apt to doubt because of the present impunity and prosperity of many such persons. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
Deuteronomy 6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted [him] in Massah.Ver. 16. Ye shall not tempt the Lord.] By prescribing to God, and "limiting the Holy One of Israel," as these men did at Massah.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
(16) Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God.—In the LXX., “Thou shalt not tempt,” and so where our Lord used it against the tempter (Matthew 4 and Luke 4). As ye tempted him in Massah.—How did they tempt Him in Massah? By raising the unbelieving question, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” (Exodus 17:7). Even by the side of Satan upon the giddy pinnacle of the Temple, our Saviour refused to doubt the care of Jehovah. He would not throw Himself from thence into the arms of the angels to escape Satan, but “He endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” To this standard of action Israel was called in face of the powers of evil. But it was not always realised.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
Verse 16. Ye shall not tempt the Lord] Ye shall not provoke him by entertaining doubts of his mercy, goodness, providence, and truth. As ye tempted him in Massah.] How did they tempt him in Massah? They said, Is the Lord among us or not? Exodus 17:1-7. After such proofs as they had of his presence and his kindness, this was exceedingly provoking. Doubting God's kindness where there are so many evidences of it, is highly insulting to God Almighty.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:16
16, 17. Another interruption by the Pl. Because of this; because the reference to Massah is hardly relevant to the context, and because the perfect, he hath commanded, is not yet true of the separate laws; these sentences seem to be a later editorial insertion. The return to the Sg. at their close is explicable by the attraction of the Sg. in Deuteronomy 6:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:16
16. Ye shall not tempt the Lord — This is one of the passages quoted by our Lord in the temptation in the wilderness. Matthew 4:7.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jesus Was Tempted as We Are by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying away from temptation and sin. He warns against taking unnecessary risks, especially when it comes to exposing onese |
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Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e |
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(Luke) 12 - Intro to the Temptation by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of Luke and presents Jesus as the Son of all mankind and the Savior of everybody. The key verse is Luke 19:10, which states that |
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Numbers and Deuteronomy by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the experience of being served in a hotel and draws a parallel to the role of a priest serving the Lord. The speaker emphasizes that those w |
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Temptations by John McGregor | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for Christ and not succumbing to worldly temptations. He highlights how Satan tries to blind people from th |
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Triologies in Life of Christ - Part 2 by David Adams | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and the devil in the wilderness. The devil tempts Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world if he worsh |
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John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 4 by John Wesley | John Wesley expounds on Matthew 4, illustrating how Jesus, after receiving divine affirmation, faced intense temptations. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, as |