Deuteronomy 4:17

17 Don't make one that looks like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the sky.

Deuteronomy 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:17

The likeness of any beast that is on the earth
As there are scarce any but the likeness of them has been made and worshipped, or the creatures themselves, as the ox by the Egyptians, the sheep by the Thebans, the goat by the Mendesians, and others by different people:

the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air;
as the hawk, and the bird called Ibis, and another by the name of Cneph by the Egyptians, and the eagle by others.

Deuteronomy 4:17 In-Context

15 The LORD spoke to you at Mount Horeb out of the fire. But you didn't see any shape or form that day. So be very careful.

16 Make sure you don't commit a horrible sin. Don't make for yourselves a statue of a god. Don't make a god that looks like a man or woman or anything else.

17 Don't make one that looks like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the sky.

18 Don't make a statue that looks like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish that swims in the water.

19 When you look up at the heavens, you will see the sun and moon. And you will see huge numbers of stars. Don't let anyone tempt you to bow down to the sun, moon or stars. Don't worship things the LORD your God has provided for all of the nations on earth.