Exodus 20:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

NIV: "You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

NASB: You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth.

CSB: Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.

NLT: You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.

KJV: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

NKJV: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

This is the second of the Ten Commandments. These are the foundational laws of the covenant between God and the nation of Israel. The first commandment created an anchor point for the others: God is the Lord, and there is no other (Exodus 20:2–3).

Most nations and religions throughout history are tied to some form of idolatry: the worship of objects and images representing a spirit or deity. The second commandment forbids this. The King James version famously translates the Hebrew word pesel as "graven;" some readers associate this with death or seriousness. Yet the King James term is related to words such as "engraved." This prohibition is on objects of worship (Exodus 20:5–6): physical idols. The restriction is universal, including people, animals, objects, and ideas.

God's restriction here is not about making statues or sculptures, themselves. Art can be a legitimate expression of our God-given creative ability. But it deeply offends the Lord when we worship something created. This includes things He has created, such as animals and people. It also includes things humanity has invented, such as false deities (Romans 1:23–25). This commandment is against worshipping images or creating them for worship.

This commandment is separate from the first, though groups such as Catholicism consider them a single rule. The distinction is important, however. God does not approve any use of images or objects as subjects of worship. "Venerating" a statue or picture is inconsistent with His will.

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.