Deuteronomy 16:22

KJV

Neither shalt thou set thee up [any] image; which the LORD thy God hateth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou set thee up {H6965} any image {H4676}; which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hateth {H8130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, do not set up a standing-stone; ADONAI your God hates such things.

Berean Standard Bible

and do not set up for yourselves a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates.

American Standard Version

Neither shalt thou set thee up a pillar; which Jehovah thy God hateth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:22 delivers an unequivocal divine prohibition against the establishment of any form of cultic image or standing pillar for worship, articulating God's profound and active detestation for such practices. This command serves as a foundational declaration of Yahweh's unique sovereignty and holiness, demanding exclusive and unadulterated devotion from His covenant people, Israel, as they prepared to enter a land saturated with pagan idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant legal section of Deuteronomy, specifically chapters 12-26, which outlines the statutes and ordinances for Israel's life in the Promised Land. More narrowly, Deuteronomy 16 focuses on the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths) and the regulations surrounding proper worship at the central sanctuary. The immediate preceding verse, [Deuteronomy 16:21](/deuteronomy/16-21 "Deuteronomy 16:21 - Prohibition of Asherah Poles"), explicitly forbids the setting up of an Asherah pole, a common Canaanite cult object. Verse 22 broadens this prohibition to "any image" or "pillar," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's demand for exclusive worship and the purity of His people's devotion. This sequence emphasizes that true worship of Yahweh is not merely about *what* to do, but also *what not* to do, particularly concerning syncretistic practices that would defile the covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, on the brink of entering Canaan. They had witnessed the pervasive polytheism and idol worship of Egypt, and even succumbed to it themselves with the [golden calf incident](/exodus/32-4 "Exodus 32:4 - The Golden Calf Incident") in the wilderness. Canaan, their destination, was notorious for its diverse pantheon of gods (Baal, Asherah, Dagon, etc.) and their associated cultic practices, which often involved sacred pillars (_matzevot_), altars, and images. These pagan practices were frequently accompanied by ritual prostitution and child sacrifice, which were an abomination to Yahweh. The command in Deuteronomy 16:22, therefore, was a crucial safeguard, designed to prevent Israel from adopting the corrupt religious customs of the land and to preserve their distinct identity as a people consecrated to the one true God, distinct from the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 16:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **exclusive worship of Yahweh**, a cornerstone of the covenant relationship articulated in the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Israel is called to worship God alone, without any rival deities or physical representations. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's absolute holiness and His detestation of idolatry**. The phrase "which the LORD thy God hateth" reveals the depth of divine displeasure, portraying idolatry not merely as a minor transgression but as an affront to God's character and a betrayal of the covenant. This detestation is rooted in God's desire for pure, unmediated worship that acknowledges His transcendence and omnipotence, as opposed to human attempts to confine or manipulate the divine through man-made objects, a theme powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set thee up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From the primitive root H6965, meaning "to rise" or "to establish." In this context, it signifies the deliberate act of erecting, raising, or setting in place a standing object. The prohibition is against the intentional establishment of such an image for religious purposes, highlighting that the act of creating or placing these objects for worship is a direct violation of God's command.
* **Image (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** From H4676, this feminine noun literally means "something stationed," a "column," or a "memorial stone." By analogy, it can refer to an "idol" or "pillar." While _matstsêbâh_ could legitimately be used for non-cultic purposes (e.g., as a memorial marker), in the context of Deuteronomic law and its strong stance against paganism, it refers specifically to the standing stones or pillars used in Canaanite worship. These were often associated with fertility cults or served as symbols of pagan deities, making their erection an act of idolatry.
* **Hateth (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, a primitive root meaning "to hate (personally)." When applied to God, this verb denotes a strong, active, and often hostile detestation, not merely a mild dislike. It signifies God's absolute moral opposition and utter rejection of something that goes against His holy character and righteous will. In this context, God's hatred for cultic images is a powerful theological statement, emphasizing that idolatry is an abomination, a direct challenge to His unique sovereignty, and a perversion of the true worship He demands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou set thee up [any] image":** This clause issues a direct, emphatic prohibition, using strong negative phrasing. The command is comprehensive, forbidding the deliberate establishment or erection of any physical representation or cultic pillar that would serve as an object of worship or a medium for approaching God, other than through His prescribed means. This prohibition is rooted in the understanding that God is transcendent, infinite, and cannot be contained or represented by human-made objects, which inevitably diminish His glory and lead to a distorted understanding of His nature.
* **"which the LORD thy God hateth":** This second clause provides the divine rationale for the prohibition. It is not an arbitrary rule but stems directly from the character and nature of God Himself. His "hatred" for these images signifies His absolute moral opposition to anything that compromises His unique status as the only true God, competes for the devotion of His people, or leads to the defilement of His worship. This divine detestation underscores the gravity of idolatry as a profound offense against God's holiness and a direct violation of the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is **Prohibition**, expressed through the absolute negative command "Neither shalt thou set thee up," which directly forbids an action, leaving no room for ambiguity. This directness underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's will. The phrase "which the LORD thy God hateth" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human emotion of "hatred" to God. This is not to suggest God experiences human passions in a limited or flawed sense, but rather to powerfully communicate the intensity of His moral opposition and absolute rejection of idolatry. It serves as a strong deterrent, highlighting the severe consequences of defying this command. Furthermore, the verse employs **Emphasis** through the strong language of "hateth," underscoring the deep theological significance of the prohibition and the profound offense that idolatry represents to the divine nature. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the pure, spiritual worship demanded by Yahweh and the corrupt, materialistic, and often immoral practices associated with pagan image worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:22 is a powerful reiteration of the foundational principles of the First and Second Commandments, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive, unadulterated worship. Theologically, it underscores the transcendence of God, who cannot be confined or represented by human artifacts, and whose holiness is compromised by any attempt to reduce Him to a tangible object. Idolatry is presented not merely as a ritual error but as a profound act of spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship, and a direct affront to the divine character. God's "hatred" for images is a manifestation of His zeal for His own glory and His passionate desire for the pure devotion of His people, ensuring their spiritual well-being and covenant fidelity. This principle extends beyond physical images to anything that displaces God from His rightful place of ultimate authority and affection in the human heart.

* [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared")
* [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the direct setting up of physical pagan images may not be a common practice for most contemporary believers, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 16:22 remains profoundly relevant. The human heart, as Calvin famously noted, is an "idol factory," constantly prone to creating and worshipping things other than God. Modern idolatry often manifests subtly, taking the form of anything that occupies the place of ultimate allegiance, trust, and devotion in our lives—anything that we serve, rely on, or find our ultimate identity and security in, apart from or above the Lord. This could be wealth, career success, social status, relationships, personal achievements, physical appearance, comfort, or even our own opinions and desires. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination, challenging us to identify and dismantle any "images" in our hearts that compete for God's rightful supremacy. True worship demands that God alone be enthroned, and that our lives reflect an undivided loyalty to Him, seeking His glory above all else, recognizing that anything that diminishes His preeminence is an affront to His holy character and a detriment to our spiritual vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "images" or "pillars" in my life that subtly compete for the ultimate devotion and trust that belong to God alone?**
* **How does my pursuit of success, security, or satisfaction in worldly things reflect a form of modern idolatry?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "contain" or "define" God according to my own preferences rather than worshipping Him as He truly is?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of undivided devotion that truly "hates" anything that diminishes God's glory in my life?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "image" is being referred to in Deuteronomy 16:22, and why is it so strongly prohibited?**

Answer: The "image" (Hebrew: _matstsêbâh_) primarily refers to a standing stone or pillar, specifically those erected for pagan worship. In Canaanite religion, these pillars were often cultic symbols, sometimes phallic, associated with deities like Baal or Asherah, and used in idolatrous rituals. The prohibition is so strong because these images represented a direct challenge to Yahweh's unique sovereignty and holiness. They were attempts to contain or represent the infinite God with finite, man-made objects, leading to a distorted understanding of God and often to immoral practices associated with pagan cults. God's "hatred" for them signifies His absolute moral opposition to anything that compromises His glory or leads His people into spiritual unfaithfulness, as seen in the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment").

**Does God's "hatred" of images mean He has human emotions, and how does this relate to His character?**

Answer: When the Bible says God "hates" something, it uses anthropomorphic language—attributing human characteristics to God—to help us understand His profound moral stance. It doesn't mean God experiences human passions or weaknesses, but rather conveys His absolute and unwavering opposition to sin and evil. In the case of idolatry, God's "hatred" signifies His righteous indignation and utter rejection of anything that diminishes His glory, distorts His truth, or leads His people away from Him. It is an expression of His perfect holiness and His zealous love for His covenant people, desiring their exclusive devotion and protection from spiritual harm. This divine emotion is a reflection of His perfect justice and unwavering commitment to His own character, which is utterly pure and without blemish.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:22, with its stern prohibition against man-made images, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament command against creating images of God stemmed from His transcendence and invisibility; no human construct could adequately represent the Creator. However, in Christ, the invisible God has been perfectly and fully revealed. Jesus is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the exact representation of His being ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). We no longer need to fashion idols or standing stones to grasp the divine, for God has taken on human flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, the "hatred" God expresses for idolatry in Deuteronomy 16:22 is satisfied by Christ's redemptive work. Through His sacrifice, Jesus frees us from the bondage of all forms of idolatry—whether physical or spiritual—enabling us to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), with undivided hearts. He is the one true object of our devotion, the Lord who demands and deserves all glory, ensuring that our worship is pure and acceptable to God, free from any competing "images" that defile our hearts or diminish His supreme worth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 26:1

¶ Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 20:4

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:

Deuteronomy 12:31

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Jeremiah 44:4

Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them], saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

Revelation 2:15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Revelation 2:6

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Zechariah 8:17

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD.