Deuteronomy 27:15

KJV

Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be the man {H376} that maketh {H6213} any graven {H6459} or molten image {H4541}, an abomination {H8441} unto the LORD {H3068}, the work {H4639} of the hands {H3027} of the craftsman {H2796}, and putteth {H7760} it in a secret {H5643} place. And all the people {H5971} shall answer {H6030} and say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A curse on anyone who makes a carved or metal image, something ADONAI detests, the handiwork of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret!'All the people are to respond by saying, 'Amen!'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

American Standard Version

Cursed be the man that maketh a graven or molten image, an abomination unto Jehovah, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and setteth it up in secret. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:15 inaugurates a series of solemn curses pronounced from Mount Ebal, serving as a foundational declaration within the covenant renewal ceremony for Israel on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This verse specifically targets the insidious sin of idolatry, pronouncing a divine curse upon any individual who crafts or possesses a graven or molten image, unequivocally labeling such an act as an "abomination" to the LORD, particularly when done in secret. The verse culminates with the corporate affirmation of "Amen" from all the people, underscoring their collective understanding, agreement, and commitment to uphold this fundamental prohibition against false worship, thereby acknowledging the severe consequences of violating God's exclusive claim to their devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27 marks a climactic moment in Moses' final address to Israel, immediately preceding their entry into Canaan. Following the extensive review of the Law in previous chapters, Moses commands a grand covenant renewal ceremony to take place upon crossing the Jordan. This ceremony involves dividing the tribes between Mount Gerizim (for blessings) and Mount Ebal (for curses), with the Levites reciting specific curses. Verses 11-14 detail the tribal arrangements and the Levites' role. Deuteronomy 27:15-26 then presents twelve distinct curses, each followed by the people's resounding "Amen." The curse against idolatry in verse 15 is strategically placed as the very first, signaling its paramount importance and the foundational nature of exclusive worship within the Mosaic Covenant. Its position emphasizes that idolatry is the primary affront to Yahweh's sovereignty and the most direct violation of the covenant relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a polytheistic landscape, where the worship of numerous deities, often represented by physical idols, was deeply ingrained in daily life and state religion. Israel's call to monotheism was a radical departure from these prevailing cultural norms. The prohibition against "graven or molten images" was not merely a theological statement but a direct challenge to the pervasive idolatrous practices they would encounter in Canaan. The term "abomination" (Hebrew: *to'ebah*) carried immense theological weight, denoting practices utterly detestable to Yahweh, frequently associated with pagan rituals, sexual perversions, and social injustices that defiled the land and violated the covenant. The specific mention of a "secret place" acknowledges the insidious nature of idolatry, which could be practiced clandestinely, away from public scrutiny, yet never hidden from the omniscient God of Israel. This context underscores the constant temptation Israel faced to assimilate with surrounding cultures and the absolute necessity of maintaining a distinct, exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 27:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the entire Pentateuch. It unequivocally reinforces the theme of **exclusive worship** and **monotheism**, echoing the foundational first and second commandments found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The Decalogue: No Other Gods, No Idols") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 5:7-9](/deuteronomy/5-7-9 "Deuteronomy 5:7-9 - The Decalogue: Exclusive Worship"). The corporate "Amen" highlights the theme of **covenant fidelity** and **corporate responsibility**, signifying the people's solemn agreement to the terms of the covenant and their collective accountability for upholding it. This verse also underscores the **holiness of God** and His absolute intolerance for anything that diminishes His glory or substitutes Him with created things. Furthermore, the emphasis on the "secret place" introduces the profound theme of **divine omniscience**, reminding Israel that God sees all, even hidden sins and the innermost intentions of the heart, a truth beautifully articulated in [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Graven (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** From H6459, meaning "an idol; carved (graven) image." This term refers specifically to an image carved from wood or stone, emphasizing the human effort and material limitations involved in its creation. The prohibition extends to any such physical representation intended for worship, highlighting the futility of worshipping something fashioned by human hands.
* **Molten Image (Hebrew, _maççêkâh'_):** From H4541, meaning "properly, a pouring over, i.e. fusion of metal (especially a cast image)." This term refers to an image cast from metal, often by pouring molten material into a mold. Paired with "graven image," it creates a comprehensive prohibition against all forms of idols, regardless of their material composition or method of manufacture, underscoring the absolute nature of God's command against idolatry.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, meaning "properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." This powerful term signifies something utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally offensive to God. Its application to idolatry reveals the profound spiritual offense of substituting the Creator with creation, which directly insults God's unique glory, sovereignty, and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman":** This opening clause pronounces a severe divine curse upon any individual who engages in the creation of idols. The curse is directed at the "man" (Hebrew: *ʼîysh*), emphasizing individual accountability within the covenant community. The description of the image as "the work of the hands of the craftsman" (Hebrew: *maʻăseh yâd chârâsh*) deliberately highlights its created, finite, and human-made nature, contrasting sharply with the uncreated, infinite, and self-existent God (Hebrew: *Yᵉhôvâh*). The declaration that such an image is "an abomination unto the LORD" establishes the fundamental theological basis for the curse: idolatry is not merely a mistake but a profound spiritual offense, directly challenging God's character and His exclusive claim to worship.
* **"and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place].":** This phrase specifies the clandestine nature of the idolatry being condemned. It addresses the insidious temptation to practice idolatry privately, away from the watchful eyes of the community or authorities. This underscores God's omniscience (Hebrew: *çêther*), revealing that no sin, however hidden, escapes His notice. It also suggests the deceptive and corrupting power of idolatry, which often begins in the heart and in private before potentially manifesting publicly, eroding true devotion.
* **"And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.":** This final clause describes the corporate response of the entire Israelite community. "Amen" (Hebrew: *ʼâmên*) signifies "so be it," "it is true," or "let it be established." By responding "Amen" to each curse, the people publicly affirmed their understanding of the law, their agreement with its justice, and their corporate commitment to uphold it. This act bound them collectively to the covenant's stipulations, thereby taking on the responsibility for its enforcement and acknowledging the severe consequences of its violation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Covenant Formula**, where the structure of a pronounced curse followed by the communal affirmation of "Amen" creates a powerful, ritualistic binding of the community to the law. This reciprocal declaration underscores the solemnity and binding nature of the Mosaic Covenant. There is a strong element of **Antithesis**, contrasting the public, communal declaration of "Amen" with the private, hidden act of placing an idol in a "secret place." This highlights the tension between outward conformity and inward rebellion, emphasizing that God's law penetrates beyond public performance to the hidden recesses of the heart. Furthermore, the phrase "an abomination unto the LORD" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme detestability of idolatry to God, elevating it beyond mere transgression to an act of profound spiritual offense against His very nature. The description of the idol as "the work of the hands of the craftsman" employs **Irony**, subtly mocking the utter futility and absurdity of worshipping something fashioned by finite human hands, which is inherently inferior to the infinite, uncreated divine Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:15 serves as a foundational declaration against idolatry, echoing the very first principles of the Mosaic Covenant and God's absolute demand for exclusive worship. It establishes God's unique sovereignty and His intolerance for anything that diminishes His glory or substitutes Him with created things. The "abomination" language connects idolatry to other deeply offensive practices in the Old Testament, underscoring its severe spiritual defilement and its capacity to corrupt the covenant community. The emphasis on secret sin highlights God's omniscience and the comprehensive nature of His moral law, which penetrates beyond outward actions into the hidden motives and allegiances of the heart. This verse sets the stage for Israel's ongoing struggle with idolatry throughout its history, demonstrating the constant temptation to replace the true God with tangible, controllable deities, and the severe consequences that inevitably follow such spiritual infidelity.

* [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Prohibition Against Idols")
* [Deuteronomy 5:8-9](/deuteronomy/5-8-9 "Deuteronomy 5:8-9 - The Commandment Against Idols")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the overt worship of physical idols may seem distant to many in contemporary society, the principle of Deuteronomy 27:15 remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle, insidious forms, manifesting as anything that occupies the primary place in our hearts and lives that rightfully belongs to God. This could be the insatiable pursuit of wealth, status, power, comfort, relationships, career success, or even self-image and personal desires. The warning against placing idols "in a secret place" is particularly poignant, reminding us that God sees not only our public actions but also the hidden allegiances and affections of our hearts. This calls for a rigorous self-examination: What do we truly worship? What do we trust in for security, identity, or fulfillment? Do our private thoughts and desires align with our public profession of faith? Just as the Israelites corporately affirmed their commitment with "Amen," believers today are called to a wholehearted, public, and private devotion to the one true God, guarding against any subtle replacement of His rightful place and actively dismantling any "secret places" where rival gods might reside.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "graven or molten images" might exist in my life today, even if they are not physical statues, that compete for God's rightful place?**
* **In what "secret places"—my thoughts, desires, or hidden habits—might I be harboring allegiances that subtly compete with my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does the concept of God's omniscience (His ability to see even secret sins) impact my understanding of personal holiness and accountability?**
* **What does my "Amen" to God's commands truly signify in the practical choices and priorities of my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why is idolatry considered such a severe sin in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Idolatry is considered a profoundly severe sin because it directly violates the very first commandments given by God, challenging His unique identity, sovereignty, and holiness. It is an act of spiritual adultery, substituting the uncreated Creator with created things and diminishing God's glory. The term "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) used in [Deuteronomy 27:15](/deuteronomy/27-15 "Deuteronomy 27:15 - The Curse Against Idolatry") signifies something utterly detestable to God, as it fundamentally misrepresents His nature, leads to moral corruption within the covenant community, and breaks the exclusive covenant relationship He desires with His people. It is a rejection of God's authority and a betrayal of trust, inviting severe divine judgment.

**What is the significance of the "secret place" in this verse?**

Answer: The "secret place" (Hebrew: *çêther*) emphasizes that God's moral law applies not only to public actions but also to private intentions and hidden practices. It highlights God's omniscience—He sees what is concealed from human eyes and knows the innermost thoughts of the heart. This aspect warns against the insidious nature of sin, particularly idolatry, which can begin subtly in the heart and in private before manifesting openly. It underscores that true devotion to God requires integrity in both public and private life, as no sin, especially one so directly against God's nature, can remain hidden from Him. As [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence") beautifully illustrates, there is no place one can flee from God's presence or His all-seeing eye.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 27:15 pronounces a severe curse upon those who engage in idolatry, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament curses, including this one, serve to highlight humanity's inherent inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous law and the dire consequences of sin. Jesus Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the law in every respect, living a life of absolute and exclusive devotion to the Father, never harboring any "graven or molten image" in His heart or life. He then bore the full weight of the law's curse on our behalf, becoming a curse for us on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are freed from the condemnation of the law and empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), no longer needing physical images or harboring secret allegiances to anything but the living God. The call to abandon idols, whether overt or subtle, finds its ultimate motivation and enablement in the liberating grace of Christ, who draws us into true, unadulterated worship of the Father, making us new creations who reflect His glory.

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

Exodus 34:17

Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.

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:

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.

Leviticus 19:4

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I [am] the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 5:8

Thou shalt not make 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 waters beneath the earth:

Hosea 13:2

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Hosea 13:3

Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff [that] is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.