Exodus 20:23

KJV

Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not make {H6213} with me gods {H430} of silver {H3701}, neither shall ye make {H6213} unto you gods {H430} of gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to make with me gods of silver, nor are you to make gods of gold for yourselves. (S: Maftir)

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.

American Standard Version

Ye shall not make other gods with me; gods of silver, or gods of gold, ye shall not make unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:23 serves as a critical reinforcement and practical application of the foundational commandments, unequivocally prohibiting the creation of idols from precious metals like silver and gold. This verse profoundly underscores Yahweh's absolute demand for exclusive worship, His incomparable and transcendent nature that defies any human-made representation, and the inherent futility and blasphemy of attempting to fashion a deity or a likeness of the Most High God from material substances, no matter how valuable. It establishes a non-negotiable boundary for Israel's covenant relationship with God, sharply distinguishing Him from the tangible, man-made deities prevalent in the surrounding pagan cultures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned immediately following the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, which are presented as the foundational covenant stipulations in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). Specifically, it serves as a direct, practical elaboration on the first two commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")) and "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")). Exodus 20:23 transitions into the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant")), providing specific legal and ethical instructions derived from the broader principles of the Decalogue. By explicitly naming silver and gold, the verse addresses the most common and valued materials used for idols in the ancient world, leaving no ambiguity about the comprehensive rejection of any human attempt to "make" or represent God, or to create rival deities, even with the most esteemed resources.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by pervasive polytheism, where the worship of deities through elaborate physical images was a central religious practice. Cultures like those in Egypt, from which Israel had just been delivered, and Canaan, into which they were heading, routinely fashioned idols from various materials, including abundant precious metals. These cultic images were often believed to embody the god's presence, serve as conduits for divine power, or even be the god itself. For the newly formed nation of Israel, called to be a distinct people set apart for Yahweh, this command was revolutionary. It established a radical counter-cultural identity, emphasizing that the God of Israel was transcendent, invisible, incomparable, and utterly unlike any human-made object. The tragic incident of the [golden calf](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf") in [Exodus 32:1-6](/exodus/32-1-6 "Exodus 32:1-6 - The Golden Calf Incident"), occurring shortly after this command, vividly illustrates Israel's immediate susceptibility to this pervasive cultural practice and the severe consequences of violating this fundamental prohibition.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 20:23 strongly reinforces the theme of God's **uniqueness and incomparability**. Unlike the gods of the nations, Yahweh cannot be confined to or represented by physical forms; He is Spirit and transcends all creation. This leads to the theme of **exclusive worship** (monotheism), demanding that Israel's allegiance be solely to Yahweh, with no rivals or substitutes. The verse also highlights the **folly and futility of idolatry**, demonstrating that human attempts to create or control deity are inherently powerless and an affront to the true Creator. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **covenant fidelity**, as adherence to this command is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Israel's special relationship with God, distinguishing them as a holy nation set apart from the idolatrous practices of their neighbors, as seen throughout the narratives in [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make (Hebrew, _‘âsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root means "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of Exodus 20:23, it emphasizes the human agency involved in creating these "gods." This stands in stark contrast to Yahweh, who is the uncreated Creator, the one who "makes" all things but cannot Himself be "made" or contained by human hands. The prohibition highlights the absurdity and blasphemy of humanity attempting to create that which is inherently superior and transcendent, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all creation.
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this plural noun refers to "gods in the ordinary sense," often denoting false deities or idols, as it does here. While _ʼĕlôhîym_ can also refer to the one true God, its usage in this context, especially in conjunction with human fabrication, clearly points to the multitude of pagan gods worshipped by surrounding nations. The command is a direct rejection of syncretism or polytheism, asserting Yahweh's unique and exclusive claim to divinity. It signifies that no other entity, whether conceived in the mind or fashioned by hand, can stand alongside or in place of the Lord.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** From H3701, this term refers to "silver (from its pale color); by implication, money." Its explicit mention, alongside gold, specifies the most valuable and enduring materials used for idol construction in the ancient world. This underscores that even the most precious, beautiful, or seemingly permanent human creations are utterly worthless and powerless as objects of worship. The command preempts any argument that a god made of valuable material might somehow be more potent or worthy than one made of wood or stone, asserting that *no* material can imbue an object with divine essence or make it a suitable object of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not make with me gods of silver":** This clause directly prohibits the creation of idols from silver. The crucial phrase "with me" (עִמָּדִי, _‘immadi_) implies "alongside me," "in competition with me," or "in my presence." It signifies that Yahweh tolerates no rivals or substitutes in worship. To fashion a silver idol, even if intended to represent Him (which is also forbidden by the second commandment), or to worship another god, is a direct affront to His unique sovereignty and holy presence. This highlights God's zealous demand for exclusive devotion.
* **"neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold":** This second clause functions as a parallel reinforcement and expansion of the first, extending the prohibition to idols made of gold. The repetition of "ye shall not make" emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the command. By specifying both silver and gold, the most esteemed materials, the text leaves no room for exceptions based on the value or perceived glory of the idol's substance. The command is against any human attempt to create a deity for oneself, regardless of the material used, reinforcing the idea that God is utterly beyond human fabrication.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "Ye shall not make," which appears twice, emphasizing the absolute and unwavering nature of the prohibition. This repetition serves to engrain the command firmly in the minds of the Israelites, highlighting its critical importance. **Parallelism** is also central, as "gods of silver" is directly paralleled with "gods of gold." This specific type of synonymous parallelism reinforces the comprehensive scope of the prohibition, indicating that no precious metal, no matter how valuable or aesthetically pleasing, can be used to fashion a deity. Furthermore, there is a powerful implicit **contrast** between the transcendent, invisible, and living God of Israel and the tangible, human-made, lifeless idols. This contrast underscores the folly and futility of idolatry, setting apart Yahweh as incomparable and beyond human fabrication or representation, thereby elevating His unique divine nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:23 profoundly articulates God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His unique, incomparable nature. It reinforces the theological truth that God is utterly distinct from His creation, transcendent, and cannot be confined, represented, or manipulated by human hands or materials. The prohibition against silver and gold idols underscores that true worship is not about material value, human artistry, or physical representation, but about a spiritual relationship with the living God who reveals Himself. This command is rooted in God's holiness and His zealous love for His people, desiring that their devotion be undivided and pure, uncorrupted by the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations. It teaches that anything we create or value above God becomes a false god, diverting our ultimate loyalty, trust, and affection from the Creator to the created.

* [Deuteronomy 4:15-19](/deuteronomy/4-15-19 "Deuteronomy 4:15-19 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idols")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern society may not typically bow down to physical idols of silver or gold, the timeless principle of Exodus 20:23 remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry, in its broader sense, is anything that takes the place of God in our lives, demanding our ultimate loyalty, trust, and devotion. This can manifest in subtle but pervasive ways: the excessive pursuit of wealth, comfort, or material possessions; the worship of one's career, reputation, or influence; placing a relationship or even a family member above God's will; or an egocentric focus where one's own desires and comfort become the ultimate guide for life. This verse calls believers to a rigorous examination of their hearts and priorities, ensuring that God alone holds the supreme and uncontested place. Just as the Israelites were cautioned against creating physical representations, we are cautioned against allowing anything to become a substitute for our worship and relationship with the living God. Our spiritual health and flourishing depend on identifying and dismantling these modern "gods of silver and gold" that compete for the allegiance of our hearts, ensuring that our lives are centered on the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods of silver or gold" (i.e., ultimate sources of security, identity, or satisfaction) might I be tempted to create or rely upon in my life today?**
* **How does my daily life, my time, and my resources reflect God's exclusive claim on my worship and devotion?**
* **In what areas am I prone to elevate created things or personal desires above the Creator's will and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why does God specifically mention silver and gold, rather than just "any material"?**

Answer: God specifically mentions silver and gold because these were the most valuable, durable, and prestigious materials used for crafting idols in the ancient Near East. By explicitly prohibiting idols made from these precious metals, God emphasizes several points: first, that no material, no matter how costly or beautiful, can imbue an object with divine power or worth; second, it directly confronts the common practice of the surrounding pagan cultures who often invested immense wealth into their gods; and third, it highlights the futility of human effort to "make" or improve upon the incomparable, uncreated God. The prohibition is comprehensive, but by naming the most esteemed materials, it leaves no room for the idea that a more valuable idol might be acceptable, underscoring that all human-made deities are equally powerless.

**Does this verse mean we can't have any art or statues, even if not for worship?**

Answer: No, this verse does not prohibit all art or statues. The command is specifically against creating "gods" or objects of worship, or images intended to represent the incomparable God of Israel. The context is about idolatry—the worship of created things or the attempt to confine or represent the infinite God. The Bible itself later describes God commanding the creation of elaborate artistic representations, such as the cherubim on the ark of the covenant ([Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - The Cherubim on the Ark")) and the bronze serpent ([Numbers 21:8-9](/numbers/21-8-9 "Numbers 21:8-9 - The Bronze Serpent")), which were not objects of worship but symbolic representations or tools for divine purposes. The key distinction lies in the *purpose* and *worship* associated with the image; art for aesthetic or teaching purposes is not forbidden.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:23, with its stern prohibition against creating idols, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament command against fashioning images of God underscores His transcendence, invisibility, and incomparability. However, in the New Testament, God perfectly and completely reveals Himself in the person of His Son. Jesus is the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the Word made flesh who dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation")), and the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Supremacy")). Therefore, any human attempt to create an image of God from silver or gold becomes utterly superfluous and even blasphemous, for God has perfectly revealed Himself in the person of His Son. True worship is no longer tied to physical representations or earthly temples, but is to be offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), through Christ, who alone grants access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Jesus Himself frees us from the idolatry of our hearts, calling us to singular allegiance to Him as Lord, for He is the one before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philipians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the true treasure, far surpassing any "gods of silver or gold" our hearts might be tempted to fashion, and in Him, we see God fully.

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

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

Zephaniah 1:5

And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship [and] that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;

2 Kings 17:33

They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

1 Corinthians 10:21

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

1 Corinthians 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;