Exodus 20:3

KJV

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt have no other {H312} gods {H430} before me {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to have no other gods before me.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall have no other gods before Me.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:3, the inaugural declaration of the Ten Commandments, establishes the foundational principle of exclusive monotheism within God's covenant with Israel. This powerful imperative demands singular allegiance to Yahweh, the God who redeemed His people from Egyptian bondage, unequivocally prohibiting the worship or acknowledgment of any other deity in His presence or instead of Him. It is a radical call to undivided loyalty, setting Israel apart from the polytheistic cultures of the ancient Near East and laying the groundwork for a unique relationship defined by absolute devotion to the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 20:3 stands as the first of the Ten Commandments, delivered by God directly to the assembled Israelites at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai") following their miraculous exodus from Egypt. The preceding chapters detail the journey to Sinai, the purification of the people, and the awe-inspiring theophany on the mountain, where God descended in fire and smoke, speaking directly to His people (see [Exodus 19:16-20:2](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16-20:2 - God's Descent on Sinai and Introduction to the Decalogue")). This command, therefore, is not merely a legal injunction but the very first stipulation of the covenant, defining the nature of the relationship between the holy God and His chosen people. It precedes prohibitions against idolatry (Exodus 20:4-6), misuse of God's name (Exodus 20:7), and Sabbath breaking (Exodus 20:8-11), setting the absolute priority for all subsequent commands: God alone is God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a polytheistic world, characterized by vast pantheons of gods and goddesses associated with natural forces, national identities, and various aspects of life. Egypt, from which Israel had just been delivered, worshipped a multitude of deities like Ra, Osiris, and Isis, and the land of Canaan, into which Israel was heading, was dominated by the worship of Baal, Asherah, and Dagon. In this milieu, God's declaration in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me") was revolutionary. It was a direct challenge to the prevailing worldview, asserting the absolute uniqueness and singularity of Yahweh. The command was rooted in God's redemptive act of delivering Israel from slavery, thereby demonstrating His supreme power and exclusive claim over them (as stated in [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - I Am the Lord Your God")). This historical act provided the compelling basis for Israel to abandon all other gods and commit to exclusive worship of their Redeemer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **אחר (ʾaḥēr, _other'_):** This adjective denotes something "different," "another," or "foreign." In the context of "other gods," it emphasizes that these are deities distinct from and alien to Yahweh, the one true God. It highlights the absolute qualitative difference between the Creator and any created, false object of worship. The command is not merely about numerical limitation but about the fundamental nature of the divine.
* **אלהים (ʾelohim, _gods'_):** While `elohim` can refer to the singular true God, here it is used in the plural to denote false deities or idols. The use of the plural in this context underscores the polytheistic environment from which Israel was called to separate. It acknowledges the *existence* of other objects of worship in the world (as perceived by other cultures), but fundamentally denies their *divinity* or *legitimacy* as rivals to Yahweh.
* **על פני (ʿal pānay, _before me'_):** This crucial phrase translates literally to "upon my face" or "in my presence." It carries several layers of meaning, all emphasizing God's absolute exclusivity:
1. **In My Presence/Sight:** No other god is to be acknowledged or worshipped *in the very presence* of Yahweh, as if vying for His attention or coexisting with Him. This implies that God's presence is so all-encompassing that it leaves no room for rivals.
2. **In My Stead/Instead of Me:** It signifies that no other god should be worshipped *as a substitute* for Yahweh. There is no alternative or replacement for the one true God.
3. **In Opposition to Me/In Defiance of Me:** The phrase can also convey the idea of having no other gods *in defiance* of God's unique claim and supreme authority. To worship another is to directly challenge His sovereignty. The essence is that God tolerates no rivals; His position is absolute and supreme, allowing for no shared devotion or divided loyalties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt have":** This opening phrase is a direct, personal, and absolute imperative. It's not a suggestion or a preference, but a command issued by the sovereign God. The singular "thou" emphasizes the individual responsibility of each Israelite to adhere to this foundational truth, though it applies collectively to the nation. It implies an active choice and commitment on the part of the worshipper.
* **"no other gods":** This is the core prohibition, unequivocally rejecting polytheism and any form of idolatry. It means that no entity, whether a physical idol, a spiritual being, a concept, or a human construct, is to be elevated to the status of deity or worshipped alongside Yahweh. This clause establishes the unique monotheistic nature of Israel's faith.
* **"before me":** This concluding phrase defines the nature and scope of the prohibition. As detailed in the Key Word Analysis, it means "in My presence," "in My stead," or "in defiance of Me." It underscores God's absolute jealousy for His own glory and His demand for exclusive, undivided devotion. It's not merely about *not* worshipping other gods, but about *where* one's ultimate allegiance and worship lie—it must be solely and entirely directed toward Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:3 prominently employs **Apodictic Law**, a direct, absolute, and unconditional command ("Thou shalt not..."), which contrasts with casuistic law ("If...then..."). This form emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of God's will. The verse also functions as a **Monotheistic Assertion**, explicitly declaring the singularity and supremacy of Yahweh in a polytheistic world. Furthermore, it uses **Covenantal Language**, as this command is the very first stipulation of the covenant between God and Israel, defining the terms of their relationship. The phrase "before me" can also be seen as a subtle **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like presence or "face" to God, making His demand for exclusive worship more immediate and personal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:3 lays the bedrock for all subsequent biblical theology, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and His jealous nature concerning worship. It reveals that God is not merely the greatest among many, but the *only* true God, demanding undivided loyalty from His creation. This commandment underscores the inherent sinfulness of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, as it represents a fundamental betrayal of the Creator-creature relationship and a denial of God's unique glory. The theological implication is profound: true worship is always singular, directed solely to the One who is worthy, and any deviation diminishes His glory and distorts our understanding of reality. This principle of exclusive devotion permeates the entire biblical narrative, from the prophets' condemnation of Israel's spiritual adultery to the New Testament's call for believers to worship God in spirit and truth.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, Hear O Israel")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - The Lord, the First and the Last")
* [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - There is No God But One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While ancient Israel faced literal idols of wood and stone, the spirit of Exodus 20:3 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. "Other gods" in the modern world often manifest as anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our lives. This can include materialism, where possessions or wealth become the source of security and identity; self-worship, where personal desires, ambitions, or ego take precedence over God's will; the pursuit of fame, power, or status, allowing worldly recognition to dictate our choices; or even ideologies and philosophies that demand ultimate allegiance and contradict God's truth. The call of this commandment is to a life of radical, undivided loyalty to the Lord. It compels us to continually examine our hearts, priorities, and allegiances, ensuring that nothing—no person, no pursuit, no comfort, no ideal—usurps the rightful place of God as our ultimate object of worship, affection, and obedience. Our practical application involves daily surrender, seeking God's will above our own, and intentionally dethroning anything that competes for His rightful sovereignty in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "other gods" that subtly compete for my ultimate allegiance in today's world?**
* **How does my daily life reflect an undivided loyalty to God, or where do I find my devotion divided?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit of security, comfort, or success inadvertently displace God from the center of my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a more singular and exclusive devotion to God in my thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "before me" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "before me" (Hebrew: `על פני`, _ʿal pānay_) is crucial for understanding this commandment. It literally means "upon my face" or "in my presence." It implies that no other god is to be acknowledged, worshipped, or even considered legitimate *in the very sight or presence* of Yahweh. It's not just about not worshipping other gods in a hidden place, but about the absolute exclusivity of God's claim on our worship, even in our thoughts and intentions. It signifies that God is so utterly unique and supreme that there is no room for rivals alongside Him, in His stead, or in defiance of His singular authority. This emphasizes God's jealous nature (see [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - For the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God")), meaning He passionately protects His unique glory and demands exclusive devotion.

**How does this commandment apply to Christians today, given that we don't worship physical idols?**

Answer: While physical idol worship might be less common in many modern societies, the principle of Exodus 20:3 remains profoundly relevant. The "other gods" today are often more subtle and insidious. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts, minds, or lives can become an idol. This includes materialism, where money or possessions become our source of security and identity (see [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Money")); self-worship, where our own desires, ambitions, or ego become paramount; the pursuit of fame, power, or status; or even relationships, comfort, or technology when they become ultimate rather than subordinate to God. The commandment calls Christians to a radical, undivided loyalty to the one true God, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance, trust, and devotion are placed solely in Him, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 22:37-38](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-38 - The Greatest Commandment")).

**Does this commandment imply that other gods actually exist?**

Answer: The commandment "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" does not affirm the actual existence of other divine beings. Instead, it addresses the reality of human idolatry and the various objects or concepts that people elevate to a god-like status. From a biblical perspective, these "other gods" are either non-existent entities (mere idols of wood and stone, as mocked in [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - Their Idols are Silver and Gold")) or demonic forces masquerading as deities (as suggested in [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrifices to Demons")). The primary emphasis of the commandment is on God's unique and absolute sovereignty. He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and therefore, He alone is worthy of worship. The command is a direct prohibition against giving ultimate allegiance to anything or anyone other than the one true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:3 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment and revelation of the one true God. Jesus Himself declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")," thereby asserting His exclusive claim as the sole mediator between God and humanity. He is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"), through whom the Father has spoken and revealed His nature (see [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). In Christ, we see the very face of God, making any "other gods" not only unnecessary but also revealed as utterly false. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled this commandment by living a life of complete and undivided devotion to the Father, always doing His will and seeking His glory. Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ empowers believers to obey this first and greatest commandment—to [love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-38 - The Greatest Commandment"), thus enabling us to truly have no other gods before Him. He is the one through whom true worship is rendered to the Father, establishing the singular path to exclusive devotion.

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

Deuteronomy 5:7

Thou shalt have none other gods before me.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Psalms 81:9

There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.

Isaiah 46:9

Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

Deuteronomy 6:5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:14

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

Jeremiah 25:6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.