Exodus 20:4

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not make {H6213} unto thee any graven image {H6459}, or any likeness {H8544} of any thing that {H834} is in heaven {H8064} above {H4605}, or that is in the earth {H776} beneath, or that is in the water {H4325} under the earth {H776}:

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor 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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:4 presents the second of the Ten Commandments, a foundational prohibition against idolatry that strictly forbids the creation of any physical representation or "graven image" of God or anything in creation. This divine injunction extends to all forms of likeness, whether depicting things in the heavens, on the earth, or in the waters below. It powerfully underscores God's unique transcendence, His incomprehensibility, and His demand for an exclusive, unmediated worship that is spiritual rather than material, thereby setting Israel apart from the pervasive polytheistic practices of the surrounding ancient Near Eastern nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the first commandment in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Together, these two commandments form the bedrock of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, establishing His singular identity as the one true God and demanding exclusive worship. While the first commandment prohibits the worship of *other* gods, the second commandment prohibits the *means* by which other gods (or even attempts to represent the true God) might be worshipped—through physical images. This sequence emphasizes that not only must Israel worship Yahweh alone, but they must also worship Him in a manner consistent with His unique, invisible nature, distinct from the pagan practices of image-based veneration. The prohibition of images is thus a logical and necessary corollary to the command for exclusive monotheism, safeguarding the integrity of Israel's relationship with their transcendent God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East (ANE) was saturated with polytheistic religions where the creation and veneration of idols were central to worship. Deities were often believed to reside within or be represented by cultic images, which served as focal points for prayer, sacrifice, and ritual. Egypt, from which Israel had just been delivered, was particularly known for its pantheon of gods depicted in various animal and human forms, such as Ra (sun god), Osiris (god of the underworld), and Hathor (cow goddess). By prohibiting any graven image or likeness of anything in creation, God directly challenged this pervasive cultural norm. This command served to radically distinguish Israel's worship of an invisible, transcendent God from the immanent, manipulable deities of their neighbors, reinforcing the unique nature of Yahweh and preventing Israel from assimilating into pagan religious practices, as explicitly reiterated in [Deuteronomy 4:15-19](/deuteronomy/4-15-19 "Deuteronomy 4:15-19 - Warning Against Idolatry"). The command also implicitly critiques the human desire to control or contain the divine, a common motivation behind idol creation.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 20:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Transcendence and Incomparability**, emphasizing that Yahweh is utterly distinct from His creation and cannot be confined or depicted by human artifice. This directly supports the theme of **Exclusive Monotheism**, building upon the first commandment by forbidding any visual aid that might dilute or misrepresent the unique nature of the one true God. The verse also highlights the **Purity of Worship**, demanding a spiritual and unmediated relationship with God that is free from the corrupting influence of idolatry. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel, as adherence to this command is a fundamental expression of their loyalty and devotion to Yahweh, setting them apart as a holy nation. The prohibition underscores God's **Divine Incomprehensibility**, asserting that His glory and essence are beyond human artistic capture or full comprehension.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb (H6213) is a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it refers to the act of crafting, forming, or producing an object. The prohibition is not merely against worshipping an image, but against the very act of *making* such an image for cultic purposes, indicating that the creation of the idol itself is an offense to God's unique nature and exclusive claim on worship.
* **graven image (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** The term (H6459) specifically refers to "an idol; carved (graven) image." It denotes an object that has been shaped, hewn, or sculptured, typically from wood, stone, or metal. This word emphasizes the human effort and material substance involved in creating a tangible representation of deity, which stands in stark contrast to the invisible, uncreated God of Israel. The prohibition targets the physical manifestation of idolatry.
* **likeness (Hebrew, _tᵉmûwnâh'_):** This word (H8544) is broader than "graven image," encompassing any "image, likeness, similitude," or "something portioned (i.e. fashioned) out, as a shape." It extends the prohibition beyond merely carved objects to any form of visual representation, whether painted, molded, or otherwise depicted. This comprehensive scope ensures that no human attempt, regardless of artistic medium, can legitimately capture or confine God's infinite and transcendent nature within a finite, physical form.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,"**: This is the core, direct prohibition. The phrase "unto thee" (לְךָ, _lěkā_) is significant, implying that the image would be made for personal veneration, for one's own use, or as a representation of a deity for one's own benefit. It highlights the personal responsibility in adhering to this command and the self-serving nature of idolatry, which seeks to create a god in one's own image or for one's own purposes.
* **"or any likeness [of any thing]"**: This clause significantly broadens the scope of the prohibition. It moves beyond just "graven images" to include any form of representation or visual resemblance, ensuring that the command is comprehensive. The phrase "of any thing" (כָּל־תְּמוּנָה, _kol-těmûnâ_) emphasizes that *nothing* in creation, regardless of its nature, is suitable for representing God or for being worshipped in His place.
* **"that [is] in heaven above,"**: This specifies the first category of created things whose likeness is forbidden. It refers to celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars), birds, or any other heavenly phenomena often deified in pagan religions. The inclusion of "above" (מַעַל, _maʻal_, H4605) reinforces the spatial dimension, encompassing all that exists in the sky and beyond.
* **"or that [is] in the earth beneath,"**: This extends the prohibition to all terrestrial creatures and forms. It includes animals (cattle, creeping things), humans, and geographical features (earth, _ʼerets_, H776), all of which were commonly worshipped or depicted as deities in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The term "beneath" emphasizes the earthly realm.
* **"or that [is] in the water under the earth:"**: This final clause completes the comprehensive scope of the prohibition, including all aquatic life (water, _mayim_, H4325). Together, these three clauses ("heaven above," "earth beneath," and "water under the earth") constitute a **merism**, a literary device that uses a pair or series of contrasting terms to refer to a totality. In this case, it emphasizes that absolutely nothing in all of creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest waters, is to be used as a representation of God or worshipped in His place.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 20:4 is **Prohibition**, expressed through the direct and unequivocal negative command "Thou shalt not make." This imperative language underscores the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the commandment, leaving no room for ambiguity or compromise. The verse also powerfully employs **Merism** by listing "heaven above," "earth beneath," and "water under the earth." This comprehensive enumeration serves to convey the **totality** of creation, emphasizing that God's unrepresentable nature extends to *everything* within the created order, from the celestial to the terrestrial and aquatic realms. The cumulative effect of these devices is one of **Exclusivity** and **Transcendence**, highlighting God's singular status as Creator who cannot be confined, depicted, or manipulated by His creation, and demanding an uncompromised, spiritual worship from His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:4 profoundly articulates God's unique nature, emphasizing His transcendence, His spiritual essence, and His incomprehensibility. By forbidding any image, God asserts that He cannot be contained, manipulated, or fully understood through human artifice or limited perception. This commandment protects the purity of worship, ensuring that devotion is directed solely to the unseen, living God, rather than to a lifeless object or a human construct. It reinforces the principle of monotheism established in the first commandment, demanding an exclusive and spiritual devotion that acknowledges God's infinite glory and His sovereign distinction from all creation. The prohibition also safeguards humanity from the inherent dangers of idolatry, which inevitably diminishes God to human terms and often leads to moral corruption.

* [Deuteronomy 4:15-19](/deuteronomy/4-15-19 "Deuteronomy 4:15-19 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 40:18-20](/isaiah/40-18-20 "Isaiah 40:18-20 - God's Incomparability")
* [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While literal worship of physical statues might seem less prevalent in many modern societies, the spirit of this commandment remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle, yet equally insidious, forms. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—be it materialism, power, fame, self-worship, technological advancements, intellectual pursuits, or even our own opinions and desires—can become a "graven image" in our hearts. This verse challenges us to critically examine what truly holds ultimate authority, devotion, and affection in our lives. It calls us to root out any object, idea, or pursuit that competes with God for our ultimate allegiance, ensuring that our worship is undivided, directed solely to the Creator, and offered "in spirit and in truth," recognizing His infinite nature and avoiding any attempt to confine Him to our limited understanding or desires. The command demands a radical reorientation of our affections, away from created things and towards the Creator alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "graven images" or "likenesses" might we be tempted to create or worship in our modern context, even if they are not physical statues?**
* **How does the prohibition against making images of God deepen our understanding of His transcendence and incomprehensibility, and how does this impact our prayer life?**
* **In what practical ways can we ensure that our worship remains focused on the unseen, living God, rather than on created things or human constructs, and how can we cultivate a more spiritual devotion?**

### FAQ
**Does this commandment mean all forms of art or visual representation are forbidden for Christians?**

Answer: No, the commandment specifically prohibits the creation of images *for worship* or as representations of God to be venerated. It is not a blanket prohibition against all artistic expression or visual aids. The context is cultic idolatry, where images were believed to embody or contain the divine presence, or were worshipped as deities themselves. The Tabernacle and Temple, for instance, contained various artistic representations (e.g., cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant or embroidered on curtains, the bronze serpent in [Numbers 21:8-9](/numbers/21-8-9 "Numbers 21:8-9 - The Bronze Serpent")), which were divinely commanded and not intended for worship. Art, in its broader sense, can be a gift from God and used for beauty, instruction, or storytelling without violating this command, as long as it does not become an object of worship or an attempt to confine the infinite God to a finite form.

**If God is invisible, how can we know Him or relate to Him without some form of representation?**

Answer: God reveals Himself not through human-made images, but through His mighty acts in history (e.g., the Exodus, creation), His spoken Word (Scripture), and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. The prohibition of images forces us to seek God beyond our physical senses, engaging with Him spiritually and intellectually through faith. It encourages a relationship based on divine revelation and trust, rather than on visual perception or human manipulation. This command pushes us towards a deeper, more personal, and less tangible form of communion with the divine, emphasizing that God is Spirit and must be worshipped "in spirit and truth" as taught in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:4, with its emphatic prohibition against making any image of God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound illumination in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament commandment underscores God's transcendence and invisibility, declaring that no created thing can adequately represent the Creator. Humanity, limited by its finite nature, is forbidden from attempting to capture the infinite God in a tangible form. Yet, in the New Testament, we encounter Jesus, who is declared to be "the image of the invisible God" in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God") and "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). Jesus, being fully God and fully man, is the perfect and final revelation of the Father. He is the *one* "likeness" of God that is not forbidden, but divinely ordained, because He *is* God incarnate. Through Him, the unseen God becomes visible, not through a crafted idol, but through a living, breathing person, allowing humanity to truly "know" God in a way that no created image ever could. Therefore, the command against idolatry is not abolished but fulfilled, as true worship is now directed to God through His Son, who is the very embodiment of truth and grace, enabling us to worship "in spirit and truth" as Jesus Himself taught in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). In Christ, we see God perfectly, rendering all human attempts to create an image of God utterly unnecessary and profoundly inadequate.

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.

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:

Deuteronomy 4:15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

Deuteronomy 4:19

And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, [even] all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Psalms 97:7

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

Leviticus 19:4

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

Acts 17:29

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.