Exodus 22:20

KJV

He that sacrificeth unto [any] god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that sacrificeth {H2076} unto any god {H430}, save {H1115} unto the LORD {H3068} only, he shall be utterly destroyed {H2763}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than ADONAI alone is to be completely destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone sacrifices to any god other than the LORD alone, he must be set apart for destruction.

American Standard Version

He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto Jehovah only, shall be utterly destroyed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 22:20 stands as a profound declaration within the Mosaic Law, unequivocally asserting the absolute and singular claim of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to His people's worship. This foundational commandment pronounces a severe and non-negotiable judgment of utter destruction upon anyone who dares to offer sacrifices or religious devotion to any deity other than the LORD alone, thereby establishing the unique, exclusive nature of Israel's covenant relationship and God's uncompromising intolerance for idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 22:20 is strategically placed within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a detailed legal code that elaborates upon the foundational principles articulated in the Ten Commandments. Specifically, this verse powerfully reinforces the first two commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me" and "You shall not make for yourself a graven image" (cf. [Exodus 20:3-4](/exodus/20-3-4 "Exodus 20:3-4 - The First Two Commandments")). While the surrounding verses in Exodus 22 primarily address civil and social laws concerning property, injury, and justice, verse 20 marks an abrupt and emphatic return to the paramount theological principle of exclusive worship. Its placement underscores that right relationship with God, characterized by undivided allegiance, is the bedrock upon which all ethical conduct and societal order within the covenant community must be built, preceding further injunctions regarding the vulnerable and religious obligations (cf. [Exodus 22:21-31](/exodus/22-21-31 "Exodus 22:21-31 - Laws Concerning Justice and Worship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a tapestry of polytheistic cultures, where each nation or city-state typically revered a pantheon of gods and goddesses, offering sacrifices to secure blessings, fertility, or military victory. Israel, having just been miraculously delivered from Egypt—a land saturated with elaborate cultic practices and diverse deities—was being forged into a unique nation under the direct kingship of Yahweh. The command in [Exodus 22:20](/exodus/22-20 "Exodus 22:20 - The Prohibition Against Idolatry") represented a radical departure from these pervasive norms, establishing a distinct monotheistic identity for Israel. This prohibition against sacrificing to any god "save unto the LORD only" was not merely a religious preference but a profound covenantal and political declaration. It asserted Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over Israel, demanding undivided allegiance and distinguishing His people from all other nations. Failure to adhere to this foundational principle was viewed as an act of high treason against the divine King, directly imperiling the very existence and identity of the covenant nation. The severity of the prescribed punishment—"utterly destroyed"—reflects the immense gravity of such an offense in a world where religious syncretism was commonplace, serving to safeguard Israel's unique spiritual purity and covenant integrity.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 22:20 is central to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Monotheism and Exclusive Worship**, establishing Yahweh as the one true God who tolerates no rivals for Israel's devotion, a principle echoed throughout the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Love for God"). It also highlights **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing that loyalty to Yahweh alone is the non-negotiable condition of Israel's relationship with Him, a theme frequently revisited in prophetic calls for repentance (e.g., [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1-2 "Hosea 4:1-2 - God's Indictment Against Israel")). The verse further underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Holiness**, portraying God as utterly supreme and set apart, demanding a people equally set apart for Him. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Consequences of Idolatry**, demonstrating that turning to other gods brings severe, even existential, judgment, a recurring pattern seen in Israel's history of exile and restoration (cf. [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7-18 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Israel's Idolatry and Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrificeth (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root verb (H2076) signifies the act of slaughtering an animal, typically for a religious purpose, specifically offering it as a sacrifice. In the context of the Old Testament, `zâbach` is the standard term for bringing an offering to God, often involving a communal meal. Here, its use in conjunction with "any god, save unto the LORD only" highlights that the forbidden action is not merely a secular act of killing but a sacred one, which, when directed toward false deities, constitutes the ultimate act of apostasy and covenant betrayal. It denotes the formal act of worship and devotion.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430) refers to "gods in the ordinary sense" but can also denote the supreme God. In this verse, its use in the phrase "any god" (lit. "to the gods") refers to the myriad of pagan deities worshipped by surrounding nations. The plural form here emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition: no other deity, whether perceived as powerful or benevolent, is to receive Israel's sacrificial devotion. It contrasts sharply with "the LORD" (Yahweh), highlighting the exclusive claim of the one true God.
* **Utterly destroyed (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This powerful primitive root verb (H2763) signifies being "secluded" or "devoted" to religious uses, often implying complete destruction. It carries the connotation of a "holy war" ban, where everything captured (people, animals, goods) is to be utterly destroyed, not taken as spoil, because it is "devoted" to God for His judgment. In this verse, it indicates a severe, definitive, and often capital judgment against the offender, implying excommunication from the community or even execution. The use of `châram` underscores the absolute zero-tolerance policy for idolatry within the covenant community, signifying that such an act renders the individual anathema, completely cut off from God and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that sacrificeth unto [any] god":** This initial clause identifies the specific forbidden action: the offering of a religious sacrifice. The inclusion of "[any] god" (implied in the Hebrew as "to the gods," H430) emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the prohibition—no other deity, regardless of its origin, perceived power, or cultural significance, is to receive such an act of devotion from Israel. This directly challenges the pervasive polytheistic practices of the ancient world, where various gods were appeased for different purposes.
* **"save unto the LORD only":** This crucial qualification clarifies the exclusive nature of acceptable worship. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) refers specifically to the covenant God of Israel, the one who miraculously delivered them from Egyptian bondage and established His covenant with them at Sinai. The Hebrew word `biltîy` (H1115), translated as "save" or "except," combined with "only," underscores the absolute singularity and uniqueness of Yahweh as the sole legitimate recipient of Israel's worship and sacrifice. This phrase encapsulates the very essence of Israelite monotheism and their unique covenant identity.
* **"he shall be utterly destroyed":** This final clause declares the severe and non-negotiable consequence for violating this fundamental command. "Utterly destroyed" (from the Hebrew root `châram`, H2763) signifies a complete and decisive judgment, often implying capital punishment or total removal from the community, akin to being placed under a divine ban. It reflects the immense gravity of idolatry as an act of high treason against the divine King, Yahweh, warranting the most extreme penalty to preserve the purity, integrity, and very existence of the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 22:20 employs several potent literary devices to convey its absolute and uncompromising message. **Exclusivity** is paramount, powerfully emphasized by the stark contrast between "any god" and "the LORD only," creating a binary choice with no permissible middle ground. This is a clear example of **antithesis**, where two opposing ideas are juxtaposed to highlight a singular truth and the dire consequences of deviation. The phrase "utterly destroyed" functions as a form of **hyperbole** to some extent, conveying the extreme severity, certainty, and finality of the divine judgment, though it also reflects a literal legal and theological consequence in ancient Israel. The use of the verb `ḥāram` itself constitutes **technical language** or **legal terminology**, carrying a specific, weighty theological and legal meaning related to divine judgment, consecration for destruction, and the complete removal of that which defiles the covenant. The concise, declarative sentence structure lends itself to **aphorism**, making the command memorable, authoritative, and foundational to the covenant law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 22:20 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, establishing the absolute sovereignty and singular nature of Yahweh, demanding exclusive worship from His covenant people. This command transcends mere religious ritual; it is fundamentally about ultimate allegiance, identity, and the very nature of the relationship between God and Israel. Idolatry, in this context, is depicted not merely as a mistake but as high treason against the divine King, a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship that merits the most severe judgment. It underscores God's holiness, His "jealousy" for His unique relationship with Israel, and His refusal to tolerate any rivals for their devotion. This principle of exclusive worship is foundational to Israel's distinctiveness among the nations and remains a central, recurring theme throughout the entire biblical narrative, highlighting the ongoing tension between true worship and the allure of false gods or competing allegiances for the human heart.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14-15 "Joshua 24:14-15 - Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve")
* [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Challenge on Mount Carmel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today no longer offer animal sacrifices to literal pagan deities, the timeless principle of Exodus 22:20 remains profoundly relevant and challenging. This verse compels us to engage in honest self-examination, discerning the "gods" to whom we might unwittingly offer our most precious resources: our time, energy, affection, and deepest trust. Anything that subtly or overtly usurps God's rightful place of ultimate priority and devotion in our lives—be it career success, financial security, personal comfort, social media validation, relationships, political ideologies, or even self-worship—can become a modern idol. The call to exclusive worship demands an undivided heart, a singular allegiance to the One true God who has revealed Himself fully in Jesus Christ. It challenges us to continually re-evaluate our priorities, our deepest desires, and our daily practices to ensure that our lives, actions, and affections are truly consecrated to the LORD alone, reflecting His supreme worth and our covenant commitment to Him in every sphere of existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or priorities in my life might be subtly competing for the exclusive devotion that belongs only to the LORD?**
* **How do my daily schedule, financial spending, and emotional energy reflect my ultimate allegiance and the true object of my worship?**
* **In what practical ways can I intentionally cultivate a more undivided heart, ensuring God remains the sole object of my worship, ultimate trust, and highest affection?**

### FAQ

**Was this law literally enforced with execution in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "he shall be utterly destroyed" (from the Hebrew `ḥāram`) often carried the connotation of capital punishment or being completely cut off from the community, which could lead to death. Laws in Deuteronomy, for instance, explicitly prescribe stoning for those who entice others to idolatry or engage in it themselves (e.g., [Deuteronomy 13:6-11](/deuteronomy/13-6-11 "Deuteronomy 13:6-11 - Consequences for Enticing to Idolatry")). The severity of the penalty reflects the immense gravity of idolatry as an act of high treason against Yahweh, the divine King of Israel, and a fundamental threat to the nation's covenant identity, spiritual purity, and very existence.

**How does this Old Testament law apply to Christians today, given that we don't offer animal sacrifices?**

Answer: While Christians do not offer physical animal sacrifices, the underlying principle of exclusive devotion to God remains absolutely central and is recontextualized in the New Testament. The New Testament reinterprets idolatry not just as bowing to statues but as anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts and lives. For example, [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things") explicitly states that "covetousness, which is idolatry." Therefore, modern "idols" can include materialism, career ambition, self-worship, relationships, entertainment, or anything we prioritize over God. The call is for an undivided heart and singular allegiance to the one true God, as powerfully taught by Jesus in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters"), where He declares, "No one can serve two masters."

**What is the significance of God being "jealous" in the context of this command?**

Answer: The concept of God's "jealousy" (e.g., [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God's Jealousy for His Name")) is crucial here. It's not human envy, but a holy, righteous zeal for His covenant relationship with His people. God's jealousy signifies His absolute right to exclusive worship and His passionate commitment to the purity of His relationship with Israel. He is "jealous" in the sense that He will not share His glory or His people's devotion with false gods. This divine jealousy underscores the gravity of idolatry as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the covenant, demanding the severe consequences outlined in [Exodus 22:20](/exodus/22-20 "Exodus 22:20 - The Prohibition Against Idolatry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:20, with its stern prohibition against idolatry and uncompromising demand for exclusive worship of Yahweh, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound redefinition in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant prescribed physical destruction for those who sacrificed to other gods, the New Covenant reveals that the true "utter destruction" is spiritual separation from God, a state from which Jesus came to redeem us. Jesus Himself embodies the singular object of worship, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). He is the one through whom all true worship is offered to the Father, making Him the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the ultimate and perfect sacrifice that renders all other sacrifices—whether to false gods or even Old Testament rituals—obsolete. Through His atoning work on the cross, believers are freed from the bondage of idolatry, both ancient paganism and modern forms of self-worship or materialism, and are enabled by the Holy Spirit to offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")). Thus, the absolute exclusivity demanded in Exodus 22:20 is not abolished but elevated and fulfilled in the person and work of Christ, who alone is worthy of all worship and devotion, inviting us into a relationship where He is truly "all in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All")) and the sole mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")).

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 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Deuteronomy 17:5

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, [even] that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

Deuteronomy 18:20

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Numbers 25:7

And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw [it], he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;

Numbers 25:8

And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 13:1

¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Deuteronomy 13:15

Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that [is] therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.