Leviticus 19:4

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

Turn {H6437} ye not unto idols {H457}, nor make {H6213} to yourselves molten {H4541} gods {H430}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

"'Do not turn to idols, and do not cast metal gods for yourselves; I am ADONAI your God.

Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the LORD your God.

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

Leviticus 19:4 delivers a foundational command within the Holiness Code, emphasizing the exclusive worship of the one true God and prohibiting all forms of idolatry. This verse serves as a cornerstone for Israel's identity and relationship with the LORD.

Context of Leviticus 19:4

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 19, often called the "Holiness Code," which outlines practical commands for Israel to live as a holy people, set apart for God. Having recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt, a land steeped in polytheistic worship, the Israelites were prone to adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations. The command to "Turn ye not unto idols" directly addresses this danger, asserting God's unique claim over His people. It echoes the first commandment given at Mount Sinai, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Exclusive Worship (Monotheism): The core message is that the LORD alone is God, and He demands exclusive devotion. This is reinforced by the declaration, "I am the LORD your God," underscoring His covenant relationship and authority over Israel.
  • Prohibition of Idolatry: The verse explicitly forbids bowing down to "idols" (Hebrew: elilim, implying worthlessness or vanity) and creating "molten gods" (Hebrew: massekah, referring to images cast from metal, reminiscent of the golden calf incident). This rejection of physical representations of deities was crucial for a people called to worship an invisible, spiritual God.
  • God's Sovereignty and Identity: The phrase "I am the LORD your God" is a powerful self-declaration, reminding Israel of His power, faithfulness, and the covenant He established with them. It is the basis for all His commands.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "idols," elilim, often carries the connotation of "things of naught" or "worthless things," highlighting the emptiness and futility of worshipping anything other than the true God. "Molten gods," massekah, specifically refers to images made by casting metal, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern religions to create cultic objects believed to house deities.

Practical Application

While modern society may not typically worship physical statues, the principle of Leviticus 19:4 remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry today can manifest in anything that takes the place of God in our lives: wealth, power, possessions, career, relationships, self, or even technology. This verse calls believers to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: Identify anything we prioritize above God or on which we place ultimate trust and devotion.
  • Maintain Exclusive Allegiance: Live with an unwavering commitment to God, acknowledging His supreme authority in all areas of life.
  • Seek Spiritual Purity: Strive for a life free from anything that distorts our focus on God, reflecting His holiness in our daily walk.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.

  • Exodus 20:23

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

  • Psalms 115:4

    Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

  • Psalms 115:7

    They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

  • Exodus 34:17

    Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.

  • 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;