Leviticus 26:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall make {H6213} you no idols {H457} nor graven image {H6459}, neither rear you up {H6965} a standing image {H4676}, neither shall ye set up {H5414} any image {H4906} of stone {H68} in your land {H776}, to bow down {H7812} unto it: for I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are not to make yourselves any idols, erect a carved statue or a standing-stone, or place any carved stone anywhere in your land in order to bow down to it. I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

“You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved image or sacred pillar; you must not place a sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it. For I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

Ye shall make you no idols, neither shall ye rear you up a graven image, or a pillar, neither shall ye place any figured stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:1 serves as a foundational and comprehensive prohibition against idolatry, initiating a pivotal chapter that outlines the covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This verse unequivocally forbids the creation, erection, or adoration of any form of idol or image, whether carved, standing, or made of stone, thereby establishing the absolute uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh. It underscores the non-negotiable demand for exclusive worship and undivided devotion from Israel, grounding this command in God's covenant identity as their one true LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26:1 inaugurates the concluding section of the book of Leviticus, which shifts from detailed cultic laws and purity regulations (chapters 1-25) to a summary of the covenant's consequences. Chapters 1-25 meticulously lay out the requirements for holiness in worship, daily life, and national identity, including instructions for sacrifices, the priesthood, dietary laws, and festivals. Chapter 26 then functions as an emphatic covenant ratification, presenting a stark dichotomy: profound blessings for obedience to these laws and severe curses for disobedience. The placement of the prohibition against idolatry as the very first command in this pivotal chapter highlights its foundational importance and serves as the bedrock upon which all other covenant fidelity rests. It is the primary condition for experiencing God's presence and blessings in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Leviticus 26:1 was given to the Israelites as they stood on the threshold of entering the Promised Land, a region saturated with polytheistic Canaanite cultures. These cultures engaged in widespread idol worship, often involving fertility cults, child sacrifice, and the veneration of numerous gods represented by physical images, pillars (`matsebah`), and carved stones (`maskit`). The prohibition directly counters these prevalent practices, which posed an immense spiritual threat to Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. It directly echoes the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment Against Idols") from Mount Sinai, reinforcing the core tenet of monotheism and exclusive allegiance to the God who delivered them from Egypt. This absolute rejection of idolatry was essential for Israel to maintain its distinct identity as God's holy nation and to avoid assimilation into the corrupting religious practices of its neighbors, which would inevitably lead to spiritual and national decay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idols (Hebrew, _'elilim'_):** This term, often translated as "worthless things" or "non-gods," carries a strong pejorative connotation. It contrasts sharply with the living, powerful God, emphasizing the emptiness and futility of anything set up in His place. It suggests that these objects, though worshipped, are utterly devoid of divine power or reality.
* **Graven image (Hebrew, _pesel'_):** Refers specifically to a carved or hewn image, typically fashioned from wood, stone, or metal. This term highlights the human effort involved in creating these objects, thereby underscoring their man-made, rather than divine, origin. It directly challenges the notion that human hands can produce a deity.
* **Standing image (Hebrew, _matsebah'_):** Denotes an upright pillar or monument, often unhewn, which were commonly used in pagan worship as cultic symbols or memorials. While sometimes used legitimately in Israelite worship (e.g., [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar at Bethel")), their association with pagan practices led to their general prohibition when linked to idolatry, especially in the context of Canaanite worship.
* **Image of stone (Hebrew, _maskit'_):** This term refers to a figured, sculptured, or decorated stone, possibly with designs, pictures, or even bas-reliefs. It broadens the scope of prohibited images to include any decorated or artistic representation used for worship, indicating that even subtle forms of visual representation for cultic purposes were forbidden if they diverted worship from Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall make you no idols":** This initial prohibition is comprehensive, forbidding the very act of creating any object intended for worship other than Yahweh. It addresses the manufacturing process itself, not just the act of bowing down.
* **"nor graven image":** Specifically targets carved or sculpted images, often anthropomorphic or zoomorphic, which were common in ancient Near Eastern polytheism. This reinforces the command against creating any physical representation of deity.
* **"neither rear you up a standing image":** Prohibits the erection of cultic pillars or monuments, which, though sometimes used legitimately as markers, were frequently associated with pagan worship and fertility rites in surrounding cultures. The emphasis here is on setting up an object for religious veneration.
* **"neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it":** Broadens the prohibition to include any decorated or figured stone, ensuring that no form of visual art or monument could become an object of worship. The phrase "in your land" emphasizes the territorial exclusivity of Yahweh's worship, and "to bow down unto it" explicitly forbids the act of adoration or reverence towards such objects.
* **"for I [am] the LORD your God":** This concluding phrase provides the ultimate theological rationale for the entire prohibition. It asserts God's unique identity (Yahweh, the self-existent One), His supreme authority, and His covenant relationship with Israel. Their exclusive worship is a direct response to His identity and His redemptive acts on their behalf.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:1 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with multiple synonyms for "image" (idols, graven image, standing image, image of stone) used to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the prohibition. This cumulative effect leaves no ambiguity regarding what is forbidden, covering all imaginable forms of idolatrous representation. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure, with each clause reiterating the same core command in slightly different ways, reinforcing the absolute nature of God's demand for exclusive worship. The phrase "for I am the LORD your God" functions as a **Divine Assertion** or **Divine Self-Attestation**, providing the ultimate theological grounding for the command. It is a statement of God's unchallengeable authority and covenant fidelity, serving as both a motivation for obedience and a warning against transgression. The negative commands ("no... nor... neither...") create a strong sense of **Prohibition**, underscoring the severity of the offense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:1 is a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship, echoing the very first principles of the Mosaic Covenant. It establishes that the relationship between Yahweh and Israel is predicated on monotheism and an undivided heart. Idolatry, in any form, is not merely a ritual transgression but a direct affront to God's unique identity and His covenant faithfulness. It is a rejection of His authority and a betrayal of the relationship He initiated. This command underscores that true worship involves acknowledging God as the sole source of life, blessing, and truth, and refusing to elevate anything created to His divine status. This principle remains eternally relevant, calling believers to examine their hearts for anything that might usurp God's rightful place.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ancient world grappled with literal carved images, the profound principle of Leviticus 26:1 transcends time, calling us to a radical re-evaluation of what holds ultimate sway in our hearts. Idolatry, at its core, is the misplacement of ultimate value, trust, or affection onto anything other than the one true God. In contemporary society, this can manifest subtly, yet powerfully, as we elevate careers, financial security, personal comfort, social media validation, political ideologies, or even relationships to a position of functional deity. This verse compels us to honestly confront what we truly serve, what we truly bow down to in our daily lives, and what we rely on for our sense of worth, security, or fulfillment. It is a call to continuous repentance and realignment, ensuring that God alone occupies the throne of our lives, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all good and the only worthy recipient of our undivided devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "idols" might subtly compete for my ultimate allegiance and affection in my daily life?**
* **How does my pursuit of security, success, or comfort sometimes reflect a misplaced trust away from God?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate a heart of exclusive worship and undivided devotion to the LORD this week?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between an "idol" and a "graven image" in this verse?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in common parlance, the terms in Leviticus 26:1 carry distinct nuances. "Idols" (`'elilim'`) is a broader, pejorative term implying worthlessness or nothingness, referring to any false god or object of worship. "Graven image" (`pesel`) is more specific, referring to a physical image that has been carved, hewn, or sculpted, typically from wood, stone, or metal. So, a graven image is a *type* of idol—a physical representation created by human hands—whereas "idols" can encompass any object or concept, physical or abstract, that usurps God's place. The verse uses multiple terms to ensure a comprehensive prohibition against all forms of idolatrous practice, whether creating a [carved image](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - No Graven Images") or setting up a [sacred pillar](/deuteronomy/16-22 "Deuteronomy 16:22 - No Sacred Pillars").

**Why is the phrase "for I am the LORD your God" so important here?**

Answer: This phrase serves as the ultimate theological foundation and motivation for the command against idolatry. It grounds the prohibition in God's unique identity and His covenant relationship with Israel. "The LORD" (Yahweh) signifies God's self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping nature. By declaring "I am the LORD your God," He asserts His supreme authority, His exclusive right to worship, and His faithfulness to His people. It's a reminder that their obedience is not arbitrary but a proper response to who He is and what He has done for them, particularly in delivering them from Egypt and establishing them as His special possession (see [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant with Israel") and [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")). This phrase transforms a mere rule into a relational imperative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:1, with its emphatic prohibition against idolatry, foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of exclusive worship found in Christ. While the Old Covenant strictly forbade the creation of physical images, the New Covenant reveals that true idolatry is anything that replaces Christ as the supreme object of our worship, trust, and affection. Jesus Himself declared, "[You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Resists Temptation")," echoing the very heart of this Levitical command. In Christ, the call to exclusive devotion is not merely about avoiding physical idols but about the reorientation of the entire human heart. He is the image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the one through whom we truly know and worship the Father. Our worship of Him is the antithesis of idolatry, for in Him, God has fully revealed Himself, inviting us into a living relationship where He alone is preeminent. The ultimate "image" we are called to bear is not one we create, but the image of Christ Himself, being transformed into His likeness ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")), thereby fulfilling the spirit of exclusive devotion to the one true God.

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.