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, shifting from the detailed cultic laws and purity regulations of chapters 1-25 to a summary of the covenant's consequences. The preceding chapters 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.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, as God's demand for exclusive worship is a direct reflection of His own holy nature, distinguishing Israel as a people set apart for Him. It also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing that obedience to God's commands, particularly the rejection of idolatry, is paramount for maintaining the covenant relationship and receiving its promised blessings, as detailed later in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"). Furthermore, it underscores the **Uniqueness of Yahweh** as the one true God, contrasting Him sharply with the "worthless" idols of the nations, a theme profoundly explored in prophetic literature like [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Finally, it establishes the **Exclusivity of Worship**, demanding that Israel's devotion be solely directed towards the LORD, a principle foundational to the [Shema](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idols (Hebrew, _ʼĕlîyl'_):** From the root meaning "good for nothing," this term carries a strong pejorative connotation, emphasizing the emptiness, futility, and non-existence of anything set up in God's place. It highlights that these objects, though worshipped, are utterly devoid of divine power or reality, contrasting sharply with the self-existent, eternal LORD.
* **Graven image (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** This term refers specifically to an image that has been carved, hewn, or sculpted, typically from wood, stone, or metal. It underscores the human effort involved in creating these objects, thereby emphasizing their man-made, rather than divine, origin, and directly challenging the notion that human hands can produce a deity.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. Derived from the verb "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternality, and His active presence as the covenant-keeping God. By asserting "I am the LORD your God," the verse grounds the prohibition in God's unique, incomparable, and authoritative identity, demanding exclusive worship as a response to His very being.

#### 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, emphasizing that Israel is not to participate in the production of false gods.
* **"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, highlighting the man-made nature of such objects.
* **"neither rear you up a standing image":** Prohibits the erection of cultic pillars or monuments (`matstsêbâh`), which, though sometimes used legitimately as markers (e.g., [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar at Bethel")), 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 (`maskîyth`), 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, encompassing the ultimate act of worship.
* **"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, establishing the relational imperative behind the command.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:1 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the severity and comprehensiveness of its command. The most prominent is **Repetition** and **Synonymy**, with multiple terms for "image" (idols, graven image, standing image, image of stone) used in quick succession. This cumulative effect leaves no ambiguity regarding what is forbidden, covering all imaginable forms of idolatrous representation and emphasizing the absolute nature of the prohibition. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure, with each negative clause ("Ye shall make you no... nor... neither...") 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, His covenant fidelity, and His unique identity, serving as both a motivation for obedience and a stern warning against transgression. The use of strong **Prohibitions** through negative commands ("no... nor... neither...") creates a sense of urgency and underscores the gravity 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/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "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. This pursuit of exclusive worship is not a burden, but the pathway to true freedom and flourishing, as it aligns our hearts with the very purpose for which we were created.

#### 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 rooted in their Hebrew meanings. "Idols" (`'elîyl'`) is a broader, pejorative term implying worthlessness or nothingness, referring to any false god or object of worship that is ultimately "good for nothing." "Graven image" (`peçel'`) 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, `Yᵉhôvâh'`) 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, emphasizing that true worship flows from a deep understanding and appreciation of God's character and His redemptive acts.

### 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 and applying it to the spiritual realm. 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 by the Spirit ([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 who is now fully revealed in His Son. As [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols") exhorts, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols," a command that in the New Covenant context means centering our lives entirely on Jesus Christ, the only worthy object of our ultimate allegiance.

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 19:4

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

Numbers 33:52

Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

Exodus 23:24

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

Deuteronomy 27:15

Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

Exodus 20:4

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:

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;

1 Corinthians 10:19

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?