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Deuteronomy 16:22

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Neither shalt thou set thee up [any] image; which the LORD thy God hateth.

Neither shalt thou set thee up {H6965} any image {H4676}; which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hateth {H8130}.

Likewise, do not set up a standing-stone; ADONAI your God hates such things.

and do not set up for yourselves a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates.

Neither shalt thou set thee up a pillar; which Jehovah thy God hateth.

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:22 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 16:22 delivers a strong prohibition against idolatry, emphasizing God's absolute detestation for such practices. Moses, speaking to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, warns them against adopting the corrupt worship habits of the surrounding nations.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) detailing the laws and statutes given by God to Israel, serving as a constitution for their life in the land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 16 focuses on the annual feasts and rules for proper worship. The immediate preceding verse, Deuteronomy 16:21, prohibits setting up an Asherah pole, a common symbol of Canaanite fertility goddesses. Verse 22 broadens this prohibition to "any image" or "pillar" (KJV: "image"), reinforcing the command for exclusive worship of the one true God. The Israelites had seen rampant polytheism in Egypt and had even fallen into idol worship themselves with the golden calf incident in the wilderness, making this warning particularly pertinent as they prepared to encounter the pervasive idolatry of Canaan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Exclusive Worship of God: The verse unequivocally demands that Israel worship the LORD God alone, without any rival deities or objects of worship. This reinforces the principle of monotheism, forbidding any form of syncretism with pagan religions.
  • God's Abhorrence of Idolatry: The phrase "which the LORD thy God hateth" underscores the depth of God's displeasure with idol worship. It is not merely a preference but an absolute moral opposition rooted in His holy character. Idolatry is seen as a betrayal of the covenant relationship and a spiritual prostitution.
  • Purity of Worship: God desires pure worship, untainted by human-made representations or symbols that attempt to contain or define Him. Such images inevitably diminish God's transcendence and often lead to immoral practices associated with pagan cults.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "image" in this verse is matzevah (מַצֵּבָה), which literally means "standing stone" or "pillar." While pillars could sometimes be erected for legitimate purposes (e.g., as memorials like Jacob's pillar in Genesis 28:18), here it specifically refers to those set up for pagan worship. These were often symbols of deities, particularly associated with Baal or other Canaanite gods, and were objects of reverence in idolatrous cults. The KJV's translation "any image" captures the essence of the prohibition against any physical representation used in false worship. The word "hateth" (Hebrew: sane', שָׂנֵא) signifies a strong, active detestation, conveying God's utter rejection of anything that undermines His unique sovereignty and holiness.

Practical Application

While most modern believers do not set up physical idols, the principle of Deuteronomy 16:22 remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry in contemporary society often manifests as anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives. This could include:

  • Materialism: An excessive pursuit or worship of possessions and wealth (Colossians 3:5).
  • Self-Worship: Prioritizing one's own desires, ambitions, or image above God's will.
  • Relationships: Placing another person or a relationship in a position of ultimate importance that only God should occupy.
  • Achievements and Status: Finding ultimate identity or security in career success, social standing, or academic accomplishments.

This verse calls us to regularly examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that our devotion and ultimate allegiance are given solely to the LORD our God, who desires worship in spirit and truth, free from any competing "images" or allegiances. As the Apostle John warned, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 20:4 (4 votes)

    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:

  • Deuteronomy 12:31 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

  • Jeremiah 44:4 (3 votes)

    Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them], saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

  • Revelation 2:15 (3 votes)

    So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

  • Revelation 2:6 (3 votes)

    But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

  • Zechariah 8:17 (3 votes)

    And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD.