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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 20:4 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the commandment to not create graven images or likenesses of anything in heaven, on earth, or in the water under the earth signifies the importance of worshiping the one true God without the use of physical representations. This commandment was given to the Israelites as a way to prevent them from idolatry, which was common in the ancient world. By prohibiting the creation of graven images or idols, God was emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in Him alone. He wanted His people to worship Him in spirit and truth, rather than through physical objects. This commandment also serves as a reminder that God is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully captured or represented by any created thing. Overall, this verse highlights the monotheistic nature of the Israelite faith and emphasizes the need for pure and spiritual worship of the one true God.

Theological Overview

It is important to note that the verse "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:" from the book of Exodus is a commandment given by God to the Israelites. This commandment is often interpreted theologically as a warning against the worship of idols and false gods. The prohibition against making graven images or likenesses of anything in heaven, on earth, or in the water underneath is seen as a reminder to worship God alone and not to place any created object above Him. This commandment is considered foundational in the Judeo-Christian tradition as it emphasizes the purity and exclusivity of worship towards the one true God. Word studies on this verse may focus on the meaning of "graven image" and "likeness" to further understand the depth of this commandment and its implications for worship and devotion.

Exodus 20:4 in other translations

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor 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:

World English Bible

“You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Douay-Rheims

Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the waters under the earth.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Thou shalt make thee no grauen image, neither any similitude of things that are in heauen aboue, neither that are in the earth beneath, nor that are in the waters vnder the earth.