What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry?
What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry? The Bible strictly forbids idolatry—placing anything above God in one's heart—and identifies it as the root of many other sins.
Key verse: Exodus 20:3-4 (KJV)
The Bible strictly forbids idolatry—placing anything above God in one's heart—and identifies it as the root of many other sins.
The Bible strictly forbids idolatry—placing anything above God in one's heart—and identifies it as the root of many other sins.
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 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." — Exodus 20:3-4 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Idolatry is the first sin addressed in the Ten Commandments: 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me' (Exodus 20:3). In the Old Testament, Israel repeatedly fell into worshipping false gods like Baal and Asherah, bringing severe consequences. But idolatry is not limited to statues—Paul equates covetousness with idolatry (Colossians 3:5), and John warns believers to 'keep yourselves from idols' (1 John 5:21). Modern idolatry includes making ultimate things of money, career, relationships, pleasure, or self. Anything that takes God's rightful place as supreme in our hearts becomes an idol. The antidote is wholehearted devotion to God: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart' (Matthew 22:37).
Topic Overview
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Key Scripture References
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 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."
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
The Bible teaches that worship is giving God the honor, praise, and reverence He deserves, expressed through prayer, singing, obedience, and daily living.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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