What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry?
What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry? Idolatry — placing anything above God — is the most frequently condemned sin in Scripture.
Key verse: Exodus 20:3-4 (KJV)
Idolatry — placing anything above God — is the most frequently condemned sin in Scripture.
Idolatry — placing anything above God — is the most frequently condemned sin in Scripture.
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." — Exodus 20:3-4 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The first two of the Ten Commandments address idolatry directly: 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me' and 'Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image' (Exodus 20:3-4). The Old Testament narrative repeatedly shows Israel falling into idol worship — the golden calf, Baal worship, and Asherah poles — bringing devastating consequences. But idolatry isn't limited to statues. Colossians 3:5 equates covetousness with idolatry, and Ezekiel 14:3 speaks of idols set up in the heart. Anything that takes the supreme place belonging to God alone becomes an idol — money, relationships, career, self, or pleasure. 1 John 5:21 closes the epistle with a simple command: 'Little children, keep yourselves from idols.' The remedy is wholehearted worship of the true and living God.
Key Scripture References
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."
"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
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Related Questions
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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.
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Worship is the heart's response of adoration, praise, and surrender to God — expressed through prayer, singing, giving, obedience, and all of life.
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Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
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The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Scripture
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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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