Deuteronomy 16:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not erect any image for worship, which God abhors.
The Context of Deuteronomy 16:22
The two verses end Deuteronomy 16 by drawing the line between Israel's exclusive worship and all idolatrous alternatives.
What Does Deuteronomy 16:22 Mean?
The command is total: 'any image.' Stone pillars, carved idols, cast gods—all are forbidden. The rationale is simple: God hates them. No argument about utility or tradition overrides God's explicit hatred of graven images in Israel's worship. Obedience here is non-negotiable.
The image-ban protects the invisible God from being reduced to visible form. Israel is to know God through word, covenant, and act—not through carved stone. Worship is dialogue and obedience, not gazing at idols. The prohibition preserves God's transcendence and the people's spiritual integrity.
Deuteronomy 16:22 in the Original Language
hateth (שָׂנֵא, sanea), 'abhors/detests' — stronger than mere dislike; a visceral rejection of what is fundamentally opposed to God's character.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 16:22
What does Deuteronomy 16:22 mean?
Do not erect any image for worship, which God abhors.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 16:22?
The two verses end Deuteronomy 16 by drawing the line between Israel's exclusive worship and all idolatrous alternatives.