Deuteronomy 27:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Idolatry—making and hiding carved or cast images—is cursed, and all Israel responds with corporate affirmation.
The Context of Deuteronomy 27:15
The first curse condemns idolatry; all Israel affirms it with Amen.
What Does Deuteronomy 27:15 Mean?
The first curse targets the foundational covenant violation: idolatry. 'Graven or molten' covers both carved wooden/stone idols and cast metal images. The detail 'putteth it in a secret place' acknowledges that idolatry often hides—not openly displayed but practiced in hidden shrines or chambers. The curse exposes hidden sin; it cannot be concealed from God.
The corporate 'Amen' of all Israel transforms the curse into a communal vow. Each person declares their agreement with the curse, effectively distancing themselves from idolatry and recommitting to the worship of the LORD alone. This response pattern—curse followed by unanimous 'Amen'—makes covenant violation a community concern, not merely individual sin.
Deuteronomy 27:15 in the Original Language
graven image (פֶסֶל, pesel) — a carved or sculpted image, typically of wood, stone, or other material shaped by human craft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 27:15
What does Deuteronomy 27:15 mean?
Idolatry—making and hiding carved or cast images—is cursed, and all Israel responds with corporate affirmation.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 27:15?
The first curse condemns idolatry; all Israel affirms it with Amen.