Exodus 20:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids making precious-metal idols, reinforcing the prohibition against carved images.
The Context of Exodus 20:23
God forbids making idols of silver or gold, reinforcing the prohibition on graven images.
What Does Exodus 20:23 Mean?
This command repeats and refines the earlier prohibition on graven images. Here the emphasis is on expensive idols—silver and gold—suggesting that wealth itself can tempt idolatry. Even though the materials are precious, they cannot substitute for genuine relationship with God. The law implies that the cost or craft of an idol is irrelevant; any god of human making is forbidden.
The prohibition also addresses a subtle form of idolatry: using wealth to create religious objects. Wealthy nations might craft elaborate, beautiful idols that become objects of pride and devotion. God declares this futile and forbidden. The God who speaks from heaven cannot be embodied in metal or stone, no matter how skillfully crafted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 20:23
What does Exodus 20:23 mean?
God forbids making precious-metal idols, reinforcing the prohibition against carved images.
What is the context of Exodus 20:23?
God forbids making idols of silver or gold, reinforcing the prohibition on graven images.