Exodus 34:17 Meaning and Explanation
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must not make molten images or cast idols.
The Context of Exodus 34:17
The Lord forbids Israel from creating idols of metal, a direct reference to Israel's recent sin with the golden calf. This prohibition targets one of the most tempting forms of idolatry.
What Does Exodus 34:17 Mean?
The Lord forbids Israel from creating idols of metal, a direct reference to Israel's recent sin with the golden calf. This prohibition targets one of the most tempting forms of idolatry.
Cast metal idols represent a attempt to contain and control the divine through human craftsmanship. This command establishes that Israel's God cannot and will not be represented by physical images made by human hands.
Exodus 34:17 in the Original Language
massekhah (מסכה), 'molten' — cast or poured metal; contrasts with carved wood or stone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 34:17
What does Exodus 34:17 mean?
Israel must not make molten images or cast idols.
What is the context of Exodus 34:17?
The Lord forbids Israel from creating idols of metal, a direct reference to Israel's recent sin with the golden calf. This prohibition targets one of the most tempting forms of idolatry.