Leviticus 26:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids Israel from making or worshipping carved idols.
The Context of Leviticus 26:1
This opening commandment echoes the first two words of the Decalogue and anchors the entire chapter in monotheism.
What Does Leviticus 26:1 Mean?
God establishes the foundational law of their covenant relationship: exclusive worship. No physical representation—whether carved, cast, or constructed—should become an object of Israel's devotion. The prohibition protects against mistaking an image for the living God.
The reason is direct: 'I am the LORD your God.' God's identity is inseparable from their relationship with Him. Loyalty to the one true God is the premise of all covenant blessings that follow.
Leviticus 26:1 in the Original Language
tselem (צֶלֶם), 'image'—likeness or carved representation. God prohibits the materialization of the divine into forms that can be bowed to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 26:1
What does Leviticus 26:1 mean?
God forbids Israel from making or worshipping carved idols.
What is the context of Leviticus 26:1?
This opening commandment echoes the first two words of the Decalogue and anchors the entire chapter in monotheism.