The Bible warns God's people not to make or worship graven images. But what is a graven image, and why does it matter?
Let’s look at what the Bible says, how it applies today, and why God is so serious about it.
What Does "Graven Image" Mean?
A graven image is a carved idol or object made to look like a god or divine being. The word "graven" means carved or engraved. These images were often made of wood, stone, or metal and used in worship.
In simple terms: a graven image is something people make to look like a god, then worship it.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above...” — Exodus 20:4 (KJV)
God’s Command Against Graven Images
This command is one of the Ten Commandments. It’s not just a suggestion. It’s a clear order from God. He is the Creator, and He wants us to worship Him—not things made by human hands.
“Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image…” — Leviticus 26:1
Why Is It Wrong to Make a Graven Image?
- It replaces God with something man-made
- It limits God to a form
- It leads to false worship
God is spirit (John 4:24), and trying to create an image of Him misrepresents who He is.
“Take ye therefore good heed… lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image…” — Deuteronomy 4:15-16
Graven Images in the Old Testament
God's people often fell into idol worship. Even after God led them out of Egypt, they made a golden calf.
“He received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf…” — Exodus 32:4
This angered God because they gave credit to a statue for what He had done.
God Wants Relationship, Not Rituals
A graven image turns worship into routine. It becomes about objects instead of the heart. But God desires love, trust, and obedience.
“I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Matthew 9:13
The New Testament Warning
While the New Testament doesn't use the phrase “graven image” as much, it still warns against idols.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” — 1 John 5:21
Paul also preached against idols in Athens, where people worshiped many statues (Acts 17:16–29). He told them God does not live in man-made temples or statues.
How Graven Images Show Up Today
You might not bow down to a statue, but idols still exist today. Anything we worship more than God—money, fame, power, people—can become a modern “graven image.”
Examples of Modern Idols
Modern Idol | How It Distracts from God |
---|---|
Money | Replaces trust in God as provider |
Celebrities | Worship of people instead of the Creator |
Possessions | Focus on stuff instead of the Savior |
Self | Pride puts self above God |
God Alone Is Worthy
Only God deserves our worship. We are called to serve Him with our whole heart—not just with images or symbols.
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” — Isaiah 42:8
What Can We Do Instead?
- Pray to God directly
- Read His Word
- Worship in spirit and truth
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” — John 4:24
- Remove anything from your life that takes God's place
Summary Table
Truth About Graven Images | What the Bible Says |
---|---|
God commands us not to make them | Exodus 20:4 |
They misrepresent God's nature | Deuteronomy 4:15–16 |
They replace real worship with rituals | Isaiah 42:8 |
They show up in modern life in new forms | 1 John 5:21 |
True worship is from the heart, not hands | John 4:24 |