The Scriptures tell us that anyone who chooses to serve Yahuweh [the LORD], and to receive His blessings, must not make for themselves any graven image, nor enter in to any form of idolatry.

But in order to be obedient to the words of Scripture about any matter, we must first understand what the Scriptures say about that matter.

And so today, many are beginning to seek, and to ask some thoughtful questions.

Questions Many Are Asking Today

“What is a Graven Image?”

“What is an Idol?”

“What does it mean to ‘make’ a Graven Image, according to Scripture?”

“What is the danger of Idols to New Covenant Believers?”

“Is the issue of graven images and idols a ‘New Covenant’ issue?”

To answer these questions, we must disregard the many opinions, man-made doctrines and hearsay, and look only to the Scriptures.

Because human nature always tries to justify itself, man has twisted what the Scriptures actually say, by re-defining graven images and idols to accommodate his own actions. But Yahuweh has made it very clear to us. He has given us many examples in Scripture, to illustrate what a graven image is, and what an idol is.

It is not the purpose of this short writing to focus on the dangers, warnings, and details of how idols affect Born-Again Believers. This has been done in the article, Graven Images and Idols: What Your Pastor Never Told You About The Second Commandment. Instead, we will summarise the danger of these objects to New Covenant Believers, and then show some of the Scriptures that clearly detail Yahuweh’s definitions of graven images and idols.

Danger in Our Homes

One of the greatest dangers to Believers today is the action of bringing certain objects into the home. As we saw in the above-mentioned article, Scripture tells us specifically that any house that has within it an object that Yahuweh considers an ‘abomination’ will come under a curse:

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination <08441> into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing. (Deuteronomy 7:26)

When we disobey the clear Word of Scripture, and bring an abomination, a cursed object into our home or office, the above Scripture tells us we become a cursed thing like the object. The result is that we come under the same curse the object is under.

The effects of these curses are varied. These effects include many chronic troubles or accidents, chronic sicknesses, chronic disease, chronic nightmares or mental attacks, constant argument, continued disobedience or rebelliousness, fearfulness, anxiety, and many others. One symptom a Believer may notice is that when idols are present in the home or office, prayers may be difficult to speak, or there seems to be a lack of Yahuweh’s presence and peace in the home, or a lack of understanding and/or acceptance of Yahuweh’s Word.

The ultimate effect, however, can be seen in the example of Achan, who took an accursed thing and hid it in his tent. As a result, the entire camp of Israel was cursed, with the result that the entire congregation failed to overcome, or prevail, in the battle against Ai (Joshua 6:18-7:12).

As the apostle Paul tells us (1Corinthians 10:11), these things happened to Israel for our examples, and are written for our admonition in these last days.

Thus the example of Achan tells us that we too [our family; our whole congregation] shall also fail to overcome against Ai [“iniquity”] if we bring the accursed object into our tent, our house!

Why is this important? It is because those Believers who fail to overcome ‘iniquity’ by the time the Bridegroom returns, are they who will be told “I never knew you!” (Matt 7:23). For those of us who desire to be among the Bride Company, we must educate ourselves, so that we do not bring these accursed objects into our homes!

We recall that there is a long list of curses that come as a result of disobedience, starting in (Deuteronomy 28:15).

“But We are ‘New Covenant’ Believers,” many will protest. “We have been taught that idols and the curses in Deuteronomy are of no consequence to saved, Born-Again, New Covenant Believers.”

Yes, Yahushua Messiah has indeed redeemed us from the curse pronounced by the Torah [Law], having been made a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). But Messiah also tells us, after He has made us whole, the same words He spoke to the woman taken in adultery, and the same words He said to the man healed on the Sabbath day: “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11; John 5:14).

We have simply not understood what Yahushua meant, when He said, “Go, and sin [transgress the Torah] no more, lest a worse thing come to you” (1John 3:4; John 5:14). That is the subject of this writing — to see what the Scriptures actually say about graven images and idols — so that we may avoid the “worse thing” that comes to those who continue to disobey Torah.

Because most New Covenant Believers today are not aware of the dangers of graven images and idols, we will begin with some New Testament warnings. These Scripture passages reveal and highlight many of the potential dangers to Born-Again, New Covenant Believers. These New Testament passages reveal that the issue of ‘idols’ is indeed a New Covenant issue.

Idols as a New Covenant Issue

There are many, many warnings given to Believers throughout the New Testament. These warnings alert us to the many dangers that can actually prevent one from entering in to the Kingdom as part of the Bride-Company, and they are spelled out in detail in Scripture. The fact that these dangers apply to ‘New Covenant’ Believers can be easily seen, for they are specific warnings in the New Testament writings, and they are given to ‘saved’ or Born-again Believers.

Many Believers today, however, have thought that these New Testament warnings are for ‘unsaved’ people. And for this reason, multitudes of New Covenant Believers today continue to ignore these warnings, with the result that they will be found among the Foolish Virgins: They will not be ready when the Bridegroom comes — and they will not enter in with the Bride-Company (Matthew 25:10).

The Little Flock, however, will be found among the Wise Virgins: They will see these warnings in Scripture. They will search out, and discover these issues in detail, and will take heed to walk accordingly!

Let’s look at the following warnings, all given to Born-Again, New Covenant Believers:

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. (1Corinthians 10:14)

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1John 5:21)

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14)

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Revelation 2:20)

Notice the above warning of Paul in 1Corinthians 10:14, who very specifically warns the New Covenant Believers to flee from idolatry; and the warning of John in 1John 5:21, who warns the Believers to ‘keep yourselves from idols.’ Likewise notice the warning of Yahushua in the above Revelation passages, where Yahushua says He will have a “few things against” those who continue in sins related to idols.

We are also told in context of the passages in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, that these ‘idolatry’ issues can prevent one from overcoming. We are also told in Rev 21:7, that in order to receive our full inheritance, we must overcome all things. So if we want to overcome all things, we must know what to avoid, and what we must overcome. And this means we must understand — and overcome — the idolatry issues, including those of Revelation chapters 2 and 3!

With this in mind, we will begin with a Scriptural overview of the Believer’s proper response to graven images and idols.

New Covenant Life: Turning from Idols

There are many passages of Scripture that show the importance of beginning the process of removing idols from one’s life. Here is one passage:

“…how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…” (1Thessalonians 1:9b)

Here we see that turning “to Yahuweh from idols” is for the purpose of serving Yahuweh. This verse shows a basic Scriptural principle: that Turning comes before Serving. So unless we fully turn from having these idols, we cannot serve Yahuweh.

Thus if we would truly turn from these objects, we must find out what they are from a Scriptural point of view. And, as we shall see in the Hebrew definitions, we need not physically ‘bow down’ to an object, for it to be considered a forbidden object, or idol.

Here is another passage, and it tells us something many today have not yet realised:

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (1Co 12:2)

Here we see that it is common for Gentiles to be carried away to idols. Notice in the above (1Co 12:2) passage Paul states that you ‘were’ (Lit. Greek can read “had been”) Gentiles. Does that mean they were no longer Gentiles?

Paul gives us the answer. He tells us we are no longer to live and walk as Gentiles (Eph 4:17). What Paul is saying, is that if we are going to walk in, and embrace the Way of Yahuweh, we must abandon the many idolatries the Gentiles hold dear!.

Next notice above that Paul states “As you were led.” Beloved, many of us as Gentile Believers are still ‘being led’ by spiritual leaders today who still live and walk as Gentiles. The result is seen in the above passage — that many are still being “carried away unto these dumb idols.” Many Pastors and spiritual Leaders today are simply ignorant of what the Scriptures actually say about the dangers of idols.

We as Believers, however, are cautioned that we must maintain honour and respect at all times toward our spiritual Leaders. They are still Yahuweh’s delegated authority in our lives, and as such, we must maintain submissive hearts toward them, for as long as we remain under their authority. There comes a time, however, that we are called to “come out of her, and depart” from these congregations, in order to break free from practicing idolatry and man-made doctrines (2Co 6:16-18; Rev 18:4).

The above Scripture passages, and many others, reveal some of the potential dangers to Born-Again, New Covenant Believers. With warnings like these, we would do well to find out exactly what Scripture tells us about idols. Let’s find out.

What is an Idol?

The key to proper understanding of the Scriptures is to find the agreement between the Torah and the Testimony (Isaiah 8:20), that is, to find the meaning that agrees with both Old Testament writings and New Testament writings.

To see what the Scriptures themselves say about proper interpretation and meaning of the Scriptures, the Reader is referred to the article, Seven Biblical Guidelines for Studying the Bible: Using Scripture to Interpret the Scriptures.

With this understanding, we can then look at the Old Testament Hebrew Words and their Meanings, to find the proper definitions of New Testament words and ideas. This agreement is especially true as we seek to understand what Scripture reveals about idols. The Reader is referred to the Hebrew words and definitions below in the References.^[1]

As we look at these Hebrew word definitions, we notice that there are at least 14 Hebrew words translated directly into the English word ‘idol,’ each having its own definition. These 14 words originate from 8 other Hebrew words, making 22 words all together, revealing a great deal more than if we look at the single English word ‘idol.’ By looking at these Hebrew word definitions, we can actually see the full description of the nature of idols. We can also see their use, and the results of having them. Let’s look at a few of these definitions by groups.

As we look in the Reference below, here is what we see among the many Hebrew word definitions for the English word ‘idol’:

All these Hebrew definitions reveal some of the great depth of meaning of the various Hebrew words translated into the single English word ‘idol.’

As for the Greek words translated ‘idol,’ the Greek word definitions appear to show dependency on the definitions of the Hebrew words in Scripture. It appears that the New Testament writers must have assumed the Readers had understanding of the Hebrew terms and Torah words, because they used the Hebrew word understandings to communicate these New Covenant truths!

One Greek word translated idol has the meaning of ‘likeness,’ and is based on the Greek word “to know.” This reveals to us many related ideas, telling us that idolatry is similar to a man and woman ‘knowing’ one another, as seen in Genesis 4:1. Thus we see the connection between idols and fornication and adultery, where the use of an idol constitutes knowing someone other than Yahushua.

This same word meaning ‘likeness’ also has a meaning of knowing with the eyes, and with the senses, and not with the heart. This is how many today know Yahuweh’s Word, a result of walking by sight, and not by Faith. The end result of this living by the natural senses, and not by the Spirit, is that one becomes ‘carnal’ (depending on the fleshly senses). Paul tells us the reason for this carnality, however, is because the carnal person is not subject to — not yielded to obedience to — the Law [‘Torah’] (Romans 8:7). Paul’s insight, and his message to us today, signals an exhortation for us to return to simply walking by Faith, and of simple obedience to Torah.

Idols of Substitution

Let’s review a few Scripture passages:

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)

Yahuweh tells us we are to have no other ‘Mighty Ones’ before or in place of Him. His desire for us is that we not have any substitutes for Him, or His Word. Now let’s notice what is said next, to show examples of substitutes:

Thou shalt not make <06213> unto thee any graven image <06459>, or any likeness <08544> of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)

Yahuweh gives us the commandment, and then desires to test us in this area. He watches to see whether man will receive Yahuweh’s Word, as it says; or whether man will create a substitute for His Word, by substituting man’s own words, definitions, and his own understanding — instead of following Yahuweh’s simple instructions. Just in case we do not understand this simple instruction, Yahuweh gives us a more detailed picture:

Lest ye corrupt <07843>(“destroy“) yourselves, and make <06213> you a graven image <06459>, the similitude <08544> of any figure <05566>, the likeness <08403> of male or female, The likeness <08403> of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness <08403> of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness <08403> of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness <08403> of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: (Deuteronomy 4:16-18)

Looking at these word definitions, we see that an idol is simply a likeness or image that man would use as a substitute for Yahuweh, or as a substitute for His Provision, or for His Word. When we choose the simplicity of His Word, and what it actually says, we are choosing Him. But when we choose some other religious idea or notion of what His Word says, we are choosing a substitute for His Word. Choosing a substitute for Yahuweh, or a substitute for His Word, His blessing or His provision, is the very essence of idolatry!

In like manner, when we covet, we are showing disdain for the daily Provision of Yahuweh. In so doing, we create a substitute of our own making, choosing our own provision instead of Yahuweh’s provision for us. We are thus told in (Colossians 3:5) that covetousness is idolatry. Now we know why this is true.

In New Testament usage, we see the term ‘things sacrificed unto idols’ used in two different examples. One use of the term (as seen in several places in 1Corinthians) references the physical ‘leftovers’ from food that had been part of a ‘sacrifice’ of (pagan in origin) religious rituals. Paul exhorts us to refrain from eating these leftovers, where eating them may cause our Brother to stumble.

The second New Testament use of the term ‘things sacrificed unto idols’ (as seen in Revelation 2:14, 20) refers to the ‘idol sacrifice,’ a man-made ‘substitute’ for the “true Food and true Drink” that is from Yahuweh. Scripture draws this analogy so as to give Yahuweh’s people instruction in what Yahuweh thinks of the modern-day, man-made substitute for Yahuweh’s true ‘Passover.’ When we substitute a man-made ritual in exchange for obeying the Truth of Yahuweh’s Word, we are creating an idol of substitution.

Let’s look further at how the ‘substitution of Yahuweh’s Word’ becomes an idol.

Idols of Substitution of Yahuweh’s Word

We have mentioned how substitution of Yahuweh with something else becomes an idol. Now let us notice a particular phrase that reveals how substitution of His Word is idolatry. Notice the following, spoken to King Saul:

“…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as … idolatry <08655>. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1Samuel 15:23)

Notice that in this passage, Saul did what he thought best, and not what Yahuweh’s Word said. Saul’s stubbornness was his rejection of Yahuweh’s Word, which is as idolatry. Notice that Saul’s stubbornness in rejecting Yahuweh’s Word is considered idolatry, even though there was no ‘worship’ or ‘bowing down’ involved.

Incidentally, Yahuweh’s Word to Saul, in rejecting him as king, is His Word to us today. Do we want to rule and reign with Messiah? Then we had better not reject Yahuweh’s Word!

Saul, in his stubbornness, rejected Yahuweh’s Word, replacing what it actually said with a substitute of his own understanding, thus creating an idol of the heart. Now notice in the two following passages how we too can do the same, if we follow this same pattern of rejecting what the Word of Yahuweh actually says, in exchange for our own understanding of what it says:

Thou shalt not make <06213> unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)

Here Yahuweh tells us not to make a particular shape of object. But as we see in the word definitions in the footnotes below, the many meanings of the Hebrew word translated ‘make,’ Strong’s number <06213>, include the ideas of “do, make, fashion, acquire, have, maintain, prepare,” and a number of additional meanings.

Now notice what Yahuweh tells us next:

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve <05647> them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. (Exodus 20:5)

And, as a result of many popular but incorrect Bible teachings today, many have been taught to say, “But I do not bow down to it, as verse 5 warns — so perhaps it is acceptable to ‘make, fashion, acquire, or have’ the object in my home or office.”

This is a grave error, to think that verse 5 supplies the ‘context’ for the meaning of verse 4. Instead, notice that Exodus 20:4 and Exodus 20:5 each has its own separate, stand-alone “Do not” commands, each containing the Hebrew word ‘lo.’ This information sheds new light onto these passages, and reveals to us a further depth of meaning.

Thus in verse 4, we are told not to “make, fashion, acquire, or have” the described object — and in verse 5 we are told not to bow down to them, even if they had been “made, fashioned, acquired, or had” by someone else.

Thus we see that verses 4 and 5 of Exodus 20 are each separate commands, each independent of the other for contextual meaning.

Nevertheless, many today will continue to ignore Yahuweh’s Word regarding the command, “do not make” the described object, and will substitute their ‘own understanding’ of what this command is saying. Notice Yahuweh’s warning, as He exhorts us:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto [support; trust in] thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge [know; perceive; consider] him [The WORD], and he [The WORD] shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 6:47; John 1:1,14).

When we trust in, and lean on our own understanding, rather than what the Word actually says, that understanding can become an idol. Instead, we are to “acknowledge (know; perceive; consider) Him [The WORD] in all our ways, and He [The WORD] will direct our paths. ).

Again, the familiar argument is, “But I am not bowing down to this object, so it must be OK to have it.” But this way of thinking is based on man’s own reasoning, and this is what King Saul did. This is why Yahuweh tells us that stubbornness as the sin of idolatry — when we stubbornly exalt our own understanding above what Yahuweh’s Word actually says.

So if we reject Yahuweh’s simple and clear Word to us in verse 4, and instead choose to follow our own understanding, thinking “But I do not bow down to it,” then we are doing exactly as King Saul did!

And so we repeat this all-important Biblical truth:

Let’s now summarise what verses 4 and 5 of Exodus 20 actually say.

What verse 4 actually says is, “Do not make, acquire, or have” the described objects. Period!

And verse 5 actually says, “Do not bow down to, or serve the described objects. Period!

In simple terms, the Second Commandment is plainly telling us:

Now let’s look at another feature of these two passages, the cause-and effect relationship seen in these two verses.

Cause and Effect

Not only do Exodus 20:4 and Exodus 20:5 give us two separate, explicit commands, but they are a classic example of a Biblical “cause-and-effect” relationship. “Do not do [Action 1], because it will inevitably lead you to do [Action 2], which you are also forbidden to do.”

The not-so-obvious, hidden cause-and-effect relationship between verse 4 and verse 5 tells us that to make, acquire, or have a forbidden object, inevitably leads to a hidden attachment to them, a bowing down to them [hidden in our heart, not seen or perceived], and a hidden serving of them [hidden in our heart, not seen or perceived].

Yahuweh knew if we were to make or have these objects, we would become attached to them, and that is a form of worshipping them. Through our natural sentimentality toward an object, we can create an attachment to that object, creating an idolatry of the heart. This idolatry will only strengthen the stronghold of the enemy, bringing into our homes various torments — such as strife, discord, anger, rebellion, sicknesses, troubles, and unbelief.

This stronghold of idolatry is the inevitable outcome of this “cause-and-effect” relationship seen in these two verses of the Second Commandment.

Let’s look in detail at what happens as a result of disobedience of Exodus 20:4.

Disobedience Leads to Bondage

What follows Exodus 20:4 is a progression of what we see in verse 5: “You shall not bow down … to them, nor serve <05647> them.” Notice that the Hebrew word for ‘serve’ used here speaks of being led away, returning to bondage to another master [servitude; to be led to serve as subjects].^[2] This passage shows a progression, where ‘bowing down’ to them inevitably leads to some form of spiritual servitude, some form of spiritual bondage.

We may claim that we are not physically bowing down, nor serving them. But simply having a forbidden object, or an idol of substitution, or some other idol of the heart, is the same as bowing down to that idol. And it inevitably leads to servitude, or bondage.

Let’s look at some further Scripture passages, to illustrate why this is true.

This same progression, of having a substitute that leads to servitude or bondage, is seen in Galatians 5:1:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

In this passage, Believers today are exhorted to stand firm, to continue in the liberty of Messiah, and not to return to the heathen practices from which they came, before they became Followers of Messiah. Some of these practices include fleshly reliance on self-effort, following man-made teachings of redemption and Salvation, and continuing in sin — which the apostle John defines as “transgressing the Law” (1John 3:4).

When we continue in sin, and substitute man-made substitutes for the practice of Scriptural principles, and then use these Galatian-style attempts to justify ourselves — we end up closing the spigot of Father’s enablement, ‘turning off’ the supply of grace. The inevitable result is that we become “entangled again with the yoke of bondage,” which is a return to the bondage of self-effort.

Let’s look at another passage-pair to see this same cause-and-effect progression to bondage. First, notice what Yahuweh’s Commandment says:

Lest ye corrupt <07843>(“destroy”) yourselves, and make <06213> you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: (Deuteronomy 4:16-18)

In the above passage we see that making, acquiring or having the described image results in being ‘corrupted’ (“destroyed”). Now notice the next verse:

And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven <05080> to worship them, and serve <05647> them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)

Again, we see in this passage the result of rejecting Yahuweh’s Word as stated in verses 16-18 leads to a progression which, if not stopped, will eventually result in lifting up ones eyes unto heaven to serve the creation, and then being driven, expelled, thrust away, and banished from Yahuweh altogether. This progression can be seen vividly in Israel’s history, as recounted by Stephen in the following passage:

“And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?” (Acts 7:41-42)

This cause-and-effect relationship is defined in Deuteronomy 4:19, and the outworking of its effects can be seen in Acts 7:41-42. The final result of this progression, of being driven away because of serving the creation, is made clear in the wording of Deuteronomy 4:19, where we see the word ‘driven,’ is the Hebrew word nadach, Strong’s number <05080> meaning “driven away.”^[3]

When Yahuweh expels, thrusts away, and banishes His people, He sends them into bondage because of continued disobedience, just as the apostles Paul and Peter tell us:

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants <1401> to obey, his servants <1401> ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

…for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage <1402>. (2Peter 2:19)

In the above Romans 6:16 passage, notice that the Greek word for servant, Strong’s number <1401>, meaning “bond-slave,” comes from the word <1210> meaning “to bind; put in bondage or obligation.” So we see that whomever [or whatever] we obey, to him [or it] we become a bond-slave.

Bondage and Captivity Today

Note that Romans 6:16 is a New Testament passage, and is directed to Believers, as followers of Messiah — confirming to us that these bondages still occur today, for the same reasons we see in Torah. When Yahuweh sends His people into bondage, He sends them into a form of captivity, which may be temporary or permanent, depending upon whether they are willing to repent, and convert [Strong’s numbers <1994> and <4762> meaning “turn around”], and begin to obey Yahuweh’s commandments in Torah.

The characteristics of the modern-day captivity of Yahuweh’s people can be seen prophetically in both the Babylonian and Assyrian captivities of Israel and Judah, which captivities give us much insight into how Yahuweh’s people go into captivity today. We cannot go into much detail here, except to say that the result of today’s captivity is that, like Samson (Judges 16:21) and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 39:7; 52:11), the eyes [the spiritual eyesight] of Yahuweh’s people are put out. They become blinded to spiritual truth!

And if those Born-again Believers persist in walking in the unrighteousness of disobedience to Torah, showing that they do not love the Truth of Yahuweh’s Word, Yahuweh Himself will begin to send them a ‘strong delusion’ so that they will believe a lie (2Thess 2:11): they will become deceived by their spiritual Leaders, who convince them of the lie that they should not obey Yahuweh’s Commandments in Torah!

For those Believers in bondage to the modern-day captivities of Assyria and Babylon, the only way to come out of captivity is by diligently seeking Yahuweh in His Word, and by repenting, by turning around, and walking in Righteousness, becoming obedient to Messiah’s Commandments in Torah.

Meanwhile, back at the 2Peter 2:19 passage, we see confirmation of this bondage <1402>, in that the Greek word for bondage, Strong’s number <1402>, comes from Strong’s number <1401>, as used in the Romans 6:16 passage.

So we see that obeying our ‘own understanding’ of Deuteronomy 4:16-18, even if we think we are obeying the Scriptures, will result in being driven away into bondage and captivity, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:19.

This cause-and-effect example in Deuteronomy 4:16-19 vividly illustrates the seriousness of Peter’s warnings given in 2Peter chapter 2, regarding teachers that teach error. The false teachers and their followers continue to practice the idolatry of substituting their own understanding for the Truth of the Scriptures.

And as a result of their continued disobedience to what the Scriptures actually say, both they and their followers will be driven away, and led into bondage and captivity.

Let us now summarise what we have seen about idols thus far.

Is it an Idol — or an Idol?

Throughout the Scriptures in general, there are many forms of idols and idolatry. We have seen a few examples of these. We might summarise by saying that idols in Scripture appear to fall within two broad categories:

So wherever we see idols or idolatry in Scripture, it may be in either or both of these two categories, to which the Scripture applies. It is important that we see and understand that we need not bow down to an object, to be involved in idolatry. There are many examples of idols and idolatry in everyday life, in which man does not actually bow down to the object, but these are idols nevertheless.

We will not go into detail in this writing, but the myriads of man-made religious traditions that originally began as pagan customs fall into these categories. Some of these include such items as x-mas trees, birthday cakes and candles, halloween candy, easter candy, and many others. The reader would do well to search out these man-made religious fossilized customs.

Let us now look at what Scriptures say about graven images.

What is a Graven Image?

Again we see the importance of the Hebrew Words and their Meanings as we look at ‘graven images.’ The various Hebrew words translated ‘graven images’ along with their definitions, are given below in the References.^[4]

As we look at these Hebrew word definitions for ‘graven images,’ we can summarise them as follows:

So we see that ‘graven images’ are objects that are ‘graven’ — that is, fabricated into a particular likeness or shape that is forbidden in Scripture.

From archaeological discoveries, as well as from Scriptural descriptions, it appears that fabrication of these forbidden objects, or shapes, could have been by any number of processes, such as moulding and shaping, as with clay, or cutting, as with an axe or knife, to produce a particular likeness or shape. Some modern processes used to produce shapes include not only cutting, but turning on a lathe, stamping, moulding, compressing, inflating of an empty shape, and filling of a sewn or fabricated shape.

Let’s see what Scripture reveals as to what kind of shapes are considered ‘graven images’ and are thus forbidden under the Scriptural definition.

What is a Forbidden Likeness or Shape?

We now look at one specific definition of ‘graven image’ as given by Yahuweh in the Scripture. We must be careful to examine the Scriptures with an open and honest heart. Let us avoid the trap of trying to justify our actions by attempting to re-define Bible words and meanings. Yahuweh is very specific about His definition:

Thou shalt not make <06213> unto thee any graven image <06459>, or any likeness <08544> of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)

Lest ye corrupt <07843>(“destroy“) yourselves, and make <06213> you a graven image <06459>, the similitude <08544> of any figure <05566>, the likeness <08403> of male or female, The likeness <08403> of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness <08403> of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness <08403> of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness <08403> of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: (Deuteronomy 4:16-18)

Here, we see the details about these forbidden objects. Yahuweh tells us these forbidden shapes are male or female ‘likenesses’ of any living thing, whether beast, bird, or fish. Notice the nature of the completed shape is to be examined against the Scriptural definitions, and is not in any way related to the object’s past, present, or future use. The Hebrew word definitions for the highlighted words can be seen below in the References.^[5]

In these passages, Yahuweh’s definition of a ‘graven image’ is simply ‘an image or likeness’ of any living creature. Scripture further reveals in (Romans 1:23), that these images include the likeness or image of a human.

The simplicity of what this Scripture passage says is not what is commonly taught or understood. Most would define a ‘graven image’ as something to which man would physically ‘bow down,’ or ‘worship.’ However, if we examine the passages with honesty, it is clear that Yahuweh defines a ‘graven image’ as simply an image or likeness of a living creature, no more, no less.

Notice that in order for an object to be considered forbidden or off-limits, there are three requirements that must be met:

Now notice in the above Scripture passage in Deuteronomy 4:16-18, that unlike the definition of an idol, Yahuweh’s definition of a graven image is not dependent on a man’s response to that object. In the Deuteronomy 4:16-18 passage, Yahuweh makes no distinction between an object that is worshipped, and one that is not worshipped.

But there is an additional bit of information given in this passage: Yahuweh tells us that the ones who will ‘destroy’ themselves are those who ‘make’ <06213> these objects. Notice however, that in both passages, the forbidden action is hidden within the definition of the word ‘make’ — the Hebrew word ‘asah’ <06213>. Thus the key to our understanding these Scripture passages is in understanding the Hebrew word ‘asah’ <06213>.

This is a key definition, so let’s look at it.

You Shall Not Make — the Key to Understanding Forbidden Graven Images

We are told, “You shall not ‘make’ <06213> any of these forbidden objects.” This is a plain and simple directive. It seems simple enough to understand. However, man will often overlook the simplicity of Yahuweh’s Word and create his own interpretation. It takes an honest heart to see clearly the simplicity of this directive.

If we look up the Hebrew word translated ‘make,’ we see a single Hebrew word that is translated into more than 50 different English words, with more than 50 different meanings, depending on context!^[6]

From these many Hebrew word definitions, we now see that the prohibition of these objects is not simply against ‘making’ — but also against acquiring, having, using, maintaining, showing, selling, or giving it away.

What do these definitions of ‘asah’ tell us? What does this say about having toys, art objects, and other objects in the shape of fish, birds, horses, eagles, turtles, frogs, owls, angels, and multitudes of other objects and ‘collections’ commonly found in the home or office?

Many would say, “But we don’t bow down to it.”

Yahuweh’s Word would say, “Do not even have it in your home!”

In order for us to see how an idol is hated by Yahuweh, let’s try to understand how Yahuweh sees things for a moment.

Yahuweh has told us in many Scripture passages that He is jealous over His people. This jealousy has everything to do with idolatry, because the idol becomes a substitute for Him.

Now tell me something. If you are a husband, what would you think if your wife placed a picture of an old boyfriend on the mantle or dresser? She does not ‘bow down’ to the picture, so why should you be jealous? What would you do?

If you are a wife, what would you think, if your husband had a female work associate’s photograph on the wall in his work area? He does not ‘bow down’ to it, so why would you be jealous? What would you do about it?

Now realise that Yahuweh’s jealousy is burning when we simply ‘have’ an object that He has forbidden us to have. Simply ‘having’ forbidden objects is like having the picture of someone else on your spouse’s wall, while your spouse is in covenant relationship with you. Simply having the forbidden object reveals the substitute we have created in our mind.

And so we see how our ‘own understanding’ of what an idol is, can become exalted above what Yahuweh has defined it as being. By making this substitution of ‘what I think,’ for ‘what Yahuweh has said,’ we are thus bowing down in our heart, and serving the object, simply by our having it!

Is it a Graven Image — or an Idol?

Now let’s look at some of the Scriptures in which we find both words — graven image and idol:

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. (Leviticus 26:1)

And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem. (2Chronicles 34:7)

Confounded (“confounded, ashamed, confused”) be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him (Yahuweh), all ye gods. (Psalms 97:7)

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I showed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. (Isaiah 48:5)

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? (Habakkuk 2:18)

A careful examination of the above verses clearly reveals a connection between a graven image and an idol. Based on our study thus far, it is safe to summarise by saying, ‘Not all idols are Graven Images, (meaning some idols are ‘idols of the heart’); but all Graven images (objects having the shape or likeness of any living being) are idols.’

Let us now look briefly at one issue in Scripture that many have wondered about, an issue that has been a stumbling-block for many — the issue of Images Commanded by Yahuweh. Let’s remove this stumbling-block!

Images Commanded by Yahuweh

Many Bible Scholars will ask, “But what about the Brasen Serpent in the wilderness?” “What about the carved cherubim over the Mercy Seat?” “And what of the twelve cast brasen oxen under the sea?” “And what of the lions, oxen, and cherubim on the borders between the ledges of the bases for the 10 lavers?”

These are all very good, and thoughtful questions, that are being asked by many today. Because men have seen in Scripture where Yahuweh ordered these things to be made, men have reasoned that it must be acceptable for man to make these same images, and others. By reasoning in this fashion, men have substituted their own understanding, and have refused to walk in the simplicity of Yahuweh’s Word. Wherever Yahuweh gave a specific, one-time command to make these images and likenesses of living creatures, in each instance these specific items became living parables, whose hidden truths were to be revealed to His people at a later time.

In the case of the Brasen Serpent, for example, there are multiple prophetic pictures for our instruction. One of these is the truth that the curse put on the people was transferred to the serpent (Gen 3:14); and that Yahushua became a curse for us, when He was lifted up on a tree, that we might exchange our curse for His righteousness and healing (John 3:14; Gal 3:13; Deut 21:23). We also see another truth illustrated in the Brasen serpent — the truth that the cursed object, when kept in ones possession, leads to idolatry, as we see in (2Kings 18:4).

These examples we see in Scripture are NOT intended by Yahuweh to be an excuse for our disobedience. Rather, they are a test by Yahuweh. He desires to see whom we lean on whether we will hear and obey His Word, in its simplicity or whether we instead lean on our own understanding, as an idolatrous replacement of His Word.

How to Avoid the Curse

Most New Covenant Believers have been taught that these Scripture Truths we have just examined, somehow do not apply to us today. Even that notion of ‘not applying’ today in itself violates Scripture! Every bit of the Word of Yahuweh will remain forever (Deut 29:29; Psalms 119:160; Isaiah 40:8; 1Pet 1:23; 1Pet 1:25)!

The first step in avoiding the curse is to simply search the Scriptures for yourself, and then to believe (act upon) the words of Yahuweh. Do not listen to those that would tell us this eternal word is not for you today.

We are ‘believing’ Yahuweh only when we take His word as Truth, with child-like faith, so that we act upon it, as a “DO-er” of His Word.

Remember too that every curse has a cause:

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. (Proverbs 26:2)

Here we see the curse does not come without a cause. If there is a curse in the house, there is a cause, or reason it is there. Our job is to find out why it came, and take the necessary step to get rid of the cause. Most likely the curse came as a result of an object someone has brought into the house.

Believers having graven images in their homes will eventually become ‘snared’ (to catch in a trap or noose, as taking a prey) if they do not remove these objects:

The graven images <06456> of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take <03947> it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination <08441> to the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 7:25)

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination <08441> into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing. (Deuteronomy 7:26)

Cursed be the man that maketh <06213> any graven <06459> or molten image <04541>, an abomination <08441> 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. (Deuteronomy 27:15)

In the above passages, we see in (Deut 7:25) that the graven image <06456>, along with the gold and silver from it, is an abomination <08441>. Yahuweh is telling us that graven images are abominations. We are also told not to take <03947> [“fetch, receive, take, accept, or buy”]^[7] these objects, or their materials, lest we become caught in a snare.

So when we come to (Deut 7:26), we understand quickly that the reason we do not bring the graven images into our home, is because these items are ‘cursed things,’ and they are under Yahuweh’s curse. And if we bring them in, we will come under the same curse.

Notice above in the above verse (Deut. 27:15), that the graven image <06459> and the molten image <04541> are both called abominations <08441>. Because the abomination leads to the curse, and because the graven image is an abomination, we see again how the graven images brought into the home can result in the curse.

The above verse (Deut. 27:15) should be seen as a strong warning against having ‘graven images’ — objects of any living creature, male or female. Yahuweh says cursed are those who ‘do, make, fashion, acquire, gather, show, use, maintain, give, deal, prepare’ any of these objects, and puts them in a covert, sheltered, covered place (such as in a ‘curio’ cabinet to display them, or as a ‘shrine’ to revere them).

Here is how we can avoid coming under a curse from an accursed object:

There are other types of curses that are beyond the scope of this writing. Some can actually prevent the Believer from receiving his crown, his place of ruling and reigning with Messiah (Rev 3:11).

But for now, let us remember that Messiah has become a curse for us, in our place, and has taken upon Himself the curse that was upon us. We were pronounced guilty by the Law (“Torah”) and deserved death, but Yahushua has redeemed us from that curse, and has given us His life instead (Gal 3:13). However, Yahushua tells us, “Go, and sin no more” — that is, “Go, and transgress the Law no more” (1John 3:4; John 5:14; 8:11).

Conclusions

We have seen the Scriptural definitions of Graven Images, Idols, and Abominations. We have seen that each of these words has a different meaning, and the Hebrew definitions give us a great deal of information as to their nature, and the effects these objects have on Yahuweh’s people.

We have seen in detail what graven images are — fashioned or fabricated shapes or objects in the likeness of any living creature, male or female. We have seen that an object, by Yahuweh’s definition, may be an idol, whether man is aware of the idolatry or not.

We have seen that in order for an object to be considered forbidden or off-limits, that there are three requirements that must be met:

We have seen that the result of breaking the commandment is a process that, if not stopped, will eventually lead back to bondage, and banishment away from Yahuweh.

We have seen that the key to understanding these commandments is to notice not only making these objects is prohibited, but simply having them is also a violation, and will result in those in the house coming under the same curse the object is under.

We have seen that those who break these commandments come under the same curse that the object is under.

Disobedience results in a curse, for which cause Yahushua will have a ‘few things against’ those who continue in this sin.

We have seen the way to avoid the curse is to believe the words of Yahuweh — to become a “DO-er” of His Word! Repentance is essential if we now understand that there are objects in our home that are abominations and cursed items.

Our action of repentance is to discard or destroy these forbidden objects!

Beloved, now you know these things:

“If ye know these things,
happy are ye if ye do them.”
(John 13:17)

Further Insight: For pictures of graven images & idols most Believers have in their homes (unknowingly), see the article How to Follow the Second Commandment at Following Yahushua Website.

For an in-depth look at how Scripture defines Graven Images and Idols, proceed to Graven Images and Idols: the Scriptural Definition.

To gain a Scriptural understanding of how Born-Again Believers, as well as entire households can remain under a curse, see How to Break Generational Curses.