Leviticus 19:4
Leviticus 19:4 in Multiple Translations
Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the LORD your God.
¶ Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.
Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am Jehovah your God.
Do not go after false gods, and do not make metal images of gods for yourselves: I am the Lord your God.
Don't turn to idols for help or make metal images of gods. I am the Lord your God.
Ye shall not turne vnto idoles, nor make you molten gods: I am the Lord your God.
'Ye do not turn unto the idols, and a molten god ye do not make to yourselves; I [am] Jehovah your God.
“‘Don’t turn to idols, nor make molten gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.
Turn ye not to idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.
Turn ye not to idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods. I am the Lord your God.
‘Do not worship idols or make metal statues of gods for yourselves. I am Yahweh, your God, and I am the only one you must worship.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 19:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּפְנוּ֙
אֶל
הָ֣/אֱלִילִ֔ים
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵי֙
מַסֵּכָ֔ה
לֹ֥א
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
לָ/כֶ֑ם
אֲנִ֖י
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּפְנוּ֙
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ֣/אֱלִילִ֔ים
ʼĕlîyl
H457
idol
Art | N-mp
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵי֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | N-mp
מַסֵּכָ֔ה
maççêkâh
H4541
liquid
N-fs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לָ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 19:4
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּפְנוּ֙
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ֣/אֱלִילִ֔ים
ʼĕlîyl
H457
"idol"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means something worthless or an idol, often referring to false gods. It appears in the Bible as a warning against worshiping things with no value. In KJV translations, it is rendered as idol or thing of nought.
Definition: 1) of nought, good for nothing, worthless 1a) of physicians, a shepherd, a divination 1b) of false gods
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: idol, no value, thing of nought. See also: Leviticus 19:4; Isaiah 10:10; Psalms 96:5.
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵי֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מַסֵּכָ֔ה
maççêkâh
H4541
"liquid"
N-fs
This term can mean a veil or covering, but also a cast metal image or a woven fabric, like a web or coverlet.
Definition: 1) a pouring, libation, molten metal, cast image, drink offering 1a) libation (with covenant sacrifice) 1b) molten metal, molten image, molten gods
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: covering, molten (image), vail. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Kings 17:16; Psalms 106:19.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 19:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 19:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
- Sermons on Leviticus 19:4
Context — Commandments for Holiness
2“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
3Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.
4Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the LORD your God.
5When you sacrifice a peace offering to the LORD, you shall offer it for your acceptance. 6It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it, or on the next day; but what remains on the third day must be burned up.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 26:1 | “You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved image or sacred pillar; you must not place a sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it. For I am the LORD your God. |
| 2 | Exodus 20:23 | You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold. |
| 3 | Psalms 115:4–7 | Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. |
| 4 | Exodus 34:17 | You shall make no molten gods for yourselves. |
| 5 | Exodus 20:3–5 | You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 27:15 | ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 7 | 1 John 5:21 | Little children, keep yourselves from idols. |
| 8 | Psalms 96:5 | For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 10:14 | Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. |
| 10 | Exodus 32:4 | He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” |
Leviticus 19:4 Summary
Leviticus 19:4 is a reminder that God is the one true God, and that we should not turn to idols or make false gods. This means that we should prioritize God above all else, and not give our hearts to anything or anyone that would distract us from Him, as seen in Matthew 22:37-38. By keeping our focus on God, we can avoid the temptation to worship idols and instead live in obedience to His commands, as seen in John 14:15. We can apply this verse to our lives by being mindful of the things that we give our time and attention to, and making sure that God is at the center of all that we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main command in Leviticus 19:4?
The main command in Leviticus 19:4 is to not turn to idols or make molten gods, as stated in the verse itself, with God reminding the people that He is the LORD their God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5.
Why is God so opposed to idolatry in Leviticus 19:4?
God is opposed to idolatry because it is a form of spiritual adultery, where people turn their hearts away from the one true God to worship false gods, as warned against in Deuteronomy 13:6-10 and Jeremiah 25:6-7.
How does the command in Leviticus 19:4 relate to the rest of the chapter?
The command in Leviticus 19:4 is part of a larger section on holiness, where God calls His people to be set apart from the world and to live according to His standards, as seen in Leviticus 19:2 and reinforced in verses like Leviticus 19:3 and Leviticus 19:5-6.
What is the significance of God saying 'I am the LORD your God' in Leviticus 19:4?
When God says 'I am the LORD your God', He is reminding the people of His covenant relationship with them, and that He is their Redeemer and King, as seen in Exodus 20:2 and reinforced in other verses like Psalm 23:1 and Isaiah 41:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I turn my heart back to God?
- How can I apply the command to not make molten gods to my own life, in terms of prioritizing God above all else?
- What are some ways that I can honor God as the one true God, and avoid the temptation to turn to idols or false gods?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and sovereignty in my life, and live in greater obedience to His commands?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:4
Turn ye not unto idols,.... From the one only true and living God to them that are not gods, as the word used signifies, who are nothing; for, as the apostle says, an idol is nothing in the world, 1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:4
Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
Turn not your hearts and faces from me, whom alone you pretend to respect, unto them. He intimates, that their turning to idols is a turning from God, and that they could not serve both God and idols. Unto idols: the word signifies such as are no gods, or nothings, as they are called, , many idols having no being, but only in the fancy of their worshippers, and all of them having no virtue or power to do good or evil, . Molten gods, nor graven gods neither, as appears from Exodus 20, whereby we learn that such expressions are generally to be understood synecdochically.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
Leviticus 19:4 Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I [am] the LORD your God.Ver. 4. Turn ye not unto idols.] Heb., Elilim; deunculi, deastri; Petty gods, dunghill deities; of all which we should say, as he did once, Contemno minutulos istos deos, modo Iovem (Iehovam) mihi propitium habeam, I care for the favour of no god, but of the great God of gods.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
(4) Turn ye not unto idols.—As the Lord is their God, and there is no other God besides Him, the Israelites must never turn their affections nor address prayers or enquiries to idols. This part of the verse therefore corresponds with the first commandment of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:3). The expression here rendered “idols,” which, apart from the Prophets and Hagiographa, only occurs once more (see Leviticus 26:1), denotes non-entities—nothings, and it is in allusion to this import of the word that the Apostle remarks, “We know that an idol is nothing in the world” (1 Corinthians 8:4). According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, the injunction here “turn not” means “face not,” and forbids even the looking at or the examination of an idol. Nor make yourselves molten gods.—This part of the verse corresponds with the second commandment in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:4-6), though the phrase “molten gods” only occurs once more where the same prohibition is enforced (Exodus 34:17).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
Verse 4. Turn ye not unto idols] אלילם elilim, literally nothings; and to this St. Paul seems to allude 1 Corinthians 8:4, where he says, We know that an idol is NOTHING in the world.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:4
4. Turn ye not unto] As in Leviticus 19:31 (A.V. ‘Regard not’), and Leviticus 20:6. idols] (’μlξlξm) things of nought R.V. mg. See reference there. The Heb. word occurs only here and Leviticus 26:1 in Pentateuch; a word of uncertain etymology, possibly suggesting the idea of gods from its sound (similar to that of ’λl and ’ĕ ?lτhξm), but always associated with the idea of worthlessness. It is used by the prophets ironically of false gods in contrast to the true God. molten gods] See Exodus 34:17. Cp. Deuteronomy 27:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:4
4. Idols — The Hebrew term elilim, nothings, or “things of naught,” (Jeremiah 14:14,) is very expressive. There is a paronomasia, or similarity of sound with elohim, God, which heightens the contrast.
Sermons on Leviticus 19:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Church in the Last Days) 05 - Possessing the Land by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than adhering to old traditions or wrong teachings. The message is based on Leviticus 26, |
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The Basic Requirements of Obedience by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the Book of Leviticus and the importance of obedience to God's commandments. He emphasizes that the strength of a nation lies in the f |
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Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i |
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The Worship of False Gods by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the concept of worship and the nature of false gods that people create, such as the pursuit of recognition, pleasure, money, and sex. It emphasizes the impo |
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Man Made God's by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragic truth that many people are caught up in idol worship, specifically idols made of silver and gold. He references the book of Deuter |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |