Exodus 20:4

Thou shalt not make 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:

Cross-reference

Exodus 32:1 Contrast

Exodus 32:1 shows the people immediately violating this command by asking Aaron to make a golden calf, directly contradicting the prohibition against carved images.

Exodus 32:8 Contrast

In Exodus 32:8, God reports that the people have made a calf and worshiped it, confirming they acted directly against the commandment of verse 4.

Exodus 32:23 records Aaron's admission that the people requested a god, violating the command not to make any likeness.

Exodus 34:17 reiterates the prohibition against making idols, specifically cast metal gods, echoing the same command as Exodus 20:4.

Exodus 32:31 is Moses' confession that Israel made gods of gold, a clear violation of this very command.

Psalm 115:4–8 Related theme

Psalm 115:4-8 mocks idols as powerless works of human hands, showing the futility of making them.

Revelation 16:2 shows plagues on those who worshiped the image, a direct consequence of violating this command.

Psalm 135:15–18 Related theme

Psalm 135:15-18 similarly describes idols as lifeless, echoing the commandment's warning against trusting in images.

Isaiah 40:18-20 argues no one can liken God to an idol, reinforcing the command not to make images of Him.

Isaiah 42:8 Parallel

Isaiah 42:8 states God gives His glory to no other, directly referencing carved idols as unworthy of praise.

Isaiah 42:17 warns those trusting in carved idols will be shamed, upholding the commandment's prohibition.

Isaiah 44:9-20 satirizes idol-makers, showing the absurdity of carving images forbidden by this command.

Isaiah 45:16 pronounces shame on idol-makers, aligning with this commandment's condemnation of carved images.

Isaiah 46:5-8 ridicules the absurdity of crafting gods from metal and wood, illustrating the second commandment's prohibition against idolatry.

Jeremiah 10:3-5 vividly depicts idols as helpless creations, reinforcing the prohibition against making images for worship.

In Jeremiah 10:8, idolaters are called senseless and their teaching worthless—a direct application of the second commandment's warning.

Jeremiah 10:14-16 contrasts worthless idols with the living God, underscoring why the second commandment prohibits image-making.

Ezekiel 8:10 exposes Israelites engraving unclean animal images in the temple—a direct violation of the second commandment.

Acts 17:29 Parallel

Acts 17:29 rejects the notion that the divine can be represented by gold, silver, or human artistry, echoing the second commandment.

Romans 1:23 Parallel

Romans 1:23 describes humanity exchanging God’s glory for images of creatures—a direct transgression of the second commandment.

Revelation 13:14 describes people making an image of the beast, directly violating this command against carved images.

Revelation 13:15 adds that the image is given breath and demands worship, intensifying the violation of this command.

Revelation 14:9-11 warns against worshiping the beast's image, showing the judgment for breaking this command.

Leviticus 19:4 repeats the command to not turn to idols or make cast metal gods, reinforcing the prohibition against images.

2 Chronicles 33:7 describes Manasseh placing a carved image in the temple, directly defying this commandment.

Leviticus 26:1 expands the prohibition to include pillars and figured stones, applying the same principle against idolatry.

1 Kings 12:28 records Jeroboam's golden calves — a direct violation of this command against making carved images for worship.

Deuteronomy 4:15-19 explains why no images are allowed: Israel saw no form at Horeb, so they must not make a likeness of anything.

Deuteronomy 27:15 pronounces a curse on anyone who makes an idol, linking the command to a covenantal sanction.

Deuteronomy 4:23-25 warns against making carved images in the context of covenant faithfulness, directly grounding the prohibition.

Psalm 97:7 Related theme

Psalm 97:7 declares that all worshipers of images are put to shame, reinforcing the prohibition against carved idols.

Deuteronomy 5:8 repeats the commandment verbatim, the parallel account of the Decalogue.

Deuteronomy 5:9 repeats the second commandment, including the warning of God's jealousy.

Genesis 35:2 records Jacob commanding his household to put away foreign gods, obeying this command's spirit.

1 John 5:21 Parallel

1 John 5:21 commands believers to keep from idols, directly echoing the second commandment's call to avoid graven images.

Deuteronomy 4:16 restates this command, warning against making carved images of any figure.

Deuteronomy 4:17 continues the list of forbidden likenesses, reinforcing the scope of this command.

Joshua 24:14 Related theme

In Joshua 24:14, Joshua calls Israel to put away foreign gods, directly applying the second commandment's ban on images.

Judges 17:3 Contrast

Judges 17:3 records a mother dedicating silver to make a carved image, directly violating the prohibition against making graven images.

Judges 18:30 shows the Danites setting up a carved image, acting in open disobedience to the second commandment.

2 Kings 17:35 Related theme

2 Kings 17:35 recites the covenant command against worshiping other gods, echoing the second commandment's prohibition of idols.

Psalm 106:20 describes Israel exchanging God's glory for a bull image, a direct violation of the ban on making graven images.

Isaiah 44:13 mocks the carpenter crafting an idol from wood, exposing the foolishness of making images forbidden by the second commandment.

Acts 7:43 Citation

Acts 7:43 quotes Amos to rebuke Israel for worshiping images, referencing the second commandment's prohibition of idols.

Revelation 9:20 shows unrepentant idolatry by worshiping gold, silver, and stone idols, persisting against the second commandment.

Jeremiah 10:9 describes the costly materials and craftsmanship behind idols, echoing the command not to make them.

Deuteronomy 16:22 Related theme

Deuteronomy 16:22 forbids setting up a pillar, a related prohibition against worship objects.

Psalm 78:58 Related theme

Psalm 78:58 recounts Israel provoking God with idols, illustrating the historical failure to keep the second commandment.