Deuteronomy 16:22
Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָקִ֥ים
Neither shalt thou set thee up
H6965
תָקִ֥ים
Neither shalt thou set thee up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מַצֵּבָ֑ה
any image
H4676
מַצֵּבָ֑ה
any image
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
4 of 8
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Leviticus 26:1Ye 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.Exodus 20:4Thou 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:Revelation 2:15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.Revelation 2:6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.Jeremiah 44:4Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.Zechariah 8:17And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.Deuteronomy 12:31Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.
Historical Context
Standing stones marked Canaanite cultic sites, often associated with Baal worship. Even legitimate memorial stones (like Jacob's at Bethel) risked becoming objects of veneration rather than pointers to God. God's prohibition prevented Israel from adopting Canaanite worship forms.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'images' (mental pictures of God, cultural representations, sentimental objects) might you be venerating rather than the living God?
- How does God's 'hatred' of idolatry reflect His passionate love (covenant jealousy) rather than arbitrary pickiness?
- What memorial objects or practices (originally honoring God) risk becoming ends in themselves rather than means to worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth—The matstsevah (מַצֵּבָה, 'standing stone, pillar') served as Canaanite memorial or cultic object. Even though Jacob erected memorial stones (Genesis 28:18, 35:14), God now forbids them in worship contexts—what served as testimony to God's appearance becomes idolatrous when venerated itself.
The verb hateth (שָׂנֵא, sane) is rare in reference to God's emotions, emphasizing intensity. God hates idolatry not from insecurity but from covenant love—it destroys the relationship He died to create. Jesus warned: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other (Matthew 6:24). Images divide affection; true worship demands wholehearted devotion. The second commandment's jealousy (Exodus 20:4-5) springs from passionate love, not petty anger.