Exodus 20:23
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
Ye shall not make
H6213
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
Ye shall not make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִתִּ֑י
H854
אִתִּ֑י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י
unto you gods
H430
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י
unto you gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כֶ֙סֶף֙
of silver
H3701
כֶ֙סֶף֙
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
5 of 10
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י
unto you gods
H430
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י
unto you gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
7 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:39As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.2 Kings 17:33They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.Zephaniah 1:5And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Exodus 32:31And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Historical Context
Gold and silver idols were common in the ancient Near East—Baal images, Asherah poles, household gods. Israel's temptation wasn't crude polytheism but syncretism—adding YHWH to pantheons or depicting Him via images.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God specifically prohibit silver and gold idols—how does wealth not legitimize false worship?
- How do Christians make 'gods of silver and gold' through materialism and greed today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
The irony is thick—Israel will violate this within weeks (golden calf, Exodus 32). 'Make with me' (לֹא תַעֲשׂוּן אִתִּי, lo ta'asun itti) means 'alongside me'—no supplementary deities. The prohibition specifies precious metals (silver, gold)—costly idols are still abominations. Wealth doesn't sanctify idolatry; expensive idols are expensive abominations. The command guards the second commandment's spirit—no images of YHWH, no images of other gods. Aaron will claim the calf represents YHWH (Exodus 32:5), but God rejects this—any visual representation distorts Him. The New Testament applies this spiritually: greed is idolatry (Colossians 3:5); we cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).