Exodus 20:3
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֱלֹהִ֥֨ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥֨ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 7
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
אֲחֵרִ֖ים
Thou shalt have no other
H312
אֲחֵרִ֖ים
Thou shalt have no other
Strong's:
H312
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:7Thou shalt have none other gods before me.Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Psalms 81:9There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.Isaiah 46:9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,Deuteronomy 6:5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.Jeremiah 25:6And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.Deuteronomy 6:14Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;Jeremiah 35:15I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.1 Corinthians 8:6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Historical Context
In a polytheistic ancient Near East where every nation had patron deities, this radical monotheism set Israel apart. The command doesn't deny other gods' existence but their authority—YHWH alone deserves worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What rival 'gods' compete for ultimate allegiance in your life (money, comfort, approval)?
- How does Jesus' declaration that we cannot serve two masters apply this commandment today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
The first word is singular 'Thou' (לֹא יִהְיֶה־לְךָ, lo yihyeh lekha)—God addresses each Israelite personally. 'No other gods' acknowledges rival claimants exist but denies their legitimacy. 'Before me' (עַל־פָּנָי, al-panai) literally 'before my face' or 'in my presence'—since God is omnipresent, this means 'anywhere, ever.' The command establishes monotheism as covenant foundation. It's not philosophical monotheism ('only one God exists') but covenantal monotheism ('YHWH alone is YOUR God'). The New Testament expands this: our God is money, comfort, approval, self—whatever commands ultimate allegiance. Jesus declares serving two masters impossible (Matthew 6:24). The first commandment is also greatest (Matthew 22:38).