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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: - Exodus 20:4 kjv. Does this point to any type of image, like a picture or a sculpture, or is this about any image that you would worship? What does the word "graven" mean in the original text ? RE: 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: - Exodus 20:4 kjv. In looking at the original Hebrew from the King James Version, I do not believe "graven" is taken from the original Hebrew, but rather inserted by the translators. I believe a better translation of this verse can be found in the New American Standard Version, note: " You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth." - Exodus 20:4 nas. Pacal
Definition: to cut, hew, hew into shape. (Qal) to hew, hew out, quarry NAS Word Usage - Total: 6 carved 1, cut 5 "Graven image" (KJV) or better "idol" in the NAS points to something that is carved or cut. This can be either from Wood, metal, stone, or any other basic material that can be carved or cut. I believe the command in Exodus 20:4 to have a dual meaning. During the time the Bible was written, there was much worship of idols by both the heathen nations as well as national Israel. These idols included baal, molten calfs, and Asherim (i.e. Exodus 30:13); Asherim are wooden symbols of female diety. Today, I believe this likewise, as the entire Bible does, speaks to us today. While it is unlikely there are people worshipping golden calfs, baal and Asherism. The Roman Catholic church is know for their worship of statues, images and so forth; concerning this, Calvin wrote: "We must, therefore, pay all the more attention to this warning upon which I have commented; especially since the Popish doctors display their excessive stupidity by saying that it is not a sin to think evil, or to be tempted, as long as one does not consent to do it. A man could be tempted to wrong his neighbour in some way; he may have a grievance or frustration which makes him want to avenge himself upon the person who has offended him. If the occasion were to arise, he would be delighted. This is not sin, they tell us, unless he has consented to the temptation with resolve. They are only wiping their mouths like whores, or showing their snouts like sows, after they have wallowed in the mire and dirt. A man may murmur against God and be angry with him, and doubt whether God will look after him; he may be troubled by many mistrustful thoughts, so that he cannot find refuge in God; but none of these things are sin according to the Papists. I am not saying that the common herd are the only ones to be deceived in these matters, for all of their schools hold to the doctrine and belief that this is not sin. They do say that all is sin before baptism; but after baptism, all becomes virtuous, however much we may doubt God, or however many grievances we have against him. We may be very impatient with him, or agitated about this matter or that — but we cannot be accused if we have not been moved to practise evil outwardly! In short, if we are inclined to all that God condemns and reproves in his law — all that is unlawful — it is nothing. They are well suited to believe such stupid things! After all, they have made idols and grotesque statues to worship, and now their minds have become darkened as they make merry around their gods, scoffing at us, as at a little child holding forth about righteousness and integrity. We must not, therefore, be surprised if such people behave like this. Because they have falsified the glory of God and destroyed it, they must be completely brutish." - John Calvin, Sermon on Galatians 5:19-23, Banner of Truth Trust. Likewise as we look at the true meaning of graven image as something that is carved or cut then worshipped, we must also consider the musical idolotry taking place in almost ALL churches today. Instruments made of metal and wood have been given pre-eminance over the Word of God and teaching that mankind is in need of salvation.
Someone has said that all idolatry is self worship or it is the worship of another human. In the worship of music and musician it has been called "the idolatry of talent." The graven image is that which elevates any man or performer above their brethren.
Note:
What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? - Habakkuk 2:18.
Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. - Habakkuk 2:19.
But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him - Habakkuk 2:20.
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