King James Version
Exodus 20:3 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Exodus 20:3 · KJV
And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. bondage: Heb. servants
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
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:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“before me”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Exodus 20:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 20:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge