King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:24 Mean?

Exodus 23:24 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.”

Exodus 23:24 · KJV

Context

22

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. an adversary: or, I will afflict them that afflict thee

23

For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

24

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

25

And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

26

There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

Read Exodus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֤ה2 of 14

“Thou shalt not bow down”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙3 of 14

“to their gods”

H430

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

וְלֹ֣א4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָֽעָבְדֵ֔ם5 of 14

“nor serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וְלֹ֥א6 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה7 of 14

“them nor do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂיהֶ֑ם8 of 14

“after their works”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

כִּ֤י9 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תְּהָ֣רְסֵ֔ם10 of 14

“but thou shalt utterly”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

תְּהָ֣רְסֵ֔ם11 of 14

“but thou shalt utterly”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

תְּשַׁבֵּ֖ר12 of 14

“break down”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

תְּשַׁבֵּ֖ר13 of 14

“break down”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מַצֵּבֹֽתֵיהֶֽם׃14 of 14

“their images”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Exodus 23:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 23:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:5Numbers 33:52Deuteronomy 12:30-31Deuteronomy 7:5Deuteronomy 12:3Leviticus 18:3

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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