King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:1 Mean?

Leviticus 26:1 in the King James Version says “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. standing: or, pillar image of: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture

Leviticus 26:1 · KJV


Context

1

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. standing: or, pillar image of: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture

2

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

3

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.

This verse falls within the section on Blessings and Curses. Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship.


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

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

תַעֲשׂ֨וּ2 of 20

Ye shall make

H6213

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

לָכֶ֜ם3 of 20
H0
אֱלִילִ֗ם4 of 20

you no idols

H457

good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol

וּפֶ֤סֶל5 of 20

nor graven image

H6459

an idol

וּמַצֵּבָה֙6 of 20

a standing image

H4676

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

לֹֽא7 of 20
H3808

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

תָקִ֣ימוּ8 of 20

neither rear you up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לָכֶ֔ם9 of 20
H0
וְאֶ֣בֶן10 of 20

of stone

H68

a stone

מַשְׂכִּ֗ית11 of 20

any image

H4906

a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination

לֹ֤א12 of 20
H3808

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

תִתְּנוּ֙13 of 20

neither shall ye set up

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּאַרְצְכֶ֔ם14 of 20

in your land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֖ת15 of 20

to bow down

H7812

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

עָלֶ֑יהָ16 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּ֛י17 of 20
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י18 of 20
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 20

unto it for I am the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃20 of 20

your God

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 26:1 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 Leviticus 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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