What is graven images Bible?
Zoe Patterson
Updated on May 02, 2026
In respect to this, what does the Bible mean by no graven images?
You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. ( Ex 20:2-5; cf. Deut 5:6-9)
One may also ask, is a painting a graven image? No. “Graven images” refers to objects that are worshipped. Art, in Western Civilization, is not considered to be an object of worship, but an expression of beauty, and the expression of ideas.
Also Know, is cross a graven image?
Technically, in Exodus 20:4 where making and worshipping graven images was forbidden, a graven image was an image or statue made specifically for the purpose of worshipping it as a god. So, a cross or crucifix or even a statue of Jesus is not an idol if it is not worshipped.
What is an idolater in the Bible?
Idolatry is the worship of an idol or cult image, being a physical image, such as a statue, or a person in place of God. In Abrahamic religions, namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam, idolatry connotes the worship of something or someone other than God as if it were God.