12 Bible Verses About Idol Worship

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about idol worship

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about idol worship:

1. Exodus 20:3 – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
2. Exodus 20:4-5 – “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.”
3. Leviticus 26:1 – “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.”
4. Deuteronomy 5:8-9 – “Thou shalt not make 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 waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God.”
5. 1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”
6. 1 John 5:21 – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

7. Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
8. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
9. Acts 17:29 – “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.”
10. Jeremiah 25:6 – “And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.”
11. Psalm 115:4-8 – “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.”
12. Colossians 3:5 – “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

What does the bible say about idol worship?

The Bible strongly condemns idol worship, emphasizing that God is the only one worthy of worship and devotion.

It warns against creating or bowing down to idols, as they are seen as false gods and a betrayal of the one true God.

The Bible teaches that idol worship leads to spiritual corruption, separation from God, and ultimately, destruction.

It emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and worshiping Him alone.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about idol worship?

1. Exodus 20 – This chapter contains the Ten Commandments, including the commandment to not worship idols. It explains the importance of worshiping only the one true God and the consequences of idol worship.

2. 1 Kings 12 – This chapter describes how King Jeroboam led the Israelites into idol worship by setting up golden calves for them to worship. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and worshiping idols.

3. Jeremiah 10 – This chapter discusses the folly of idol worship and contrasts it with the power and majesty of the true God. It emphasizes the emptiness of idols and the importance of worshiping the one true God.

4. Acts 17 – This chapter recounts Paul’s sermon to the Athenians, where he challenges them for their idol worship and proclaims the true God who created the heavens and the earth. It highlights the need to turn away from idols and worship the living God.

Studying these chapters can provide a comprehensive understanding of the dangers and consequences of idol worship, as well as the importance of worshiping the one true God. It serves as a reminder to stay faithful to God and avoid the temptation of worshiping false idols.

Ideas and concepts related to idol worship that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Worshiping false gods: The Bible frequently warns against worshiping false gods or idols, emphasizing that there is only one true God. Idol worship involves placing something or someone above God, which goes against the teachings of the Bible.

2. Graven images: The Ten Commandments explicitly forbid the creation of graven images or idols for worship. This concept is closely related to idol worship, as it involves creating physical representations of gods or objects of worship.

3. Idolatry: Idolatry is the act of worshiping idols or false gods, which is considered a sin in the Bible. This concept encompasses all forms of idol worship, whether through physical idols or the worship of material possessions or other people.

4. Spiritual adultery: In the Bible, idol worship is often compared to spiritual adultery, as it involves turning away from God and worshiping something else. This concept highlights the betrayal of God’s love and faithfulness that occurs when one engages in idol worship.

Overall, these concepts in the Bible emphasize the importance of worshiping only the one true God and avoiding the temptation to place anything else above Him. Idol worship is seen as a betrayal of God’s commandments and a rejection of His rightful place as the ultimate authority and object of worship.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.