12 Bible Verses About Idols

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about idols

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about idols:

1. 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.”
2. 1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”
3. 1 John 5:21 – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
4. 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.”
5. Deuteronomy 4:16-18 – “Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth.”
6. 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.”

7. 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.”
8. 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.”
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. 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.”
11. Ezekiel 14:3 – “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by 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 idols?

The Bible strongly condemns the worship of idols and the creation of graven images.

It emphasizes that there is only one true God who should be worshipped and that idolatry is considered a sin.

The Bible warns against putting material possessions or earthly desires above God and emphasizes the importance of having faith and trust in Him alone.

It also teaches that idols are powerless and cannot provide salvation or true fulfillment.

Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of worshiping God alone and avoiding the temptation of idolatry.

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

1. Exodus 20 – This chapter contains the Ten Commandments, specifically the commandment against making and worshiping idols. It is relevant to idols because it clearly states that God is a jealous God and does not tolerate the worship of false gods or idols.

2. Deuteronomy 4 – This chapter emphasizes the importance of not making idols or images to worship, as it is considered an abomination to God. It also warns against falling into idolatry and the consequences that come with it.

3. 1 Corinthians 8 – This chapter discusses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols and the potential stumbling block it can create for weaker believers. It addresses the importance of not causing others to stumble in their faith by participating in idolatrous practices.

4. 1 John 5 – This chapter warns against idolatry and emphasizes the need to keep ourselves from idols. It highlights the importance of staying true to God and not allowing anything or anyone to take His place in our lives.

Reading these chapters can provide a comprehensive understanding of the biblical perspective on idols and the dangers of idolatry. It serves as a reminder to prioritize God above all else and to guard against anything that may lead us away from Him.

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

1. Worship: In the Bible, worship is often associated with idols as people would bow down and offer sacrifices to them, instead of worshiping the one true God. This highlights the danger of putting anything or anyone above God in our lives.

2. Idolatry: The Bible explicitly condemns idolatry, which is the worship of idols or other objects of devotion instead of God. This includes not only physical idols, but also anything that we prioritize over our relationship with God, such as money, power, or relationships.

3. False gods: The Bible warns against following false gods, which are often represented by idols. These false gods can lead people astray and away from the true God, causing them to put their trust and faith in something that is ultimately empty and powerless.

4. Jealousy of God: The Bible describes God as a jealous God who desires our full devotion and worship. When we put idols before Him, we are breaking the first commandment and going against God’s desire for us to have a relationship with Him above all else.

Overall, the concepts related to idols in the Bible serve as a warning against putting anything or anyone above God in our lives. They remind us of the importance of worshiping the one true God and avoiding the temptation to follow false gods that can lead us astray.

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.