Topical Encyclopedia
Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship or reverence of anything or anyone other than the one true God, Yahweh. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, consistently condemned as a grievous sin. The act of idolatry is not limited to the worship of physical idols but extends to any form of devotion or allegiance that supplants God’s rightful place in the hearts and lives of His people.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament is replete with warnings against idolatry. The first commandment given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai explicitly forbids the worship of other gods: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (
Exodus 20:3). This command underscores the exclusive devotion that God demands from His people. The Israelites were repeatedly cautioned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. In
Deuteronomy 6:14, they are instructed, "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you."
Despite these clear directives, the history of Israel is marked by periods of idolatry, often leading to divine judgment. The worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32) and the persistent idolatry during the reigns of various kings (e.g.,
1 Kings 12:28-30) serve as stark reminders of the consequences of turning away from God. The prophets frequently called the people back to faithfulness, denouncing idolatry as spiritual adultery (
Jeremiah 3:9;
Hosea 4:12).
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, idolatry is broadened to include not only the worship of physical idols but also the elevation of any desire or pursuit above God. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (
1 Corinthians 10:14). He further explains that greed and covetousness are forms of idolatry (
Colossians 3:5), indicating that idolatry can manifest in the heart's affections and priorities.
The early church faced the challenge of idolatry in a pagan world, where the worship of multiple deities was commonplace. The apostles urged believers to remain distinct and separate from such practices. In
Acts 17:16, Paul’s spirit is provoked by the idolatry he observes in Athens, leading him to proclaim the truth of the one true God.
Theological ImplicationsIdolatry is fundamentally a violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It represents a rejection of God’s sovereignty and a failure to acknowledge Him as the source of life and blessing. The biblical narrative consistently portrays idolatry as a path to spiritual ruin and separation from God.
The call to reject idolatry is a call to exclusive worship and devotion to God. It is an invitation to recognize His supreme authority and to align one's life with His will. The biblical injunctions against idolatry serve as a reminder of the holiness and jealousy of God, who will not share His glory with another (
Isaiah 42:8).
Practical ConsiderationsFor contemporary believers, idolatry may not involve the worship of carved images, but it remains a relevant concern. Anything that takes precedence over God—be it wealth, power, relationships, or personal ambitions—can become an idol. The challenge is to continually examine one's heart and life, ensuring that God remains the central focus of worship and devotion.
The biblical call to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (
Matthew 22:37) encapsulates the antidote to idolatry. It is a call to wholehearted devotion, recognizing God as the ultimate source of fulfillment and purpose.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 7:4For they will turn away your son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy you suddenly.
Torrey's Topical TextbookJeremiah 5:19
And it shall come to pass, when you shall say, Why does the LORD our God all these things to us? then shall you answer them, Like as you have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall you serve strangers in a land that is not your's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Mongrel Religion
... to go the whole length of idolatry in his ... How many there are whose religion consists
in a ... the characteristic of a fusion of fearing God and serving other gods. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm
The First Commandment
... Adoration consists in bowing to him, or worshipping him. ... But to mind nothing but
the indulging of the appetite, is idolatry. ... (2) Serving the true God is ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm
Chapter xii
... only or also Abram were involved in the "serving of other ... had been only the incipient
stages of idolatry, which were ... It consists in a rather curt dismissal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xii.htm
CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... not the idols, but only the nations serving them, can ... and this is only a species
of the idolatry of all ... etc., show what that is in which the answer consists. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm
The Treatise
... to the devil; and of such idolatry much is ... If righteousness consists of faith, it
is clear that ... the First Commandment, "having no other gods"; although these ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm
The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... 1. Since the perfection of blessedness consists in the ... the elegant structure of the
world serving us as a ... vice, or rush headlong into open idolatry, there was ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm
John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... is the righteousness, and redemption, that consists in the ... infirmities of the brethren,
and in serving in all ... It is possible to commit idolatry even with God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm
Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... from being defiled and prostituted by serving many false ... The one injured them knowingly,
the other in ignorance. ... boys at school, whose learning consists in the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm
Faustus Asserts that Even if the Old Testament could be Shown to ...
... Again, I say, the Christian Church, which consists more of ... of the kings of the earth,
now serving and bowing ... any among this people fell into idolatry or demon ...
/.../faustus asserts that even if.htm
Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes ... Church of Rome therefore
commits gross idolatry"First, in ... to be in the church serving God with ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm
Resources
Is religious iconography considered idolatry? What is an icon? | GotQuestions.orgDo Catholics worship idols / practice idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between fornication and adultery? | GotQuestions.orgIdolatry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
