Idol — Meaning in the Bible
An image or object worshipped as a god. The Bible forbids making idols and shows the prophets mocking gods that cannot see or speak.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
The second commandment forbids making images to worship. While Moses was on the mountain, the people made a golden calf. Exodus 20:4–5Exodus 32:1–6
Isaiah mocks the man who burns half a log for cooking and makes a god from the rest. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, whose god did not answer. Isaiah 44:13–201 Kings 18:25–291 John 5:21
Key passages
- Exodus 20:4–6 — No images.
- Exodus 32:1–20 — The golden calf.
- 1 Kings 18:20–39 — Baal does not answer.
- Isaiah 44:9–20 — Idols mocked.
- Daniel 3:1–18 — The golden image.
For children
An idol is a statue that people pray to as if it were God. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow down to the king's golden statue. Daniel 3:16–18