Exodus 20:3 kjv

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:3 nkjv

"You shall have no other gods before Me.

Exodus 20:3 niv

"You shall have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:3 esv

"You shall have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:3 nlt

"You must not have any other god but me.

Exodus 20 verses

Exodus 20 3 Meaning

Exodus 20:3 lays the foundational command of the Decalogue, explicitly prohibiting the worship of any deity other than YHWH, the God who delivered Israel. It demands absolute and exclusive allegiance to Him, establishing a unique monotheistic covenant with His people. This verse underpins all subsequent commandments regarding humanity's relationship with God, forbidding both physical idols and anything that would usurp God's rightful place in one's heart or life.

Exodus 20 3 Context

Exodus chapter 20 presents the Ten Commandments, given by God directly to the newly liberated Israelites at Mount Sinai. These commandments establish the core ethical and religious framework for their covenant relationship with YHWH. Exodus 20:3, specifically, is the very first command, underscoring its foundational importance. It sets the stage by addressing Israel's ultimate allegiance, distinct from the polytheistic cultures of the Ancient Near East, including Egypt, from which they had just been delivered. This verse serves as a direct polemic against the numerous gods worshipped in surrounding nations and challenges any syncretism, proclaiming YHWH's unique identity as the sole deserving object of worship for His people. It is the bedrock upon which all other expressions of faith and obedience depend.

Exodus 20 3 Word analysis

• לֹא (lo): A strong, absolute negative, meaning "no" or "not." It indicates an uncompromising and enduring prohibition, making this command an immutable law, not merely a suggestion.
• יִהְיֶה (yihyeh): The Qal imperfect form of the verb "to be," meaning "shall be" or "exist." It's a jussive, expressing a command, indicating a future and ongoing state of prohibition. It signifies that no other god should exist for them in their devotion, at any time.
• לְךָ (lekha): A singular second-person pronominal suffix attached to the preposition "to" or "for." It means "to you" or "for you." This makes the commandment intensely personal and individual, yet it also applies corporately to Israel as a nation. It highlights a direct and personal relationship between God and His people, requiring exclusive fidelity.
• אֱלֹהִים (elohim): The plural form of "El" or "Eloah," which generally means "gods" or "divine beings." In this context, given the following word, it refers specifically to "other gods" or "false deities" worshipped by pagan nations, which are to have no claim on Israel. It differentiates them from YHWH, the one true God.
• אֲחֵרִים (acherim): Meaning "other," "different," or "another." It explicitly qualifies "elohim," clearly identifying the forbidden entities as distinct from YHWH Himself. This specifies that the prohibition is against any deity apart from or in addition to YHWH.
• עַל־פָּנָי (al-panay): A critical phrase translated as "before me," "in my face," or "in my presence."
  • עַל (al): Means "upon," "over," or "against."
  • פָּנָי (panay): From "paneh," meaning "face" or "presence." The suffix "-ay" makes it "My face" or "My presence."
  • The combined phrase implies not merely "in my sight" (as in spatial proximity) but denotes an affront, an insult, or a direct opposition to God's authority and unique status. It can mean "in defiance of Me," "to My disadvantage," or "in My very presence while I am laying claim." It goes beyond merely having other gods and implies elevating them in front of or instead of YHWH, challenging His supreme position. This indicates that any devotion given to another entity in God's sphere of influence or where God has laid claim is intolerable.

Exodus 20 3 Bonus section

The concept of God's "jealousy" is directly tied to this commandment (Ex 34:14, Deut 4:24). This jealousy is not a human emotion of envy, but rather a fierce, righteous possessiveness over what rightfully belongs to Him – the exclusive worship and devotion of His people. It is a protective love that will not tolerate infidelity. This command forms the initial principle of the "first table" of the Law, which deals with humanity's relationship with God, distinguishing it from the "second table" concerning relationships between people. It fundamentally declares God's sovereignty, uniqueness, and holiness, establishing a unique theological monotheism that was radical for its time. This commandment foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, leaving no room for rival allegiances (Mk 12:30).

Exodus 20 3 Commentary

Exodus 20:3, the first of the Ten Commandments, establishes the absolute exclusivity of YHWH as the God of Israel. It is not a suggestion but a categorical imperative: there is to be no devotion, no ultimate allegiance, no place given to any entity besides the one true God who delivered them. This command serves as the very cornerstone of the covenant, setting Israel apart from all other nations of antiquity which were deeply immersed in polytheistic practices. It challenges not only overt worship of other gods, through idols or rituals, but implicitly forbids anything that occupies the ultimate place in a person's life that rightly belongs to God—whether that be wealth, power, pleasure, self, or human philosophies. It's a demand for single-minded devotion, reminding God's people that their very identity and existence are intertwined with their exclusive relationship with Him. Breaking this command is seen as a profound betrayal, striking at the heart of the covenant.

• Example: A businessman whose drive for profit consumes all his thoughts and time, causing him to neglect God and family, is effectively allowing "money" to be a god before the Lord.
• Example: When people prioritize social media validation or worldly acceptance over obedience to God's truth, they create an "idol" of external approval.
• Example: Placing ultimate trust in political ideologies or human leaders to save or fulfill instead of in God can be a form of putting "other gods" before Him.