The Ten Commandments mention a 'graven image.' What is a graven image?

TL;DR:

A graven image is any hand-crafted idol made from wood, stone, metal, silver, or gold. God’s warning against idolatry including making and worshiping graven images communicates the importance of worshiping the one true God alone.

what does the bible say?

A graven image, as described in the Bible, refers to a handmade idol crafted from materials such as wood, stone, metal, silver, or gold. These images became idols and were prevalent in ancient cultures surrounding Israel, but God consistently condemned their creation and worship, affirming the exclusive worship of the one true God. In the New Testament, idolatry is broadened to encompass anything that is prioritized over God. This biblical teaching communicates to us the importance of maintaining a devoted relationship with God and avoiding anything that detracts from His rightful place in our lives.

from the old testament

The words "graven image" are first found in Exodus 20:4 of the King James Version of the Bible: "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." It is a phrase that literally refers to an idol, whether made of wood, stone, metal, silver, gold, or other items.
Graven images or idols were common in ancient culture, particularly in the nations surrounding Israel during its wilderness journey. In Egypt, for example, the Israelites would have been aware of many idols that were worshiped by the Egyptians. In contrast, God commanded His people to worship only the one, true God of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).
In the King James Version of the Bible, graven images are specifically mentioned more than forty times, always condemning the practice of making or worshiping them. Leviticus 26:1 commands, "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." Again, the reason for commands against graven images is because only the Lord is to be worshiped.
Judges 18:14 makes a distinction between a graven image and a molten image. The difference appears to be that a graven image is a carved idol whereas a molten image is an idol molded out of a substance such as silver or gold. In terms of function, however, both were specifically considered idol worship and were forbidden throughout Scripture.

from the new testament

The New Testament clearly prohibits the worship of idols for those who follow Christ (1 Corinthians 10:7; Galatians 5:19–20). First Peter 4:3 also states, "For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry."
In 1 Corinthians 10:14, Paul instructs the Corinthians to flee from idolatry, emphasizing that Christians should not participate in the worship of idols, whether graven images or other forms.
In 1 John 5:21, John concludes his letter by urging believers to guard themselves from idols, indicating that idolatry remained a serious concern even in the early Christian community.
In a prophetic context, during the judgments described in Revelation, people are depicted as persisting in their worship of demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk (Revelation 9:20).
Giving sin priority over God in our lives is called idolatry. In Colossians 3:5 we find, "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Christians are called to flee from these sins that serve as idols in our lives and to pursue godly living (Colossians 3:12–17).

implications for today

Whereas many cultures might not actually bow down to idols (many still do), we must still recognize and address contemporary forms of idolatry that can subtly infiltrate our lives. Idolatry today often manifests not in carved idols but in the undue prioritization of material possessions, career ambitions, social status, and personal desires over our relationship with God. By reflecting on how much time, energy, and devotion we give to these aspects compared to our spiritual practices, we can identify areas where our focus may have shifted away from God. Simplifying our lives, serving others, and engaging in regular spiritual practices can help us realign our priorities, ensuring that God remains at the center of our lives

Abiding in Christ, as described in John 15, helps us maintain a close, intimate relationship with Him, which transforms our perspective on all aspects of life. When we remain in Him, we begin to see God not only as our Creator but also as the ultimate Giver of every good gift (James 1:17). This understanding shifts our focus from worshiping the creation or the gifts themselves to worshiping the One who provides them. By cultivating this abiding relationship through prayer, studying Scripture, and obeying His commands, we develop a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty and generosity. This connection helps us recognize that our true fulfillment and purpose come from our relationship with Him, not from the temporary and fleeting things of this world that so easily become idols. Consequently, abiding in Christ guards our hearts against idolatry, ensuring that our worship and devotion are rightly directed toward God alone.

understand

A graven image is a handmade idol, crafted from materials like wood, stone, metal, silver, or gold.
Graven images were common in ancient cultures, but the Bible condemns their creation and worship, commanding exclusive worship of the one true God.
The New Testament broadens idolatry to include anything we prioritize over God.

reflect

What does God’s forbidding of the making and worship of graven images reveal about Him and our devotion to Him?
In what ways do contemporary forms of idolatry manifest in your life, beyond physical idols?
How do you recognize when things become idols in your life, and what steps do you take to realign your priorities?

engage

Some interpret biblical prohibitions against graven images to include visual representations or religious art due to literal interpretations of the phrase "graven image" as carved idols, historical concerns over idol worship in ancient cultures, symbolic worries about distractions from genuine worship, various theological views on biblical commands, and varying cultural influences within Christian communities shaping beliefs about visual representations in worship. However, visual representations is not the issue—the issues include: the worship of these visual representations, the giving of a false view of God, the representation of God in a lesser way than He actually is.
How does God’s command against graven images impact our understanding of monotheism and exclusive devotion to God?
Discuss how the concept of idolatry has changed from physical idols in ancient times to more subtle forms in modern society. What are some examples of these contemporary idols?