Leviticus 19:4

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Leviticus 19:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am Jehovah your God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am Jehovah your God.
Leviticus 19:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Leviticus 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am Jehovah your God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Turn ye not unto idols, etc.] From the one only true and living God to them that are not gods, as the word used signifies, who are nothing; for, as the apostle says, an idol is nothing in the world, (<460804>1 Corinthians 8:4), is of no worth and value, of no consequence and importance, of no avail and usefulness to its devotees; wherefore to turn from the true God to such as these is the greatest stupidity, as well as wickedness: or “look not” at them f653 for help or assistance, for they are not able to give it: and to look at them so as to view them attentively, and consider their likeness, the Jews say f654 is forbidden; and even in the heart and mind, as Aben Ezra observes, to have…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Idols - The word signifies such as are no Gods, or nothings, as they are called, Co1 8:4, many idols having no being, but in the fancy of their worshippers, and all of them having no virtue or power to do good or evil, Isa 41:23. Leviticus 19:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Exo 20:3-5; Co1 10:14; Jo1 5:21 not unto: Lev 26:1 molten gods: Exo 20:23, Exo 32:4, Exo 34:17; Deu 27:15; Hag 2:18 Leviticus 19:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification