You shall haveThis phrase is a direct command, indicating the imperative nature of the instruction. It reflects the authoritative voice of God, emphasizing the non-negotiable aspect of the commandment. The use of "shall" denotes a future obligation, suggesting that this command is to be continually observed by the Israelites and, by extension, all who follow the God of Israel.
no other gods
In the ancient Near Eastern context, polytheism was prevalent, with various cultures worshiping multiple deities. This commandment establishes monotheism as the foundation of Israelite religion, setting them apart from surrounding nations. The term "gods" refers to any entity or object that might be worshiped or revered in place of the one true God. This includes idols, celestial bodies, or even human leaders. The commandment underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands, rejecting the syncretism common in the ancient world.
before Me
The phrase "before Me" can be understood as "in My presence" or "in opposition to Me." It implies that God is aware of all actions and thoughts, and nothing can be hidden from Him. This commandment is not just about physical idols but also about the heart's allegiance. It calls for complete devotion and loyalty to God, without any rival. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereignty and His rightful place as the sole object of worship. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of Jesus Christ, who affirmed the greatest commandment as loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, including the commandment in
Exodus 20:3.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were the initial recipients of the Ten Commandments.
4.
God (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and established a covenant with them, emphasizing His exclusive worship.
5.
EgyptThe land of slavery from which the Israelites were delivered, representing a place of idolatry and false gods.
Teaching Points
Exclusive WorshipGod demands exclusive worship, highlighting His unique nature and authority. This commandment calls believers to examine their lives for anything that might take precedence over God.
Idolatry in Modern ContextIdolatry is not limited to physical idols but includes anything that takes priority over God, such as money, power, or relationships.
Covenant RelationshipThis commandment is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing loyalty and faithfulness.
Heart ExaminationBelievers are encouraged to regularly examine their hearts and lives to ensure that God remains their primary focus and devotion.
Cultural InfluenceIn a world with many competing ideologies and beliefs, Christians are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to the one true God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 20:3?
2.How can we prioritize God above all in our daily lives today?
3.What modern "gods" might compete with our devotion to the true God?
4.How does Exodus 20:3 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 22:37?
5.Why is it important to have "no other gods" before the Lord?
6.How can Exodus 20:3 guide our decisions and actions in challenging situations?
7.What does "You shall have no other gods before Me" imply about monotheism in Exodus 20:3?
8.How does Exodus 20:3 challenge the practice of idolatry in ancient cultures?
9.Why is the command in Exodus 20:3 foundational to the Ten Commandments?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 20?
11.Can Christians be patriotic?
12.Is wearing a bindi acceptable for Christians?
13.What is the significance of Candomblé in Brazilian culture?
14.What are the core beliefs of Shintoism?What Does Exodus 20:3 Mean
You shall have- God speaks directly and personally: “you.” The command reaches every individual heart, not just the nation as a whole (cf.Deuteronomy 10:12–13).
- “Shall” signals a binding, non-negotiable requirement. It is not suggestion or advice; it is covenant expectation (seeJohn 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”).
- “Have” points to possession, allegiance, relationship. The Lord is calling for exclusive ownership of our worship—nothing less than wholehearted love (Deuteronomy 6:5).
no other gods• “Other gods” covers:
– Carved idols (Leviticus 26:1).
– Invisible loyalties—money, pleasure, status—anything that competes for first place (Colossians 3:5: “Put to death…greed, which is idolatry.”).
• Scripture insists these rivals are powerless and empty: “For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens” (Psalm 96:5).
• Refusal to chase them safeguards freedom. Paul echoes the command: “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14).
• The prohibition is comprehensive—“no” exceptions, no compartment where another authority can coexist (1 John 5:21).
before Me- “Before” speaks of God’s continual presence; life is lived face-to-face with Him (Psalm 139:7–12).
- The phrase demands priority: nothing may come “in My face,” rivaling or surpassing Him. Jesus applies the same principle: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
- Loyalty is measured not only in public worship but in hidden thoughts and everyday choices; all unfold “before” the Lord who sees the heart (Hebrews 4:13).
- Choosing Him first brings blessing and stability (Jeremiah 17:7–8), while sidelining Him invites ruin (Judges 2:11–15).
summaryExodus 20:3 establishes the cornerstone of covenant life. The Lord personally commands each believer to belong exclusively to Him, tolerating no competing allegiance in any sphere. Because He is ever-present, every motive, decision, and affection must be ordered around His unrivaled worth. Living this command liberates us from empty idols and anchors us in the steadfast love of the one true God.
(3)
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.--Heb.,
There shalt be to thee no other god before me.The result is the same, whether we translate
Elohimby "god" or "gods;" but the singular verb shows that the plural form of the name is a mere plural of dignity.
Before me--literally,before my face--means strictly, "side by side with me"--i.e.,"in addition to me." God does not suppose that the Israelites, after all that He had done for them, would discard Him, and substitute other gods in His place, but fears the syncretism which would unite His worship with that of other deities. All polytheisms were syncretic, and readily enlarged their pantheons, since, when once the principle of unity is departed from, whether the plurality be a little greater or a little less cannot much signify. The Egyptian religion seems to have adopted Ammon at a comparatively late period from Arabia; it took Bar, or Baal, Anta, or Ana‹tis, Astaret, or Astarte, Reshpu, or Reseph, &c., from Syria, and it admitted Totuu from Ethiopia. Israel, in after-times, fell into the same error, and, without intending to apostatise from Jehovah, added on the worship of Baal, Ashtoreth, Moloch, Chemosh, Remphan, &c. It is this form of polytheism against which the first commandment is directed. It asserts thesoleclaim of Jehovah to our religious regards.
Verse 3. -
Thou shalt have. The use of the second person
singular is remarkable when a covenant was being made with the
people (
Exodus 19:5). The form indicated that each individual of the nation was addressed severally, and was required himself to obey the law, a mere general national obedience being insufficient. No one can fail to see how much the commands gain in force, through all time, by being thus addressed to the individual conscience.
No other gods before me. "Before me" literally, "before my face," is a Hebrew idiom, and equivalent to "beside me," "in addition to me." The commandment requires the worship of one God alone, Jehovah - the God who had in so ninny ways manifested himself to the Israelites, and implies that there is, in point of fact, no other God. A belief in the unity of God is said to lie at the root of the esoteric Egyptian religion; but Moses can scarcely have derived his belief from this source, since the Egyptian notions on the subject were tinged with pantheism and materialism, from which the religion of Moses is entirely free. Outwardly the Egyptian religion, like that of the nations of Western Asia generally, was a gross polytheism; and it is against polytheistic notions that the first commandment raises a protest.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Youלְךָ֛֩(lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewshall haveיִהְיֶֽה־(yih·yeh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, benoלֹֽ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nootherאֲחֵרִ֖֜ים(’ă·ḥê·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 312:Hinder, next, othergodsאֱלֹהִ֥֨ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativebeforeעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstMe.פָּנָֽ֗יַ(pā·nā·ya)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The face
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OT Law: Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before (Exo. Ex) 
