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Leviticus 26:1 - Idols or Hashem alone?

Leviticus 26:1 - ויקרא 26:1

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תַעֲשׂוּ לָכֶם אֱלִילִם וּפֶסֶל וּמַצֵּבָה לֹא־תָקִימוּ לָכֶם וְאֶבֶן מַשְׂכִּית לֹא תִתְּנוּ בְּאַרְצְכֶם לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺת עָלֶיהָ כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

You shall make no idols, nor shall you erect a carved idol, or a pillar, nor shall you install a figured stone in your land, to bow down upon it: for I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Lo-ta'asu lakhem elilim u-fesel u-matzeva lo-takimu lakhem ve-even maskit lo titnu be-artzekhem lehishtachavot aleiha ki ani Adonai Eloheikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תַעֲשׂ֨וּ לָכֶ֜ם אֱלִילִ֗ם וּפֶ֤סֶל וּמַצֵּבָה֙ לֹֽא־תָקִ֣ימוּ לָכֶ֔ם וְאֶ֣בֶן מַשְׂכִּ֗ית לֹ֤א תִתְּנוּ֙ בְּאַרְצְכֶ֔ם לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת עָלֶ֑יהָ כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
לֹֽא־תַעֲשׂ֨וּ לָכֶ֜ם אֱלִילִ֗ם וּפֶ֤סֶל וּמַצֵּבָה֙ לֹֽא־תָקִ֣ימוּ לָכֶ֔ם וְאֶ֣בֶן מַשְׂכִּ֗ית לֹ֤א תִתְּנוּ֙ בְּאַרְצְכֶ֔ם לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת עָלֶ֑יהָ כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Idolatry

The verse (Vayikra 26:1) contains a clear prohibition against creating or worshipping idols, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Hashem. Rashi explains that this commandment serves as a foundation for the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, reinforcing the first two of the Ten Commandments. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 3:1) elaborates that even setting up objects that appear to be worshipped—such as a pillar (מַצֵּבָה) or figured stone (אֶבֶן מַשְׂכִּית)—is forbidden, as it may lead to idolatrous practices.

Types of Forbidden Objects

  • אֱלִילִם (Idols): Physical representations of false deities, which are entirely prohibited (Rambam, Hilchos Avodah Zarah 3:10).
  • פֶּסֶל (Carved Image): Any sculpted or engraved figure intended for worship (Rashi, Shemos 20:4).
  • מַצֵּבָה (Pillar): A standing stone, often associated with pagan worship (Talmud Avodah Zarah 53b).
  • אֶבֶן מַשְׂכִּית (Figured Stone): A stone with markings that could be venerated, even if not explicitly worshipped (Sifra, Bechukosai 1:1).

Reasoning Behind the Prohibition

The Sifra (Bechukosai 1:1) teaches that the phrase "כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("for I am the Lord your God") underscores that Hashem alone is the true authority and source of all existence. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:36) explains that idolatry distorts human understanding of the Divine, leading people to attribute power to false entities rather than recognizing Hashem’s absolute sovereignty.

Practical Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 141:1) rules that even objects not explicitly worshipped but resembling idolatrous items must be avoided. The Mishnah Berurah (Biur Halachah 141) adds that one must distance oneself from any practice that could be misconstrued as idol worship, as the Torah demands complete separation from avodah zarah in all forms.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 43b
The verse is discussed in the context of prohibitions against idolatry and the making of images, emphasizing the severity of creating or using objects of worship other than God.
📖 Megillah 25b
Referenced in a discussion about the types of images and objects that are prohibited, linking back to the biblical commandments against idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:1 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:1 prohibits creating or worshipping idols, carved images, pillars, or figured stones. This commandment emphasizes that Jews must worship only Hashem (God) and avoid any form of idolatry. Rashi explains that this verse warns against making any representation that could lead to idol worship, even if not intended for that purpose.
Q: Why is the prohibition against idols so important in Judaism?
A: Idolatry is considered one of the gravest sins in Judaism because it denies the oneness of Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that rejecting idolatry is fundamental to Jewish belief, as it affirms that God alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the world. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 74a) states that avoiding idol worship is so crucial that one must give up their life rather than commit this sin.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 26:1 today?
A: This verse teaches us to focus our devotion solely on Hashem and avoid anything that distracts from pure monotheism. The Midrash (Sifra) explains that even subtle forms of idolatry, like excessive attachment to material possessions, can be spiritually harmful. Today, this reminds Jews to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
Q: Does this verse only forbid physical idols, or does it include other forms of idolatry?
A: While the verse explicitly forbids physical idols, Jewish tradition extends this prohibition to any form of idolatrous worship or misplaced devotion. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah) discusses how even intangible ideologies or obsessions (like money or power) can become modern-day 'idols' if they take the place of serving Hashem with a complete heart.
Q: How does this commandment apply to art or sculptures in Judaism?
A: Jewish law permits artistic representations (like paintings or sculptures) as long as they are not worshipped or used in idolatrous ways. However, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 141) rules that making full human statues is generally prohibited to avoid even the appearance of idolatry, based on this verse's warning against creating 'pesel' (carved images).