Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 20:4. It’s a really important rule set out by God for how we should treat idols and representations – anything that resembles something sacred. Here's the explanation in plain language: Basically, it means you shouldn't create anything that looks like or is connected to anything holy. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…” : This warns against making idols – anything that looks like a god or a deity. Think of carving a statue of a person, or building a temple shaped like something sacred. It's about rejecting any representation of the divine. “…or any thing that [is] in heaven above…” : This refers to things up in the sky – stars, planets, the sun, moon, and even clouds. God wants us to keep our focus on Him, not on anything that’s separate from Him. “…that is [is] in the earth beneath…” : This means anything buried underground – rocks, minerals, or any material that's connected to the ground. “…or that [is] in the water under the earth…” : This is a bit more complex. It’s suggesting we shouldn’t create anything that could be found in the depths of the earth – like wells or caves. The Purpose Behind This Rule: God created the world and everything in it, including us. He wants to keep our hearts and minds focused on Him, not on things that are made by humans and aren't truly divine. This is a fundamental principle about how we should relate to God and the world around us. In short, it’s about respecting God's authority and avoiding anything that could be considered idolatrous – something that might distract from or replace Him. Important Note: This verse is about representations of God, not actual idols. It’s a reminder to keep our hearts and minds centered on the divine being. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss what this verse means in relation to other parts of the Bible?