Exodus 22:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:20 mean?

Exodus 22:20 states that anyone who offers a sacrifice to any god other than the LORD (the God of Israel) must be completely destroyed. This verse sets a strict boundary against worshipping other gods and shows the seriousness of loyalty to the LORD alone.

In this part of Exodus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses after their escape from Egypt. The command is meant for the whole community, warning them not to adopt the religious practices of surrounding nations. The verse emphasizes that worship and sacrifice are to be directed only to the LORD, highlighting the exclusive relationship between God and Israel.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:20

• "sacrificeth" (זָבַח, zāvaḥ): This word means to offer a sacrifice, usually an animal, as part of worship. The focus is on the act of religious offering, not just belief or prayer.
• "god" (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This word can mean gods in general or sometimes powerful beings, but here it refers to any deity other than the LORD.
• "save" (בִּלְתִּי, biltî): This word means "except" or "apart from," making it clear that the only exception to the rule is the LORD.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of the God of Israel, distinguishing Him from all other gods.
• "destroyed" (חָרַם, ḥāram): This word means to devote to destruction, often in the sense of complete removal or being set apart for destruction. It carries a sense of total and irreversible judgment.

Why Exodus 22:20 matters

• Exodus 22:20 clears up any idea that worshipping other gods alongside the LORD was ever permitted for Israel; the command is absolute and allows no exceptions.
• The verse shows how central loyalty to the LORD was meant to be in Israel’s life, tying worship directly to the covenant relationship.
• This command fits into a larger section of Exodus where God is shaping a distinct identity for Israel, setting them apart from the nations around them in both worship and daily life.