What is a graven image exactly? An idol can be anything. You can idolize a car or home or person or place or thing. Is a graven image of any particular size? Can it be a reflection of yourself?

In religion, graven image refers to images of people. If you look at Islamic Art, they use geometric forms in their mosques or images of trees.

The Judaic religion uses images of words to honor or worship. I'm not sure how they explain this.

Catholics, also known as Christians, use statues of saints they've created, but they are not God. They use them to venerate the people they represent.

Yes, you can make an idol of anything. Anything out there can be placed ahead of God and His will for us. Any part of our lives that gains more importance than God is in effect an idol. The idea of graven images is more in keeping with the times in which the Bible was given to man. So that people could readily identify and understand warnings against idolatry, the reference is to symbols, images, statuary and other representations of men, animals,and fictional creatures that were a part of the cults and false religions of the period, whether carved, sculpted or painted. Size was of no real consideration as idols could be worn around the neck as jewelry or venerated in larger than life forms in temples and other places of worship.God's own people were as susceptible as anyone to graven images and idolatry as in Old Testament history we see instances of Israel turning away from God and following false gods. They usually were defeated in battles and often enslaved for their transgressions. One instance of particular note was the rebellion against Moses in the wilderness during the exodus from Egypt with Aaron's creating the golden calf and leading the worship of it.

Thank you for your helpful reply Marguerite. I looked it up in the dictionary and it wasn't very clear. Your reply is. Happy Friday to you m'dear! :)

I looked up "graven" in the dictionary and it wasn't clear to me what was covered. Here's something I wonder about Polk and maybe you can answer it for me. You know many people wear crosses on chains around their necks or a St. Christopher medal for example. Are those graven images or do they simply represent the faith of the wearer?  We venerate the Virgin Mary and there are statues of her. We venerate angels and there are statues of them. Where is the line between representations of faith and worshipping an "idol"?Thank you for another thoughtful and helpful reply! :)

I think it's safe to say that idolatry is a "heart condition". I've worn crosses around my neck and in my home we have a crucifix that belonged to my grandfather displayed on the wall. The important consideration is to keep these symbols in the proper perspective for they are merely symbols and nothing more. We'll maintain the right priorities if we keep God in the driver's seat of our heart.

when I see Graven

i see Grave

i see death

so i would say anything that has a beginning and an end.

Thank you for your reply Baba. In the context of the "thou shalt not" would a cross worn around someone's neck be a graven image?  Do people worship the cross? There are images of Mary and I believe there are folks who worship her as well. Is she a graven  image? It is more than a bit confusing.

Thank you for your reply Polk.

In the Scriptures, Hebrew words referring to idols often stress worthlessness, or they are terms of contempt. Among these are words rendered “carved or graven image” (literally, something carved out); “molten statue, image, or idol” (something cast or poured out); “horrible idol”; “vain idol” (literally, vanity); and “dungy idol.” The Greek word ei′do‧lon is rendered “idol.”

Thank you for informative answer ANP. "Image" implies of a person, right? So wearing a cross is not wearing a "graven image" and is OK? :)