second commandment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “second commandment” mean?
The biblical prohibition against making and worshipping idols, as stated in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 5:8-10).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biblical prohibition against making and worshipping idols, as stated in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 5:8-10).
A principle prohibiting idolatry; by extension, a warning against giving excessive devotion or primacy to any person, object, or ideology, thereby displacing one's ultimate loyalty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. UK English may show slightly higher familiarity with the Authorized (King James) Version phrasing.
Connotations
Equally strong religious/moral connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Frequency is tied to religious discourse and is similar. Broader metaphorical use is equally rare in both.
Grammar
How to Use “second commandment” in a Sentence
The [second commandment] + [verb: forbids/prohibits/warns against] + [noun phrase/gerund][Subject] + [verb: broke/violated/kept] + the [second commandment]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically, to criticise excessive corporate devotion to a charismatic leader or brand.
Academic
In theology, religious studies, ethics, or cultural criticism.
Everyday
Rare, except in explicitly religious discussion or metaphorical critique of fanaticism.
Technical
Specific to biblical hermeneutics, comparative religion, and Decalogue scholarship.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second commandment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second commandment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second commandment”
- Incorrect capitalisation in non-specific uses (e.g., 'He broke the Second Commandment').
- Confusing its number with other traditions.
- Using it to refer generally to any religious rule.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the numbering differs. Catholics and Lutherans combine the prohibitions on other gods and idols into the first commandment, making 'taking the Lord's name in vain' the second. Orthodox and most Protestants treat 'no idols' as the second commandment.
Yes, but it's a deliberate metaphor. E.g., 'For this environmentalist, harming nature is like breaking a second commandment.' It always implies a sacred, inviolable rule against false devotion.
The first establishes monotheism and primary loyalty to God. The second specifically forbids the physical representation and worship of God (or other gods) through man-made idols or images.
It's cited in discussions about the role of imagery in worship (iconoclasm) and metaphorically to critique modern 'idols' like money, fame, power, or ideology that command ultimate devotion.
The biblical prohibition against making and worshipping idols, as stated in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 5:8-10).
Second commandment is usually formal, religious in register.
Second commandment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd kəˈmɑːndmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd kəˈmændmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A second commandment for the modern age.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SECOND to none' – the commandment says God is first, so nothing else (no idol) should be second to Him.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDOLATRY IS MISPLACED WORSHIP / ULTIMATE LOYALTY IS A FINITE RESOURCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary concern of the second commandment?