---
title: "Question 51: What is forbidden in the second commandment? | Westminster Shorter Catechism"
description: "Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 51: What is forbidden in the second commandment? The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word.Scripture proo"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-51-what-is-forbidden-in-the-second-commandment/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=165"
---

# Question 51: What is forbidden in the second commandment? | Westminster Shorter Catechism

The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word.

Scripture proofs: Deut. 4:15-19; Ex. 32:5, 8; Deut. 12:31-32.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=165)

## Related reading

- [What does “Reformed” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-reformed/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-19-law-of-god/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 39: What is the duty which God requireth of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-39-what-is-the-duty-which-god-requireth-of-man/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 91: What is the duty which God requireth of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-91-what-is-the-duty-which-god-requireth-of-man/)
- [Question 50](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-50-what-is-required-in-the-second-commandment/)
- [Question 52](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-52-what-are-the-reasons-annexed-to-the-second-commandment/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-51-what-is-forbidden-in-the-second-commandment/