Catechism for Young Children · Question 82 of 145
What is the second commandment?
A.The second commandment is, 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. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
What does this answer mean?
The second commandment forbids making carved images to bow down to or serve. God gives his reason: he is a jealous God, who punishes those who hate him and shows mercy to thousands who love him. This is a long answer, and many families learn it over two or three weeks.
What can we ask our children?
- What does the second commandment forbid?
- What does God show to those who love him?
- Can we learn this one a few words at a time?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 82 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 82 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 81 to 90
- Copywork for questions 81 to 90
- All Catechism for Young Children printables
Text: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism, Presbyterian Board of Publication (copyright entered 1840). Public domain (1840).
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.