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== Fausset's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_35883" /> == | == Fausset's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_35883" /> == | ||
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== Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words <ref name="term_76382" /> == | == Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words <ref name="term_76382" /> == | ||
<p> <em> Terâphı̂ym </em> (תְּרָפִים, Strong'S #8655), “idol; household idol; cultic mask; divine symbol.” This word is a loanword from Hittite-Hurrian ( <em> tarpish </em> ) which in West Semitic assumes the basic form <em> tarpi </em> . Its basic meaning is “spirit” or “demon.” Biblical Hebrew attests this word 15 times. </p> <p> <em> Terâphı̂ym </em> first appears in Gen. 31:19: “And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the [household gods] that were her father’s.” Hurrian law of this period recognized “household idols” as deeds to the family’s succession and goods. This makes these <em> terâphı̂ym </em> (possibly a plural of majesty as is <em> ’elohim </em> | <p> <em> Terâphı̂ym </em> ( '''''תְּרָפִים''''' , Strong'S #8655), “idol; household idol; cultic mask; divine symbol.” This word is a loanword from Hittite-Hurrian ( <em> tarpish </em> ) which in West Semitic assumes the basic form <em> tarpi </em> . Its basic meaning is “spirit” or “demon.” Biblical Hebrew attests this word 15 times. </p> <p> <em> Terâphı̂ym </em> first appears in Gen. 31:19: “And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the [household gods] that were her father’s.” Hurrian law of this period recognized “household idols” as deeds to the family’s succession and goods. This makes these <em> terâphı̂ym </em> (possibly a plural of majesty as is <em> ’elohim </em> —when used of false gods; cf. 1 Kings 11:5, 33) extremely important to Laban in every way. </p> <p> In 1 Sam. 19:13 we read that “Michal took the <em> terâphı̂ym </em> [here a plural of “majesty”] and laid it on the bed, and put a quilt of goat’s hair at its head, and covered it with blankets” (author’s translation). In view of 1 Sam. 19:11, where it is said that they were in David’s private quarters, supposing that this <em> terâphı̂ym </em> was a “household idol” is difficult, although not impossible. Some scholars suggest that this was a “cultic” mask used in worshiping God. </p> <p> [[Either]] of the former suggestions is the possible meaning of the word in the Micah incident recorded in Judg. 17-18. [[Notice]] in Judg. 17:5: “… Micah had a house of gods, and made an ephod, and <em> terâphı̂ym </em> and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.” In Judg. 18:14 <em> terâphı̂ym </em> appears to be distinguished from idols: “… there is in these houses an ephod, and <em> terâphı̂ym </em> , and a graven image, and a molten image?” The verses that follow suggest that the graven image and the molten image may have been the same thing: Judg. 18:17 uses all four words in describing what the [[Danites]] stole; Judg. 18:20 omits “molten image” from the list; and Judg. 18:31 reports that only the graven image was set up for worship. We know that the ephod was a special priestly garment. [[Could]] it be that <em> terâphı̂ym </em> was a “cultic mask” or some other symbol of the divine presence? </p> <p> Thus <em> terâphı̂ym </em> may signify an “idol,” a “cultic mask,” or perhaps a “symbol of the divine presence.” In any case the item is associated with pagan worship and perhaps with worship of God. </p> <p> <em> 'Ĕlı̂yl </em> ( '''''אֱלִיל''''' , Strong'S #457), “idol; gods; nought; vain.” The 20 occurrences of this noun are primarily in Israel’s legal code and the prophetic writings (especially Isaiah). Cognates of this word appear in Akkadian, Syriac, and Arabic. </p> <p> This disdainful word signifies an “idol” or “false god.” <em> 'Ĕlı̂yl </em> first appears in Lev. 19:4: “Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods.…” In Lev. 26:1 the <em> ’elilim </em> —are what Israel is forbidden to make: “Ye shall make you no idols.…” The irony of this is biting not only with respect to the usual meaning of this word but also in view of its similarity to the usual word for God ( <em> ‘elohim </em> ; cf. Ps. 96:5): “For all the gods [ <em> ‘elohim </em> ] of the people are idols [ <em> ‘elohim </em> ] …” (1 Chron. 16:26). Second, this word can mean “nought” or “vain.” 1 Chron. 16:26 might well be rendered: “For all the gods of the people are nought.” This nuance appears clearly in Job 13:4: “But ye are forgers of lies; ye are all physicians of no value [physicians of vanity].” Jeremiah told Israel that their prophets were “prophesy [ing] unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought …”. <em> Gillûl </em> ( '''''גִּלֻּל''''' , Strong'S #1544), “idols.” Of the 48 occurrences of this word, all but 9 appear in Ezekiel. This word for “idols” is a disdainful word and may originally have meant “dung pellets”: “And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you” (Lev. 26:30). </p> <p> This word and others for “idol” exhibit the horror and scorn that biblical writers felt toward them. In passages such as Isa. 66:3 the word for “idol,” <em> ‘awen </em> , means “uncanny or wickedness.” Jer. 50:38 evidences the word <em> ‘emim </em> , which means “fright or horror.” The word <em> ‘elil </em> appears for “idol” in Lev. 19:4; it means “nothingness or feeble.” 1 Kings 15:13 uses the Hebrew word, <em> mipletset </em> , meaning a “horrible thing, a cause of trembling.” A root signifying to make an image or to shape something, <em> ‘tsb </em> (a homonym of the root meaning “sorrow and grief”) is used in several passages (cf. 1 Sam. 31:9). </p> | ||
== Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_41099" /> == | == Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_41099" /> == | ||
<p> The ancient Hebrews lived in a world filled with idols. Egyptians represented their deities in various human-animal forms. Similarly, the various Mesopotamian cultures used idol representations of their deities, as did the [[Hittites]] in ancient Asia Minor. More of a threat to Hebrew worship were the [[Canaanite]] Baal and Asherah fertility images, some of which are commonly found in excavations. Use of idols in worship continued to be commonplace in Greek and Roman religion. </p> <p> One of the prominent distinguishing features of biblical religion is its ideal of imageless worship. [[Clearly]] expressed in the decalogue is the command: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them” ( Exodus 20:4-5 ). This is usually interpreted to be a negative statement concerning idols but with positive implications toward the spiritual worship desired by God. </p> <p> [[Idols]] were a problem of long standing. The first rebellion of the Hebrews centered around the golden calf made under Aaron's leadership in the wilderness ( Exodus 32:1 ). The bronze serpent illustrates the Hebrews' propensity for idol worship. Moses set it up in the wilderness to allay a plague of serpents ( Numbers 21:1 ), but Israel retained it and made it an object of worship ( 2 Kings 18:4 ). Joshua called on the people to put away the gods their fathers had served in [[Mesopotamia]] and in Egypt ( Joshua 24:14 ). Perhaps a misguided King Jeroboam intended to represent [[Yahweh]] by the gold calves set up in his temples at [[Bethel]] and Dan when he led the northern tribes to secede from the kingdom inherited by [[Rehoboam]] ( 1 Kings 12:28-33 ). </p> <p> Biblical writers often denounced idolatry. None is more graphic and devastating than that in Isaiah 44:9-20 . The idol is made by a workman but is powerless to sustain the workman to complete his task. Further, the idol begins as a leftover piece of a tree from which a person makes a god. He then worships no more than a block of wood. </p> <p> Many scholars believe that the threat of idolatry was much less in the [[Jewish]] community after the Babylonian [[Exile]] and that it continued to be diminished though still present throughout New Testament times. The most noted problem in the New Testament concerns the propriety of eating meat which has previously been offered to an idol ( 1 Corinthians 8-10 ). Paul seemingly broadened the scope of idolatry for Christianity when he identified covetousness with idolatry ( Colossians 3:5 ). See [[Food [[Offered]] To Idols]]; [[Pagan Gods]] . </p> <p> [[Bruce]] | <p> The ancient Hebrews lived in a world filled with idols. Egyptians represented their deities in various human-animal forms. Similarly, the various Mesopotamian cultures used idol representations of their deities, as did the [[Hittites]] in ancient Asia Minor. More of a threat to Hebrew worship were the [[Canaanite]] Baal and Asherah fertility images, some of which are commonly found in excavations. Use of idols in worship continued to be commonplace in Greek and Roman religion. </p> <p> One of the prominent distinguishing features of biblical religion is its ideal of imageless worship. [[Clearly]] expressed in the decalogue is the command: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them” ( Exodus 20:4-5 ). This is usually interpreted to be a negative statement concerning idols but with positive implications toward the spiritual worship desired by God. </p> <p> [[Idols]] were a problem of long standing. The first rebellion of the Hebrews centered around the golden calf made under Aaron's leadership in the wilderness ( Exodus 32:1 ). The bronze serpent illustrates the Hebrews' propensity for idol worship. Moses set it up in the wilderness to allay a plague of serpents ( Numbers 21:1 ), but Israel retained it and made it an object of worship ( 2 Kings 18:4 ). Joshua called on the people to put away the gods their fathers had served in [[Mesopotamia]] and in Egypt ( Joshua 24:14 ). Perhaps a misguided King Jeroboam intended to represent [[Yahweh]] by the gold calves set up in his temples at [[Bethel]] and Dan when he led the northern tribes to secede from the kingdom inherited by [[Rehoboam]] ( 1 Kings 12:28-33 ). </p> <p> Biblical writers often denounced idolatry. None is more graphic and devastating than that in Isaiah 44:9-20 . The idol is made by a workman but is powerless to sustain the workman to complete his task. Further, the idol begins as a leftover piece of a tree from which a person makes a god. He then worships no more than a block of wood. </p> <p> Many scholars believe that the threat of idolatry was much less in the [[Jewish]] community after the Babylonian [[Exile]] and that it continued to be diminished though still present throughout New Testament times. The most noted problem in the New Testament concerns the propriety of eating meat which has previously been offered to an idol ( 1 Corinthians 8-10 ). Paul seemingly broadened the scope of idolatry for Christianity when he identified covetousness with idolatry ( Colossians 3:5 ). See [[Food [[Offered]] To Idols]]; [[Pagan Gods]] . </p> <p> [[Bruce]] C. Cresson </p> | ||
== Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words <ref name="term_78068" /> == | == Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words <ref name="term_78068" /> == | ||
<div> '''1: | <div> '''1: '''''Εἴδωλον''''' ''' (Strong'S #1497 — noun, masculine — eidolon — i'-do-lon ) </div> <p> primarily "a phantom or likeness" (from eidos, "an appearance," lit., "that which is seen"), or "an idea, fancy," denotes in the NT (a) "an idol," an image to represent a false god, Acts 7:41; 1—Corinthians 12:2; Revelation 9:20; (b) "the false god" worshipped in an image, Acts 15:20; Romans 2:22; 1—Corinthians 8:4,7; 10:19; 2—Corinthians 6:16; 1—Thessalonians 1:9; 1—John 5:21 . </p> Jeremiah 14:22 18:15 Leviticus 19:4 Ephesians 4:17 Acts 14:15 1—Corinthians 8:4 10:19 Jeremiah 10:5 Isaiah 44:9-20 Habakkuk 2:18,19 Psalm 115:4-8 Acts 14:15-18 17:16,21-31 | ||
== Smith's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_73034" /> == | == Smith's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_73034" /> == | ||
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== Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_32019" /> == | == Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_32019" /> == | ||
<li> Teraphim, pl., "images," family gods (penates) worshipped by Abram's kindred ( Joshua 24:14 ). Put by [[Michal]] in David's bed ( Judges 17:5; 18:14,17,18,20; 1 Samuel 19:13 ). <p> "Nothing can be more instructive and significant than this multiplicity and variety of words designating the instruments and inventions of idolatry." </p> <div> <p> '''Copyright Statement''' These dictionary topics are from | <li> Teraphim, pl., "images," family gods (penates) worshipped by Abram's kindred ( Joshua 24:14 ). Put by [[Michal]] in David's bed ( Judges 17:5; 18:14,17,18,20; 1 Samuel 19:13 ). <p> "Nothing can be more instructive and significant than this multiplicity and variety of words designating the instruments and inventions of idolatry." </p> <div> <p> '''Copyright Statement''' These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton [[M.A., DD]] Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> '''Bibliography Information''' Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Idol'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/i/idol.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li> | ||
== King James Dictionary <ref name="term_60891" /> == | == King James Dictionary <ref name="term_60891" /> == | ||
<p> | <p> I'DOL, n. L. idolum Gr. form or to see. </p> 1. An image, form or representation, usually of a man or other animal, consecrated as an object of worship a pagan deity. Idols are usually statues or images, carved out of wood or stone, or formed of metals, particularly silver or gold. <p> The gods of the nations are idols. Psalms 96 </p> 2. An image. <p> Nor ever idol seemed so much alive. </p> 3. A person loved and honored to adoration. The prince was the idol of the people. 4. Any thing on which we set our affections that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment. <p> Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5 </p> <p> An idol is any thing which usurps the place of God in the hearts of his rational creatures. </p> 5. A representation. Not in use. | ||
== Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types <ref name="term_197946" /> == | == Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types <ref name="term_197946" /> == | ||
<p> Jeremiah 22:28 (a) This type refers to a man who had been extolled by the people and then had been cast down. The hopes of the people were wrecked with his downfall. </p> <p> Zechariah 11:17 (a) This is a reference to a religious leader who, after winning the hearts of his people, deserts them and leaves them empty, hungry and helpless. </p> <p> 1 John 5:21 (b) An idol in the Christian's life is anything or any person that takes the heart and love away from the Lord or that comes between the child of | <p> Jeremiah 22:28 (a) This type refers to a man who had been extolled by the people and then had been cast down. The hopes of the people were wrecked with his downfall. </p> <p> Zechariah 11:17 (a) This is a reference to a religious leader who, after winning the hearts of his people, deserts them and leaves them empty, hungry and helpless. </p> <p> 1 John 5:21 (b) An idol in the Christian's life is anything or any person that takes the heart and love away from the Lord or that comes between the child of GOD and GOD. It may be money, fame, pleasure, companionship, or even a religious activity. </p> | ||
== Webster's Dictionary <ref name="term_129056" /> == | == Webster's Dictionary <ref name="term_129056" /> == | ||
<p> '''(1):''' ''' (''' n.) That on which the affections are strongly (often excessively) set; an object of passionate devotion; a person or thing greatly loved or adored. </p> <p> '''(2):''' ''' (''' n.) | <p> '''(1):''' ''' (''' n.) That on which the affections are strongly (often excessively) set; an object of passionate devotion; a person or thing greatly loved or adored. </p> <p> '''(2):''' ''' (''' n.) A false notion or conception; a fallacy. </p> <p> '''(3):''' ''' (''' n.) An image of a divinity; a representation or symbol of a deity or any other being or thing, made or used as an object of worship; a similitude of a false god. </p> <p> '''(4):''' ''' (''' n.) An image or representation of anything. </p> | ||
== Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary <ref name="term_47905" /> == | == Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary <ref name="term_47905" /> == | ||
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== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_44971" /> == | == Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_44971" /> == | ||
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==References == | ==References == | ||
