from εἴδωλον and λατρεία; image-worship (literally or figuratively):--idolatry.
Transliteration:eidōlolatreía
Pronunciation:i-do-lol-at-ri'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εἰδωλολατρεία (`{{G1495}}`, *eidōlolatreía*) is a compound word formed from εἴδωλον (`{{G1497}}`, *eidōlon*), meaning "image" or "idol," and λατρεία (`{{G2999}}`, *latreia*), meaning "service" or "worship." Literally, it translates to "idol-worship" or "service rendered to an idol."
The core meaning points to the act of rendering religious homage, service, or devotion to an image or a false god. Its semantic range, however, extends beyond the mere physical act of bowing before a statue. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, eidōlolatreía encompasses any ultimate devotion, trust, or allegiance given to created things rather than to the Creator. This broader sense includes not only overt pagan practices but also subtle forms of misplaced affection or ultimate loyalty that effectively enthrone something other than the one true God in the human heart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἰδωλολατρεία appears a handful of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and the book of Revelation, always carrying a strong negative connotation:
* **1 Corinthians 10:14**: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." In this passage, Paul warns the Corinthian believers against participating in pagan sacrificial meals, drawing parallels with Israel's historical idolatry (e.g., [[Exodus 32]]). The context emphasizes the incompatibility of fellowship with Christ and participation in the worship of demons, highlighting the spiritual danger inherent in eidōlolatreía.
* **Galatians 5:20**: Here, eidōlolatreía is listed among the "works of the flesh," a stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit." This inclusion underscores its fundamental opposition to a life lived in accordance with God's Spirit and His will. It is a manifestation of the fallen human nature.
* **Colossians 3:5**: "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." This is a profoundly significant verse as Paul explicitly equates "covetousness" (πλεονεξία, `{{G4124}}`) with eidōlolatreía. This expands the definition of idolatry beyond literal image worship to include any inordinate desire or ultimate trust placed in material possessions, wealth, or worldly gain. Whatever consumes one's ultimate devotion and energy, replacing God as the supreme object of affection, becomes an idol.
* **1 Peter 4:3**: "For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do—living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry." Peter urges believers to live differently from their former pagan ways. "Lawless idolatry" likely refers to idolatry that is characterized by rebellion against God's law, or idolatry itself being a lawless act.
* **Revelation 9:20**: "The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk." In this apocalyptic context, eidōlolatreía refers to the literal worship of physical idols, explicitly linked to the worship of demons. It highlights the unrepentant nature of humanity in the face of divine judgment, clinging to false gods.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of εἰδωλολατρεία is enriched by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **εἴδωλον (`{{G1497}}`):** The "idol" or "image" itself, which is the object of worship.
* **λατρεία (`{{G2999}}`):** The "service" or "worship" rendered.
* **εἰδωλολάτρης (`{{G1496}}`):** The "idolater," the one who practices eidōlolatreía.
* **σεβάζομαι (`{{G4576}}`):** A more general term for "to worship" or "to revere."
* **προσκυνέω (`{{G4352}}`):** "To bow down" or "to prostrate oneself in worship," used for both true worship of God and false worship.
The concept of idolatry is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is consistently condemned as a grave sin against Yahweh. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibits the worship of other gods and the making of graven images (e.g., [[Exodus 20:3-5]], [[Deuteronomy 5:7-9]]). Hebrew terms like עֲבֹדָה (*avodah*, "service" or "worship") and פֶּסֶל (*pesel*, "carved image") capture the essence of this prohibition. The prophets frequently denounced Israel's idolatry as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of their covenant with God. This rich Old Testament background informs the New Testament understanding of eidōlolatreía.
Furthermore, the explicit link between eidōlolatreía and πλεονεξία (covetousness, `{{G4124}}`) in [[Colossians 3:5]] is crucial. It broadens the scope of idolatry from external acts to internal dispositions, revealing that anything that takes God's rightful place in one's affections or priorities can become an idol.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of eidōlolatreía is profound and multifaceted:
* **Violation of God's Sovereignty:** At its core, eidōlolatreía is a direct affront to the unique sovereignty and glory of God. It denies Him the exclusive worship and allegiance that are His alone, violating the First Commandment.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** Echoing Old Testament prophetic language (e.g., Hosea, Ezekiel), idolatry is often portrayed as spiritual unfaithfulness, a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a turning away from the true Bridegroom to pursue false lovers.
* **Demonic Connection:** The New Testament explicitly links eidōlolatreía with the worship of demons (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 10:20]], [[Revelation 9:20]]). This reveals that behind the seemingly inert images or the allure of worldly desires lie malevolent spiritual forces seeking to divert worship from God.
* **Exclusion from God's Kingdom:** Idolatry is consistently listed among the "works of the flesh" and sins that prevent individuals from inheriting the Kingdom of God (e.g., [[Galatians 5:20]], [[Ephesians 5:5]], [[Revelation 21:8]]). It is a fundamental rebellion against divine order and a barrier to eternal life.
* **Pervasive Spiritual Danger:** The New Testament, particularly Paul's teaching in [[Colossians 3:5]], expands the understanding of idolatry beyond literal pagan practices. It reveals that any ultimate devotion to created things—be it wealth, pleasure, power, status, or even self—constitutes idolatry. This makes eidōlolatreía a pervasive spiritual danger for believers in all ages, not merely an ancient historical phenomenon. It challenges believers to examine their hearts for anything that rivals God for supreme affection.
* **Root of Sin:** In a broader sense, idolatry can be seen as the ultimate root of all sin, as it involves prioritizing something other than God, leading to a distorted view of reality, misplaced trust, and subsequent moral transgression.
### Summary
εἰδωλολατρεία (`{{G1495}}`, *eidōlolatreía*) denotes "idol-worship," a compound term signifying service or devotion rendered to an εἴδωλον (idol). Biblically, it encompasses both the literal worship of physical images, often linked to demonic influence (e.g., [[Revelation 9:20]]), and, crucially, any ultimate allegiance or inordinate desire directed towards created things rather than the Creator (e.g., [[Colossians 3:5]], where covetousness is equated with idolatry). This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament prohibitions against worshiping other gods. Theologically, eidōlolatreía is a grave sin, a direct violation of God's exclusive claim to worship, a form of spiritual adultery, and a practice that excludes one from God's kingdom. Its expanded New Testament meaning highlights its enduring relevance, challenging believers to identify and eradicate any misplaced affections that usurp God's rightful place in their hearts.