### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs), Strong's number `{{G1496}}`, is a compound word derived from εἴδωλον (eidōlon, `{{G1497}}`), meaning "idol" or "image," and the root of λατρεύω (latreúō, `{{G3000}}`), meaning "to serve" or "to worship." Thus, its core meaning is "an idol worshipper" or "one who serves an idol." The term describes an individual who renders worship or ultimate devotion to anything other than the one true God. Its semantic range extends beyond the mere physical act of bowing before an image to include a broader spiritual misdirection of allegiance. As seen in New Testament usage, it can encompass both literal veneration of statues or false deities and figurative devotion to worldly things, desires, or even oneself, which usurp God's rightful place in one's life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἰδωλολάτρης appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and the book of Revelation, consistently carrying a negative connotation and indicating a state of being contrary to divine will.
* **1 Corinthians 5:10-11**: Paul instructs the Corinthian believers not to associate with immoral people, specifically listing "idolaters" among them. He distinguishes between avoiding the world's idolaters (which would necessitate leaving the world) and avoiding those *within* the believing community who claim to be brothers yet persist in such sins. This highlights the seriousness of idolatry as a sin incompatible with Christian fellowship.
* **1 Corinthians 6:9**: Here, εἰδωλολάτρης is included in a list of those who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This underscores the eschatological consequence of engaging in idolatry, placing it alongside other grave sins like sexual immorality, theft, and drunkenness.
* **1 Corinthians 10:7**: Paul warns the Corinthians, "Do not be idolaters, as some of them were," referencing the Israelites' sin with the golden calf in the wilderness ([[Exodus 32]]). This serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that even those who have experienced God's deliverance can fall into idolatry, whether overt or subtle.
* **Galatians 5:20**: Idolatry is listed as one of the "works of the flesh," a stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit." This inclusion demonstrates that idolatry is not merely an external act but a manifestation of a fallen human nature opposed to God's Spirit.
* **Ephesians 5:5**: Similar to 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul states that "no immoral or impure person or covetous person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." The explicit connection of "covetousness" with "idolatry" is crucial here, broadening the definition to include an insatiable desire for worldly possessions or gain as a form of worship directed away from God.
* **Colossians 3:5**: This verse provides the clearest theological expansion of the term: "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Here, πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`, covetousness) is directly equated with εἰδωλολατρία (eidōlolatría, `{{G1495}}`, idolatry), establishing that the worship of anything other than God, even if internal and not involving a physical image, constitutes idolatry.
* **1 Peter 4:3**: Peter describes the past life of Gentiles before their conversion, noting their involvement in "licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry." This contextualizes idolatry as a common practice among unbelievers, from which Christians have been delivered.
* **Revelation 21:8 & 22:15**: In the final chapters of Revelation, εἰδωλολάτρης is listed among those who will face ultimate judgment, being excluded from the New Jerusalem and having their "part in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur." This reiterates the severe and eternal consequences of persisting in idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of εἰδωλολάτρης is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and theological counterparts.
* **εἴδωλον (eidōlon, `{{G1497}}`)**: The "idol" itself, the object of misplaced worship.
* **λατρεύω (latreúō, `{{G3000}}`)**: The act of service or worship, highlighting that idolatry is a misdirection of the service due only to God.
* **εἰδωλολατρία (eidōlolatría, `{{G1495}}`)**: The abstract noun, meaning "idolatry," referring to the practice or system of idol worship.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`)**: "Covetousness" or "greed," explicitly equated with idolatry in the New Testament ([[Ephesians 5:5]]; [[Colossians 3:5]]). This connection expands the understanding of idolatry beyond visible objects to encompass an inordinate desire for worldly things, which effectively replaces God as the ultimate object of one's devotion.
* **Old Testament Context**: The concept of idolatry is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it often involved the worship of pagan deities (e.g., Baal, Asherah) or the creation of images of God (e.g., the golden calf in [[Exodus 32]]). The prophets consistently condemned Israel's idolatry as spiritual adultery and a breach of covenant.
* **True Worship**: The antithesis of idolatry is true worship of the one God, often expressed through terms like προσκυνέω (proskyneō, `{{G4352}}`, to worship/bow down) or θεοσέβεια (theosebeia, `{{G2317}}`, godliness).
### Theological Significance
The consistent condemnation of εἰδωλολάτρης throughout the New Testament reveals its profound theological significance.
1. **Violation of the First Commandment**: Idolatry is a direct affront to God's unique sovereignty and holiness, violating the very first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([[Exodus 20:3]]). It represents a fundamental misdirection of ultimate allegiance and devotion.
2. **Usurpation of God's Glory**: By giving to a created thing (or even a desire) the honor, trust, and service due only to the Creator, the idolater effectively dethrones God in their heart and life. This is a profound act of rebellion against the divine order.
3. **Spiritual Adultery**: Echoing Old Testament prophetic imagery, idolatry is often depicted as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God. It signifies an unfaithfulness to the divine Husband.
4. **Inward Nature of Sin**: The New Testament's expansion of idolatry to include covetousness ([[Ephesians 5:5]]; [[Colossians 3:5]]) highlights that sin is not merely external action but originates in the heart. Any ultimate desire or pursuit that displaces God from the center of one's life constitutes idolatry, whether it be wealth, power, pleasure, or self.
5. **Exclusion from the Kingdom**: The repeated declaration that idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of God ([[1 Corinthians 6:9]]; [[Ephesians 5:5]]; [[Revelation 21:8]]) underscores the gravity of this sin and its incompatibility with the nature of God's reign. It speaks to a fundamental spiritual state that is alienated from God.
6. **Call to Repentance**: While the consequences are severe, the mention of idolaters often serves as a call to repentance and transformation. Believers are called to turn "from idols to serve the living and true God" ([[1 Thessalonians 1:9]]), demonstrating a radical shift in allegiance and lifestyle.
### Summary
The term εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs, `{{G1496}}`) precisely defines an idol worshipper, a person whose ultimate devotion is directed towards something other than the one true God. Its New Testament usage reveals a comprehensive understanding of idolatry, extending beyond the literal worship of physical images to encompass any misplaced allegiance, particularly highlighting covetousness as a form of idolatry. Consistently listed among serious sins, the εἰδωλολάτρης is portrayed as one who will not inherit the kingdom of God, facing divine judgment. This word underscores the biblical imperative for exclusive worship of God and serves as a powerful reminder that true faith demands the heart's undivided devotion, free from any competing allegiances to the created order or self-serving desires.
TRV