from εἶδος; an image (i.e. for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such:--idol.
Transliteration:eídōlon
Pronunciation:i'-do-lon
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εἴδωλον (eídōlon), Strong's `{{G1497}}`, fundamentally denotes an "image" or "likeness." Its etymological root lies in εἶδος (eidos, `{{G1491}}`), which signifies "form," "shape," or "appearance." In its biblical usage, however, εἴδωλον swiftly acquires a specialized and pejorative semantic range: an image specifically made for worship, by extension, the heathen deity represented by such an image, or, in the plural, the practice of worshipping such false gods. It never carries a neutral or positive connotation in the New Testament; it is exclusively associated with that which stands in opposition to the one true God. The term encapsulates both the material object and the spiritual reality (or unreality) it purports to represent, often implying a demonic influence behind the false worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἴδωλον appears in the New Testament primarily within contexts that condemn pagan worship and call believers to exclusive devotion to God.
In Acts, Stephen's sermon recounts Israel's historical idolatry, noting their turning "to make an image (εἴδωλον) in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol" [[Acts 7:41]]. This illustrates the concrete nature of the idol as a physical object of worship. Paul, in his address on Mars Hill, observes the Athenians' devotion to "objects of worship" (σεβάσματα), implying their numerous εἴδωλον [[Acts 17:29]].
Paul's epistles provide profound theological commentary on εἴδωλον. In 1 Thessalonians, he commends the believers for having "turned to God from idols (εἴδωλον) to serve the living and true God" [[1 Thessalonians 1:9]]. This verse succinctly captures the essence of conversion: a turning away from the false and dead to the true and living. In 1 Corinthians, Paul famously asserts, "an idol (εἴδωλον) is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one" [[1 Corinthians 8:4]]. While acknowledging the physical object's nullity, he cautions against participation in idolatrous practices due to their potential to defile the conscience of weaker believers or, more gravely, to involve one with demonic powers: "The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons" [[1 Corinthians 10:20]]. This highlights the spiritual danger underlying εἴδωλον worship, even if the idol itself is inert.
The condemnation of εἴδωλον extends to the ethical realm. Paul lists "idolatry" (εἰδωλολατρία, `{{G1495}}`) among the works of the flesh [[Galatians 5:20]], and warns that "no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater (εἰδωλολάτρης, `{{G1496}}`), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" [[Ephesians 5:5]]. Here, covetousness is equated with idolatry, expanding the concept beyond physical images to anything that usurps God's rightful place in the heart.
Revelation frequently mentions εἴδωλον in the context of persistent human rebellion and judgment, describing those who "did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols (εἴδωλον) of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk" [[Revelation 9:20]]. This underscores the futility and spiritual blindness of idol worship in the face of divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of εἴδωλον is enriched by examining its lexical family and conceptual parallels:
* **εἶδος (eidos, `{{G1491}}`):** The root word, meaning "form" or "appearance," which grounds εἴδωλον in the concept of a visible representation.
* **εἰδωλολατρία (eidololatria, `{{G1495}}`):** "Idolatry," the act or practice of worshipping idols. This is the abstract noun derived directly from εἴδωλον.
* **εἰδωλολάτρης (eidololatres, `{{G1496}}`):** "Idolater," one who practices idolatry. This noun identifies the person engaged in such worship.
* **λατρεύω (latreuo, `{{G3000}}`):** To serve or worship, often used in contrast to the worship of idols, highlighting the proper object of devotion.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The Hebrew Scriptures employ numerous terms for idols, reflecting their diverse forms and the pervasive nature of idolatry in ancient Israel's context. These include:
* אֱלִיל (elil, `{{H457}}`): "worthless thing," emphasizing the impotence of idols.
* פֶּסֶל (pesel, `{{H6459}}`): "graven image," referring to carved idols.
* מַסֵּכָה (massekah, `{{H4542}}`): "molten image," referring to cast idols.
* תֶּרֶף (teraphim, `{{H8655}}`): "household gods," often associated with divination.
These terms collectively underscore the continuity of the biblical condemnation of worship directed towards anything other than the one true God. Conceptually, εἴδωλον is intimately linked with notions of false gods, paganism, polytheism, and any practice that violates the First Commandment's mandate for exclusive worship of Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εἴδωλον is profound, serving as a stark antithesis to the nature of the living God.
1. **Contrast with the True God:** εἴδωλον highlights the fundamental difference between the Creator and the created. Idols are "works of men's hands" [[Psalm 115:4]], lifeless, powerless, and dependent on human fabrication, whereas God is the self-existent, living, and true God who creates and sustains all things. The turning "from idols to serve the living and true God" [[1 Thessalonians 1:9]] is thus a foundational act of faith.
2. **Spiritual Folly and Blindness:** Worship of εἴδωλον is portrayed as spiritual folly, a turning away from light to darkness. Those who worship idols become like them—blind, deaf, and mute to divine truth [[Psalm 115:8]].
3. **Demonic Connection:** While idols themselves are "nothing" in terms of inherent divine power [[1 Corinthians 8:4]], Paul clarifies that the sacrifices offered to εἴδωλον are offered to "demons and not to God" [[1 Corinthians 10:20]]. This reveals the spiritual malevolence behind idolatry, where false worship inadvertently serves malevolent spiritual forces.
4. **Expansive Definition of Idolatry:** The New Testament expands the concept of εἴδωλον beyond physical images to encompass any object, desire, or pursuit that usurps God's rightful place in a person's life. Covetousness is explicitly called idolatry [[Colossians 3:5]], indicating that anything valued more than God, or sought as a source of ultimate satisfaction or security apart from Him, functions as an εἴδωλον in the heart.
5. **Call to Exclusive Devotion:** The consistent condemnation of εἴδωλον underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and allegiance. The Christian life is characterized by a radical break with all forms of idolatry, both overt and subtle, and a wholehearted devotion to Christ alone.
### Summary
The Greek term εἴδωλον (`{{G1497}}`) designates an "image" made for worship, a "heathen god," or the "worship of such." Derived from εἶδος (`{{G1491}}`), meaning "form," it consistently carries a negative connotation in the New Testament, signifying anything that falsely represents or replaces the one true God. Biblical occurrences reveal εἴδωλον as both concrete physical objects and the spiritual realities (often demonic) associated with their worship. Paul's theology notably declares idols to be "nothing" in themselves, yet warns of the dangers of participating in their worship due to the spiritual entities behind them and the potential for defiling consciences. Related terms like εἰδωλολατρία (`{{G1495}}`) and εἰδωλολάτρης (`{{G1496}}`), along with Old Testament parallels, highlight the pervasive biblical condemnation of false worship. Theologically, εἴδωλον serves as a stark contrast to the living God, emphasizing the folly and spiritual danger of idolatry. Crucially, the New Testament expands the concept of idolatry beyond physical images to include any earthly pursuit or desire that displaces God in the human heart, calling believers to a complete and exclusive devotion to Him.
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