### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gillûwl**, represented by `{{H1544}}`, is a term for an **idol**. Its base definition is "properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol," suggesting something worthless and man-made. It appears **48 times** across **45 unique verses**, with a heavy concentration in the book of Ezekiel, where it is used to condemn Israel's unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1544}}` is consistently used to describe objects of false worship that defile God's people and provoke His judgment. The Lord commands Israel to cast away these objects, as seen in the instruction, "defile not yourselves with the **idols** of Egypt" [[Ezekiel 20:7]]. The term is often associated with deep-seated sin, with the prophet noting that the people "have set up their **idols** in their heart" [[Ezekiel 14:3]], making it a stumbling block of iniquity. This worship is depicted as a form of spiritual adultery, where Israel has gone "a whoring after their **idols**" [[Ezekiel 6:9]] and even sacrificed their children to them [[Ezekiel 23:37]]. Consequently, God promises the destruction of these **idols** and the altars associated with them [[Ezekiel 6:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words further illustrate the scriptural concept of idolatry and abomination:
* `{{H8251}}` **shiqqûwts** (detestable thing): This term for something filthy or disgusting is often used alongside `{{H1544}}` to emphasize the repulsiveness of idolatry. God promises that His people "shall they defile themselves any more with their **idols**, nor with their **detestable things**" [[Ezekiel 37:23]].
* `{{H8441}}` **tôwʻêbah** (abomination): This word describes something morally disgusting, especially idolatry. The Lord commands His people to "Repent, and turn yourselves from your **idols**; and turn away your faces from all your **abominations**" [[Ezekiel 14:6]].
* `{{H2553}}` **chammân** (image): This word, meaning a sun-pillar or image, is another term for a physical idol. God's judgment includes the promise that "**idols** may be broken and cease, and your **images** may be cut down" [[Ezekiel 6:6]].
* `{{H8655}}` **tᵉrâphîym** (images): Often referring to family idols used for divination, this term is listed among the objects removed by King Josiah, who put away "the **images**, and the **idols**, and all the abominations" [[2 Kings 23:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1544}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of sin and redemption.
* **Heart-Level Defilement:** The use of `{{H1544}}` reveals that idolatry is not merely an external act but an internal condition. By setting up **idols** "in his heart," an individual becomes estranged from God ([[Ezekiel 14:5]], [[Ezekiel 14:7]]).
* **Spiritual Adultery:** Scripture repeatedly frames the worship of **idols** as a violation of the covenant relationship with God, equating it with whoredom and adultery ([[Ezekiel 6:9]], [[Ezekiel 23:37]]). This act pollutes the people and profanes God's holy name [[Ezekiel 20:39]].
* **Divine Judgment and Cleansing:** The presence of **idols** inevitably leads to divine judgment, including the desolation of the land and the breaking of the idols themselves ([[Leviticus 26:30]], [[Ezekiel 6:4]]). However, it is also the context for God's ultimate promise of restoration, where He will "sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your **idols**, will I cleanse you" [[Ezekiel 36:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1544}}` is more than a simple word for a graven image; it is a term of contempt for false gods, rooted in a word meaning a useless log. It is used overwhelmingly in scripture to diagnose the profound spiritual rebellion of Israel, a sin of the heart that defiles, breaks covenant, and provokes judgment. Ultimately, the destruction of these **idols** paves the way for the divine cleansing and restoration of God's people.
TRV