### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H4656}}` (מִפְלֶצֶת, miphletseth) is derived from the verbal root `{{H6426}}` (פָּלַץ, palats), which signifies "to tremble," "to shudder," or "to shake with terror." Therefore, the core meaning of `{{H4656}}` is something that causes trembling, shuddering, or terror. Its semantic range extends directly from this root meaning to denote an object that is horrifying, dreadful, or abominable. In its biblical usage, this concept is applied specifically to a cultic image, an idol, which is perceived as a source of spiritual terror or revulsion from a monotheistic perspective. It is not merely a false god, but an object so repugnant to the divine will that it evokes a visceral reaction of dread.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4656}}` appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in identical contexts, referring to the same object:
* In [[1 Kings 15:13]], it is recorded that King Asa "removed Maacah his grandmother from being queen mother, because she had made a `{{H4656}}` for Asherah. And Asa cut down her `{{H4656}}` and burned it at the Kidron Valley."
* The parallel account in [[2 Chronicles 15:16]] states, "King Asa also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother, because she had made a `{{H4656}}` for Asherah. And Asa cut down her `{{H4656}}` and crushed it and burned it at the Kidron Valley."
In both instances, `{{H4656}}` unequivocally refers to a physical idol or image dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess often associated with fertility and worshipped through sacred poles or cultic images. The context is King Asa's religious reforms, where he actively purged Judah of idolatry. The description of this object as a "terror" (miphletseth) underscores its abhorrent nature from the perspective of Yahweh's covenant people. It was not merely an alternative deity, but something intrinsically detestable and spiritually dangerous, demanding its complete destruction by cutting down, crushing, and burning. The term emphasizes the profound spiritual revulsion it inspired in those committed to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4656}}` is its root, `{{H6426}}` (פָּלָץ, palats), which grounds its meaning in the experience of trembling or shuddering. Conceptually, `{{H4656}}` aligns with other Hebrew terms used to describe idols and idolatry, often with a pejorative or condemnatory connotation:
* `{{H8441}}` (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): "abomination," a frequently used term for idols and idolatrous practices, indicating their detestable nature to God. The `{{H4656}}` is inherently a "to'evah."
* `{{H457}}` (אֱלִיל, elil): "worthless," "vain," often applied to idols to emphasize their emptiness and powerlessness compared to the living God.
* `{{H1544}}` (גִּלּוּלִים, gillulim): "dung-gods," a highly contemptuous term for idols, highlighting their foulness and worthlessness.
* `{{H6090}}` (עָצָב, atsab): "idol," also related to "pain" or "grief," suggesting the sorrow or trouble idols bring.
* The broader concept of "other gods" (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, elohim acherim) also contextualizes `{{H4656}}`, as it represents a rival, illicit object of worship.
The use of `{{H4656}}` uniquely highlights the *repulsiveness* and *dreadfulness* that idolatry evokes in the faithful, underscoring its spiritual danger and defilement.
### Theological Significance
The designation of an idol as a `{{H4656}}` carries profound theological weight. It reveals Yahweh's absolute intolerance for idolatry, portraying it not merely as a theological error but as a monstrous spiritual affront.
* **Divine Holiness and Jealousy:** The term underscores God's unique holiness and His exclusive claim on His people's worship. An idol described as a "terror" is a direct challenge to His sovereignty and a violation of the first commandment, provoking divine jealousy.
* **The Abhorrent Nature of Idolatry:** `{{H4656}}` emphasizes that idolatry is not a benign alternative but something inherently loathsome and spiritually dangerous. It evokes a sense of horror, reflecting the profound spiritual chasm between true worship and the veneration of false gods.
* **Call to Purity and Reformation:** The destruction of Maacah's `{{H4656}}` by King Asa exemplifies the righteous response to idolatry. It signifies the necessary removal of spiritual pollution and the zealous commitment required to restore and maintain the purity of worship and covenant fidelity.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The "terror" associated with the idol might also allude to the spiritual bondage or dreadful consequences that pagan worship entailed. From God's perspective, these idols represent forces of spiritual darkness that inspire fear and lead people away from life.
* **Contrast with True Awe:** While the Lord inspires a "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) that is reverential awe and submission, the "terror" of `{{H4656}}` is one of spiritual disgust, repulsion, and dread of the defilement it brings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4656}}` (מִפְלֶצֶת, miphletseth), derived from the root meaning "to tremble" or "shudder," denotes something that inspires terror or profound revulsion. Its two biblical occurrences ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]) specifically identify it as an abhorrent idol, an image made for the Canaanite goddess Asherah. This term powerfully conveys the spiritual horror and utter detestability of idolatry from the divine perspective and for those committed to Yahweh. It highlights that an idol is not merely a false god, but a "terror" or "abomination" that righteous leaders like King Asa were compelled to utterly destroy. The use of `{{H4656}}` underscores the profound spiritual danger and defilement that idols represent, emphasizing God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and the severe consequences of spiritual infidelity, thereby illuminating the theological chasm between the worship of the holy God and the dreadful nature of pagan practices.
TRV