### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çemel**, represented by `{{H5566}}`, is a term for a **likeness, figure, idol, or image**. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Based on an unused root meaning to resemble, this word is used specifically to denote idols that are a direct affront to God, particularly those placed in consecrated spaces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5566}}` is directly associated with acts of idolatry that desecrate holy sites. The prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of Jerusalem where he sees "the seat of the **image** of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy" at the gate of the inner court ([[Ezekiel 8:3]], [[Ezekiel 8:5]]). Similarly, King Manasseh defiled the temple by setting up a "carved image, the **idol**" inside the house of God [[2 Chronicles 33:7]], an act he later reverses by removing the **idol** as part of his repentance [[2 Chronicles 33:15]]. In Deuteronomy, the word is used in a broader prohibition against corruption, warning the Israelites not to make "the similitude of any **figure**" [[Deuteronomy 4:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of `{{H5566}}`:
* `{{H6459}}` **peçel** (an idol; carved (graven) image): This word is often used in conjunction with `{{H5566}}` to describe a manufactured idol. It appears in the direct prohibition against making "any graven **image**" [[Exodus 20:4]] and is paired with `{{H5566}}` in the warning in [[Deuteronomy 4:16]] and the account of Manasseh's sin [[2 Chronicles 33:7]].
* `{{H7068}}` **qinʼâh** (jealousy or envy): This term is explicitly linked to the idol in Ezekiel’s vision, which is called the "image of **jealousy**" ([[Ezekiel 8:3]], [[Ezekiel 8:5]]). This highlights that the idol's presence provokes God’s divine **jealousy** and wrath [[Zephaniah 1:18]].
* `{{H7069}}` **qânâh** (to erect... provoke to jealousy): This root is used as a verb to describe the effect of the "image of jealousy," noting that it is the object "which **provoketh to jealousy**" [[Ezekiel 8:3]]. This same root can also mean to possess or own, as in God being the **possessor** of heaven and earth [[Genesis 14:19]].
* `{{H8544}}` **tᵉmûwnâh** (image, likeness, similitude): Often used as a synonym for a representation, this word appears alongside `{{H5566}}` in the warning not to make "the **similitude** of any figure" [[Deuteronomy 4:16]]. The Israelites were reminded that at Horeb they saw no **similitude**, only a voice [[Deuteronomy 4:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5566}}` is centered on the grievous nature of idolatry as a direct provocation against God.
* **Provocation of Divine Jealousy:** The term's most vivid use is in Ezekiel's vision, where it is defined as the "image of jealousy" [[Ezekiel 8:3]]. This demonstrates that idolatry is not a victimless act but an offense that incites the righteous jealousy of God.
* **Desecration of Sacred Space:** The placement of the `{{H5566}}` idol within the house of the LORD by Manasseh represents the ultimate violation of God's holy presence [[2 Chronicles 33:7]]. Its subsequent removal is a necessary step for the restoration of the covenant relationship [[2 Chronicles 33:15]].
* **Rejection of God's Formlessness:** The prohibition in Deuteronomy uses `{{H5566}}` as part of a warning against creating any physical figure or likeness of God [[Deuteronomy 4:16]]. This reinforces the core theological principle that God is not to be represented by a created image, as the people saw no form in the fire at Horeb.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5566}}` is more than just a generic word for an idol. It signifies a figure of profound offense, one specifically noted for provoking divine jealousy. Its presence in scripture highlights the severe sin of attempting to represent the invisible God with a physical image and the sacrilege of placing such an object in a space consecrated to Him. The use of **çemel** underscores the personal affront that idolatry represents to the God of Israel.
TRV