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.
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.
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.
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.
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