### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉçîyl**, represented by `{{H6456}}`, is defined as **an idol; carved (graven) image, quarry**. It appears **23 times** across **23 unique verses**, where it overwhelmingly refers to a physical object of false worship. The term is central to the scriptural prohibition against idolatry and represents a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6456}}` consistently appears in contexts of sin and judgment. The people of Israel provoked God to anger by setting up **graven images** on their high places [[Psalms 78:58]] and sacrificing to them [[Hosea 11:2]]. Consequently, a core command given to Israel was the complete destruction of the **graven images** of other nations, which were to be burned with fire [[Deuteronomy 7:25]] and hewn down [[Deuteronomy 12:3]]. The fall of nations like Babylon is directly linked to judgment upon their **graven images** ([[Isaiah 21:9]], [[Jeremiah 51:47]]). A distinct usage appears in Judges, where `{{H6456}}` refers to the **quarries** near Gilgal ([[Judges 3:19]], [[Judges 3:26]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the broader context of idolatry associated with `{{H6456}}`:
* `{{H4541}}` **maççêkâh** (molten image): This term for a cast image often appears alongside **pᵉçîyl** to describe different types of idols. Both the **graven images** of silver and the **molten images** of gold were to be defiled and destroyed [[Isaiah 30:22]].
* `{{H842}}` **ʼăshêrâh** (grove): Representing an image of the goddess Asherah, this is another idolatrous object commanded to be destroyed. Israelites were instructed to cut down their **groves** and burn their **graven images** with fire [[Deuteronomy 7:5]].
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (high place): These elevated places of worship were often the location for illicit rituals. Israel provoked God with their **high places** and moved Him to jealousy with their **graven images** [[Psalms 78:58]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6456}}` is significant and highlights key principles of faith:
* **Rejection of God's Glory:** God explicitly states He will not give His glory or praise to **graven images**, establishing them as a fundamental affront to His divine nature and honor [[Isaiah 42:8]].
* **Cause of Divine Anger:** The worship of **graven images** is a primary reason for God's anger `{{H3707}}` and jealousy. This provocation is cited as a reason for judgment on both Israel and Gentile nations ([[Jeremiah 8:19]], [[Psalms 78:58]]).
* **Object of Covenant Purification:** A central tenet of covenant faithfulness was the complete eradication of idols. The command to burn, break, and defile every **graven image** demonstrates the absolute separation required between the worship of God and the worship of false gods ([[Deuteronomy 7:5]], [[Deuteronomy 12:3]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6456}}` is a term that overwhelmingly signifies a **carved (graven) image** used in idolatrous worship. It serves as a tangible symbol of rebellion against God, consistently provoking His anger and resulting in commands for its total destruction. While it has a secondary meaning of **quarry** [[Judges 3:19]], its primary role in Scripture is to represent the physical manifestation of false worship, standing in stark contrast to the unseen and glorious God of Israel.
TRV