from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e. (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol; image, vain shew.
Transliteration:tselem
Pronunciation:tseh'-lem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6754 (צֶלֶם, *tselem*) derives from an unused root meaning "to shade," which suggests an initial semantic range related to a shadow, phantom, or an insubstantial representation. This foundational meaning extends to encompass "illusion" or "resemblance." From this, the word develops to denote a "representative figure" or an "image," which can be either a true and authoritative representation or a false and misleading one. Crucially, *tselem* frequently carries the negative connotation of an "idol" or a "vain shew," highlighting its potential for misdirection and usurpation of divine glory. Thus, its semantic range spans from a divinely bestowed mark of distinction to a humanly crafted object of spiritual futility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most profound and theologically significant occurrence of H6754 is found in the creation narrative, where humanity is declared to be made in God's "image": "Let us make man in our H6754 (image), after our likeness..." [[Genesis 1:26]]. This is immediately followed by the declaration: "So God created man in his own H6754 (image), in the H6754 (image) of God he created him; male and female he created them" [[Genesis 1:27]]. Here, *tselem* signifies not a physical resemblance, but a qualitative, relational, and authoritative representation of God on earth. Humanity, as God's *tselem*, is uniquely endowed with capacities for reason, morality, relationship with God, and dominion over creation, reflecting God's own attributes.
Beyond this foundational usage, H6754 is predominantly used in the context of idolatry, often denoting a cultic image or statue. For example, it refers to the H6754 (images) of Baal destroyed by Jehoiada [[2 Kings 11:18]], the H6754 (images) of the Canaanites that Israel was commanded to destroy [[Numbers 33:52]], and the detestable H6754 (images) that provoked God's wrath in Ezekiel's prophecies [[Ezekiel 7:20]], [[Ezekiel 23:14]]. The prophet Amos condemns those who carried the H6754 (images) of their pagan gods [[Amos 5:26]]. In these contexts, *tselem* represents a human-made object that falsely claims divine attributes or receives worship due only to the true God. It is a tangible manifestation of spiritual rebellion and a distortion of the divine-human relationship. The contrast between the divine *tselem* in humanity and the idolatrous *tselem* is stark: one is a gift of divine representation, the other a product of human folly and spiritual emptiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
H6754 (צֶלֶם, *tselem*) is frequently paired with H1823 (דְּמוּת, *demut*, "likeness" or "similitude") in [[Genesis 1:26]], "Let us make man in our H6754 (image), after our H1823 (likeness)." While *tselem* emphasizes the substantive representation or concrete form, *demut* speaks to the qualitative resemblance or similarity. Together, they convey the profound truth that humanity is both a direct representative of God and shares in His character.
In the context of idolatry, H6754 overlaps with other terms for idols, such as H6459 (פֶּסֶל, *pesel*, "carved image") and H4572 (מַסֵּכָה, *massekah*, "molten image"). While *tselem* can broadly refer to any representative figure, these terms specify the method of creation. The Greek equivalent in the Septuagint for *tselem* is often G1504 (εἰκών, *eikōn*), which carries similar nuances of "image" or "likeness." This continuity is vital for understanding New Testament theology, particularly in passages describing Christ as the G1504 (image) of the invisible God [[Colossians 1:15]] and believers being conformed to the G1504 (image) of His Son [[Romans 8:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6754 is twofold and profoundly counterpoised:
1. **The *Imago Dei***: The concept of humanity bearing the H6754 (image) of God is foundational to biblical anthropology. It confers inherent dignity, value, and unique status upon every human being, regardless of race, gender, or social standing. This H6754 implies that humans are God's representatives on earth, entrusted with stewardship and reflecting His character in their moral, relational, and intellectual capacities. The fall marred this image but did not erase it, and redemption in Christ aims to restore and renew it.
2. **Idolatry**: The use of H6754 for idols highlights the ultimate perversion of true worship. Creating or bowing down to a *tselem* (idol) is a direct affront to the Creator, a futile attempt to reduce the infinite God to a finite, humanly controllable object. It represents a spiritual turning away from the living God to dead things, leading to moral decay and spiritual emptiness. The biblical condemnation of idolatry, therefore, is not merely about rejecting false gods but about upholding God's unique sovereignty and the sanctity of His H6754 (image) in humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6754 (צֶלֶם, *tselem*) is a multifaceted term primarily denoting an "image" or "representation." Its semantic range extends from the profound theological truth of humanity being created in the H6754 (image) of God, signifying inherent dignity and divine representation, to the condemnation of H6754 (idols) as false and vain representations. This duality underscores a central biblical tension: the sacred calling of humanity to reflect the Creator versus the human propensity to distort divine truth through the creation and worship of false images. Understanding *tselem* is crucial for grasping both the exalted status of humanity and the gravity of idolatry within biblical thought.
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