(Aramaic) or צְלֶם; (Aramaic), corresponding to צֶלֶם; an idolatrous figure; form, image.
Transliteration:tselem
Pronunciation:tseh'-lem
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word `{{H6755}}` (tselem) is an Aramaic term, directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H6754}}` (tselem). Its core meaning revolves around the concept of a "likeness," "image," or "form." The provided definition highlights two primary applications: an "idolatrous figure" and, more broadly, a "form" or "image." Unlike its Hebrew counterpart `{{H6754}}`, which is famously used to describe humanity as created in God's image, the Aramaic `{{H6755}}` predominantly carries the negative connotation of an idol or a human-made representation, particularly within the Book of Daniel. Its semantic range thus encompasses both a general physical representation and, more specifically, an object of false worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H6755}}` primarily appears in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel, where its usage is pivotal to the narrative's theological themes.
* **Daniel 2:** The term is prominently used in Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tselem (image/statue) made of various materials (gold, silver, bronze, iron, clay) representing successive world empires ([[Daniel 2:31]], [[Daniel 2:32]], [[Daniel 2:34]], [[Daniel 2:35]], [[Daniel 2:45]]). Here, tselem refers to a grand, composite statue, serving as a symbolic representation of earthly power and its ultimate transience.
* **Daniel 3:** This chapter features the explicit command to worship the golden tselem (image/idol) that King Nebuchadnezzar set up on the plain of Dura ([[Daniel 3:1]], [[Daniel 3:2]], [[Daniel 3:3]], [[Daniel 3:5]], [[Daniel 3:6]], [[Daniel 3:7]], [[Daniel 3:10]], [[Daniel 3:12]], [[Daniel 3:14]], [[Daniel 3:15]], [[Daniel 3:18]]). In this context, tselem unequivocally denotes an idol, an object of false worship, and serves as a focal point for the conflict between faithfulness to God and idolatry. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow to this tselem underscores its function as a test of allegiance and the cost of fidelity to Yahweh.
These occurrences firmly establish `{{H6755}}` as a term for a physical representation, often a large statue, and critically, an object of worship or a symbol of worldly power in opposition to divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6754}}` (צֶלֶם - tselem, Hebrew):** This is the direct Hebrew cognate and the most important related term. While `{{H6755}}` (Aramaic) is often used for idols, `{{H6754}}` (Hebrew) is famously used in Genesis to describe humanity created in the "image" of God ([[Genesis 1:26]], [[Genesis 1:27]], [[Genesis 9:6]]). This highlights a profound theological distinction: the Aramaic tselem often represents human-made, false images, while the Hebrew tselem in Genesis describes the divine imprint on humanity.
* **`{{H6091}}` (עָצָב - atsav, Hebrew):** Often refers to an idol or pain, highlighting the futility and sorrow associated with idolatry.
* **`{{H4577}}` (מַסֵּכָה - massekah, Hebrew):** A molten image, frequently an idol.
* **`{{H1544}}` (גִּלּוּל - gilul, Hebrew):** A contemptuous term for idols, often translated as "dung-gods" or "blocks."
* The broader concept of "image" extends to the New Testament, where Greek terms like `{{G1504}}` (eikōn) carry a similar semantic range, from the image of God in humanity ([[Colossians 1:15]], [[Hebrews 1:3]]) to the image of the beast ([[Revelation 13:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6755}}` in Daniel is primarily its role in highlighting the conflict between divine sovereignty and human arrogance and idolatry.
* **Idolatry as Rebellion:** The golden tselem in Daniel 3 serves as the ultimate test of loyalty. Nebuchadnezzar's command to worship it represents a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrates that true worship cannot be coerced and that allegiance to God supersedes any earthly decree. This narrative underscores the First and Second Commandments against idolatry, emphasizing God's sole claim to worship.
* **Futility of Earthly Power:** The dream tselem in Daniel 2, despite its grandeur and representation of world empires, is ultimately shattered by a stone cut without human hands, symbolizing God's coming kingdom that will utterly destroy all earthly dominions. This tselem represents the transient and ultimately fragile nature of human power and glory when compared to God's eternal and invincible dominion.
* **Contrast with Divine Image:** While not directly stated in the Aramaic texts, the stark contrast between `{{H6755}}` (human-made idol) and `{{H6754}}` (God-made image of humanity) is a crucial theological point. The former represents a distortion of worship and a misplaced veneration, while the latter signifies humanity's unique dignity and purpose as reflections of the Creator. The Aramaic tselem serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of creating and worshipping anything other than the true God.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H6755}}` (tselem) refers to a "form" or "image," predominantly used in the Book of Daniel to denote a statue or, more specifically, an idolatrous figure. In Daniel 2, it symbolizes the succession of human empires, ultimately destined to be overthrown by God's eternal kingdom. More critically, in Daniel 3, it represents the golden idol set up by Nebuchadnezzar, serving as a powerful symbol of idolatry and the ultimate test of faithfulness to Yahweh. The narrative surrounding this tselem underscores the biblical condemnation of false worship and the unwavering commitment required of God's people in the face of worldly pressure. It stands in profound theological contrast to the Hebrew `{{H6754}}`, which describes humanity as bearing the divine image, highlighting the distinction between human-made objects of false worship and the sacred, God-given identity of humanity.
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