The Aramaic word tselem, represented by H6755, means an image, form, or idolatrous figure. It appears 17 times across 15 unique verses, exclusively in the book of Daniel. The term is used to describe both a literal, physical statue built for worship and a symbolic figure within a prophetic dream.
In the biblical narrative, H6755 is central to two key events in the book of Daniel. First, it appears as the "great image" in King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which was composed of a head of gold, breast of silver, and other materials, representing successive earthly kingdoms Daniel 2:31-32. This prophetic image is ultimately struck and broken to pieces by a stone cut without hands Daniel 2:34. Second, the word refers to the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar constructed and commanded all his officials to worship Daniel 3:1. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship this image is a pivotal moment of faithfulness Daniel 3:18. The word is also used once figuratively to describe how the form of Nebuchadnezzar's face changed with fury Daniel 3:19.
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the meaning of tselem:
- H6966 qûwm ({to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)}; appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up)): This verb is repeatedly used to describe how Nebuchadnezzar had "set up" the image for worship Daniel 3:1.
- H5457 çᵉgid ({to prostrate oneself (in homage)}; worship): This is the primary action demanded in relation to the golden image, highlighting the theme of idolatry. All people were commanded to fall down and worship the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up Daniel 3:7.
- H1722 dᵉhab ((Aramaic) corresponding to זָהָב; gold; gold(-en)): This word specifies the material of the idolatrous figure in Daniel 3, referring to it as the "golden image" Daniel 3:18.
- H7299 rêv (from a root corresponding to רָאָה; aspect; form): Used in conjunction with H6755, this word describes the terrible form of the great image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, emphasizing its visual appearance Daniel 2:31.
The theological significance of H6755 is demonstrated through its usage in Daniel:
- A Test of Faith: The golden image serves as the focal point for a conflict between the absolute power of a human king and the exclusive worship due to God. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship the golden image establishes a powerful theme of unwavering loyalty to God over human decrees Daniel 3:18.
- Symbol of Earthly Kingdoms: In Daniel's vision, the great image symbolizes the transient nature of human power. Its composition of various metals represents a sequence of kingdoms that will ultimately be destroyed Daniel 2:32.
- Divine Sovereignty: The destruction of the image by a stone "cut out without hands" signifies God's supreme authority over all human empires and history. The stone that smote the image becomes a great mountain that fills the earth, symbolizing the establishment of God's eternal kingdom Daniel 2:34-35.
In summary, H6755 is a multifaceted word that encapsulates major themes within the book of Daniel. It functions as both a concrete object of idolatry that tests the faithfulness of God's people and as a powerful prophetic symbol of the rise and fall of human kingdoms. The narrative arc of the image, from its construction by a human king to its destruction by a divine force, powerfully illustrates the biblical contrast between the fleeting glory of man and the everlasting kingdom of God.
TRV