### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉrâphîym**, represented by `{{H8655}}`, refers to a type of family idol or image used in idolatry. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses**. The base definition describes it as a **healer**, but in usage, it consistently signifies images used for worship or divination, often kept within a household.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8655}}` appears in various contexts that reveal its function. They are first mentioned as household idols when Rachel steals the **images** that belonged to her father, Laban ([[Genesis 31:19]], [[Genesis 31:34]]). In the time of the Judges, a man named Micah made an **ephod** and **teraphim** for his personal house of gods [[Judges 17:5]]. These same objects were later stolen by the Danites and became central to their idolatrous practices [[Judges 18:20]]. The teraphim were also used for deception, as when Michal used an **image** to help David escape from Saul's messengers [[1 Samuel 19:13]]. The prophets condemn them, with Zechariah stating that the **idols** have spoken vanity [[Zechariah 10:2]] and Samuel equating **idolatry** with the sin of witchcraft [[1 Samuel 15:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the context of idolatry and divination associated with teraphim:
* `{{H646}}` **'ephôwd** (ephod): This term for a priestly garment or an image is frequently found alongside teraphim, indicating a connection to illegitimate worship. Micah, for instance, made both an **ephod** and **teraphim** for his shrine [[Judges 17:5]].
* `{{H7081}}` **qeçem** (witchcraft): This word for divination or an oracle is directly linked to teraphim as a grievous sin. Samuel equates rebellion with the sin of **witchcraft**, and stubbornness with iniquity and **idolatry** `{{H8655}}` [[1 Samuel 15:23]].
* `{{H6459}}` **peçel** (carved (graven) image): This term for a man-made idol often appears with teraphim in lists of idolatrous objects. The Danite spies noted that Micah's house contained an ephod, **teraphim**, a **graven image**, and a molten image [[Judges 18:14]].
* `{{H205}}` **'âven** (iniquity, vanity): This word, meaning nothingness or wickedness, describes the nature of the words spoken by teraphim. The prophet Zechariah states that the **idols** `{{H8655}}` have spoken **vanity** [[Zechariah 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8655}}` is centered on its role as a substitute for true worship and reliance on God.
* **Household Idolatry:** The teraphim represent a personal and familial form of idolatry, beginning with Rachel hiding her father's **images** [[Genesis 31:19]]. This demonstrates how sin can take root within the core family unit.
* **Forbidden Divination:** The use of teraphim to seek guidance, as seen with the king of Babylon [[Ezekiel 21:21]], is a direct rejection of seeking counsel from the Lord. The prophets declare that such idols speak lies and offer vain comfort [[Zechariah 10:2]].
* **Symbol of Rebellion:** The connection between **idolatry** `{{H8655}}` and **rebellion** `{{H4805}}` is made explicit in scripture [[1 Samuel 15:23]]. To possess and consult teraphim was an act of stubborn defiance against God's authority and law.
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** The presence of teraphim was a mark of a people who had turned from God. The righteous King Josiah made a point to put away the **images** `{{H8655}}` from the land [[2 Kings 23:24]], and Hosea prophesied a time when Israel would be without them as a consequence of their sin [[Hosea 3:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8655}}` is more than just an image; it is a key symbol of idolatry in scripture. From their use as secretive family possessions in Genesis to their role in public cultic worship in Judges and their condemnation by the prophets, **tᵉrâphîym** consistently represent a turning away from God to seek comfort, guidance, and security in man-made objects. They serve as a powerful illustration of the sin of replacing reliance on God with worthless idols.
TRV