Ark of the Covenant - Bible History Online
Bible History

Schaff's Bible Dictionary


Definitions in Biblical History
 

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z   



What are Teraphim?
        TER'APHIM
        (givers of prosperity). The word is sometimes left untranslated; elsewhere "images," Gen 31:19, John 9:34-35; 1 Sam 19:16; "idolatry." 1 Sam 15:23. The derivation is not settled. Gesenius takes it from a root meaning "to be rich," so the teraphim dispensed prosperity. From the passages quoted it is plain that this word denotes household idol-gods or images. But since these were used as means of supernatural knowledge, they might be found in possession of those who were not idolaters. There is a very remarkable occurrence of the word in Hos 3:4, where teraphim are associated with idolatry. They were Teraphim. small images, resembling the human form, and were regarded as oracles. The use of teraphim came to the Hebrews from the family of Laban, for they were Aramaic deities. But, once introduced, they were tenaciously held to. We find them mentioned in a familiar way in the historical books. Jud 18:17; 1 Sam 19:13, 1 Sam 19:16; 2 Kgs 23:24, etc. They were not idols in the worst sense. They were used by Jehovah-worshippers acquainted with the second commandment. Thus we find a Levite in Micah's family using them, and in David's house were teraphim. 1 Sam 19:13. But in the days of the prophets they were denounced as idolatrous, and Josiah destroyed them, 2 Kgs 23:24, margin - an indication of the growth of correct religious feeling and the spread of knowledge. In regard to their size and appearance nothing definite is known. Probably they were varied. They may best be compared to the household penates of the classic world.


Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'teraphim' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Schaff's

Copyright Information
© Schaff's Bible Dictionary


Schaff's Bible Dictionary Home
Bible History Online Home

 

Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
Online Bible (KJV)
Naves Topical Bible
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Hitchcock's Bible Dictionary