Bible Dictionary

Teraphim

Household images or objects associated with false worship and, in some passages, divination.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

465 of 516

Letter

T

Meaning

Household images or objects associated with false worship and, in some passages, divination.

Key Scriptures

  • Genesis 31:19-35
  • Judges 17:5-6
  • Judges 18:14-20
  • 1 Samuel 15:23
  • 1 Samuel 19:13-16
  • 2 Kings 23:24
  • Ezekiel 21:21
  • Hosea 3:4
  • Zechariah 10:2

Original Language

Hebrew

תְּרָפִים

teraphim

household images; teraphim

Greek

εἴδωλον

eidōlon

idol; image

Meaning

Teraphim are household images or objects associated with false worship and, in some passages, divination. Their exact physical form and function are not fully described in Scripture.

Biblical Usage

Teraphim are first mentioned in the account of Rachel taking the household images belonging to Laban. They later appear in connection with Micah’s household shrine and the Danites.

Later passages associate teraphim with practices condemned by the LORD, including false worship and seeking supernatural guidance apart from Him. Scripture does not provide enough information to establish one exact physical form or function for all references to teraphim.

Key References

  • Genesis 31:19-35
  • Judges 17:5-6
  • Judges 18:14-20
  • 1 Samuel 19:13-16
  • 2 Kings 23:24
  • Ezekiel 21:21
  • Hosea 3:4
  • Zechariah 10:2
  • Idol
  • Idolatry
  • Image
  • Divination
  • Witchcraft

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Genesis 31:19-35
  • Judges 17:5-6
  • Judges 18:14-20
  • 1 Samuel 15:23
  • 1 Samuel 19:13-16
  • 2 Kings 23:24
  • Ezekiel 21:21
  • Hosea 3:4
  • Zechariah 10:2

Related Terms

Idol Idolatry Image Divination Witchcraft

Study Topics

idolatry images divination household