Teraphim
This word occurs only in the plural, and denotes images connected with magical rites. The derivation of the name is obscure. In one case— (1 Samuel 19:13,16)—a single statue seems to be intended by the plural. The teraphim, translated “images” in the Authorized Version, carried away from Laban by Rachel were regarded by Laban as gods, and it would therefore appear that they were used by those who added corrupt practices to the patriarchal religion.
Teraphim again are included among Micah’s images. (Judges 17:3-5; 18:17,18,20) Teraphim were consulted for oracular answers by the Israelites, (Zechariah 10:2) comp. Judg 18:5,6; 1Sam 15:22,23; 19:13,16, LXX., and 2Kin 23:24 And by the Babylonians in the case of Nebuchadnezzar. (Ezekiel 21:19-22)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Teraphim
Teraphim ter'-a-fim. ⇒See a list of verses on TERAPHIM in the Bible. See ASTROLOGY; DIVINATION; IMAGES. ⇒See the definition of teraphim in the KJV Dictionary ⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible on Teraphim
The word is plural accord- ing to its form. But its derivation, the purpose of that which it denoted, and the method of its use, still present many obscurities. Several of the older Jewish commentators derive the word from l^iB toreph, which means ' foulness,' and especially pudendum ; but, if this is correct, it is plausible to suppose that this word, expressive of contempt, was substituted for and finally supplanted the original name, in which case that name is entirely lost (cf. n;-3 for Sy3). Among the numerous later derivations the one which most deserves consideration is that suggested by Schwally (Leben nach dem Tode, p. 36 n.), who connects the word with nn rdphah, a derivation which would bring it into contact with the riphd'im or ' shades ' of Is 14. Teraphim are generally supposed to have been household deities (cf. Gn 31'», 1 S W- ", but see Ezk 21-'). Hence it has for long been the habit to compare the reverence paid to them with that which was otlered to the Lares and Penates in Roman times. Further, almost every passage in which the word occurs in OT shows that their u…
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Easton, M.G. (1893) Easton's Bible Dictionary. 3rd edn. Thomas Nelson. [Public Domain]
- Nave, O.J. (1897) Nave's Topical Bible. Topical Bible Publishing Co.. [Public Domain]
- Hastings, J. (ed.) (1909) A Dictionary of the Bible. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Smith, W. (ed.) (1884) Smith's Bible Dictionary. London: John Murray. [Public Domain]
- Fausset, A.R. (1878) Fausset's Bible Dictionary. [Public Domain]A Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopaedia