Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, idols refer to physical objects or images that are worshiped or revered as gods. The concept of idolatry is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is consistently condemned as a violation of the first and second commandments, which emphasize the exclusive worship of the one true God.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of idolatry among the nations surrounding Israel, as well as within Israel itself. The worship of idols is often associated with pagan practices and is seen as a direct affront to the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Exodus 20:3-4 , God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath." The Israelites' struggle with idolatry is evident in several narratives, such as the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32, where the people fashioned a calf from gold and declared it to be their god. This act of idolatry provoked God's anger and led to severe consequences for the people. The prophets frequently spoke against idolatry, warning of its futility and the judgment it would bring. Isaiah 44:9-10 states, "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?" New Testament Context In the New Testament, the issue of idolatry continues to be addressed, particularly in the context of the early Christian communities living in a predominantly pagan world. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often warns against the dangers of idolatry and the need for believers to remain separate from such practices. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." Idolatry is not limited to the worship of physical images but extends to anything that takes the place of God in a person's life. Colossians 3:5 equates idolatry with covetousness, stating, "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Theological Implications Idolatry is fundamentally a theological issue, as it challenges the sovereignty and uniqueness of God. It represents a misplacement of trust and devotion, diverting worship from the Creator to created things. The Bible consistently portrays idolatry as a form of spiritual adultery, where the covenant relationship between God and His people is compromised. The biblical narrative underscores the futility of idols, emphasizing that they are lifeless and powerless. Psalm 115:4-8 describes idols as "silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see... Those who make them will be like them, as will all who trust in them." Practical Considerations For believers, the call to avoid idolatry is a call to maintain purity in worship and allegiance to God alone. This involves recognizing and rejecting any form of idolatry, whether it be material possessions, personal ambitions, or cultural influences that compete with one's devotion to God. The biblical exhortation is to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24), ensuring that He remains the central focus of one's life and worship. Greek 1493. eidoleion -- an idol's temple ... an idol's temple. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: eidoleion Phonetic Spelling: (i-do-li'-on) Short Definition: a temple for an image Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1493.htm - 6k Library For I Will Now Return, after a Sort of Digression, to the Point I ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that ... Concerning Festivals in Honour of Emperors, victories, and the ... Psalm XCIX. On the Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way, and the ... sermons on selected lessons of the new testament Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... The Law of Christian Conscience. Of Schoolmasters and their Difficulties. Thesaurus Idol's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Idol's (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 8:10 For if a man sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol's... /i/idol's.htm - 6k Idols (186 Occurrences) Infirm (25 Occurrences) Idol-sacrifices (3 Occurrences) Real (26 Occurrences) Encouraged (37 Occurrences) Emboldened (3 Occurrences) Dining (3 Occurrences) Believer (15 Occurrences) Resources What is Bel and the Dragon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Idol's (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 8:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |