Topical Encyclopedia The term "idolatrous" refers to the practice of idolatry, which is the worship of idols or the excessive reverence for something or someone other than the one true God. In the biblical context, idolatry is consistently condemned as a grievous sin against God, who demands exclusive worship and devotion.Old Testament Context Idolatry is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, where it is portrayed as a major transgression against the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. The first and second commandments explicitly prohibit idolatry: "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" (Exodus 20:3-4). The Israelites frequently fell into idolatry, influenced by the surrounding pagan nations. This is evident in the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32), where the people of Israel crafted an idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai. The prophets repeatedly warned against idolatry, emphasizing its futility and the judgment it brings. For instance, Isaiah mocks the absurdity of idol-making: "They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it in its place, and there it stands. It does not move from its place. Though one cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save him from his troubles" (Isaiah 46:7). New Testament Context In the New Testament, idolatry extends beyond the worship of physical idols to include any form of devotion or allegiance that rivals one's commitment to God. The Apostle Paul warns against idolatry in his letters, urging believers to flee from it: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14). He also equates greed with idolatry, indicating that anything that takes precedence over God in one's heart can be considered idolatrous: "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Spiritual Implications Idolatry is fundamentally a heart issue, as it involves placing trust, hope, or love in something other than God. It is a violation of the greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). The Bible teaches that idolatry leads to spiritual adultery, as it represents a betrayal of the exclusive relationship God desires with His people. Consequences and Warnings The consequences of idolatry are severe, as it provokes God's righteous anger and leads to spiritual and often physical ruin. The Old Testament recounts numerous instances where idolatry resulted in divine judgment, including the Babylonian exile. The New Testament continues this warning, as seen in Revelation, where idolaters are among those who face eternal separation from God: "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars—their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). Call to Faithfulness Believers are called to remain faithful to God, rejecting all forms of idolatry. This involves a conscious effort to identify and remove anything that competes with God for ultimate allegiance. The call to worship God alone is a central tenet of the Christian faith, underscoring the importance of a life wholly devoted to Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to idolatry; partaking Of the nature Of idolatry; given to idolatry or the worship Of false gods; as, idolatrous sacrifices.2. (a.) Consisting in, or partaking of, an excessive attachment or reverence; as, an idolatrous veneration for antiquity. Greek 2712. kateidolos -- full of idols ... Transliteration: kateidolos Phonetic Spelling: (kat-i'-do-los) Short Definition: full of images of idols Definition: full of images of idols, grossly idolatrous ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2712.htm - 6k 947. bdeluktos -- detestable 4204. porne -- a prostitute 1494. eidolothutos -- sacrificed to idols 3154. mataioo -- to make vain, foolish Strong's Hebrew 3649. komer -- a priest (in idol worship)... Word Origin from the same as makmor Definition a priest (in idol worship) NASB Word Usage idolatrous priests (3). Chemarims idolatrous priests. ... /hebrew/3649.htm - 6k 6297. peger -- corpse, carcass 6736. tsir -- an image 7726. shobab -- turning back, recusant, apostate 6091. atsab -- an idol 8263. sheqets -- detestation, detestable thing 170. Oholah -- "she who has a tent," a symbolic name for Samaria 5522. Sikkuth -- a foreign god 6755. tselem -- an image 8251. shiqquts -- detested thing Library On the Error of Idolatrous Worship. Demolition of the Idolatrous Temples at Alexandria, and the ... Treacherous Friendship, and Idolatrous Practices of Licinius. How He Forbade Idolatrous Worship, but Honored Martyrs and the ... The Variety of Idolatrous Cults Proves that they are False. But Here Lies the Great Mistake, or Rather Idolatrous Abuse of all ... Flavian and Evagrius, Bishops of Antioch. The Events at Alexandria ... Extension of Our Doctrines, and Complete Demolition of Idolatrous ... The Coming of Christ was Predicted by the Prophets; and was ... On the Catholic Church, Her Parts and Relations Thesaurus Idolatrous (4 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to idolatry; partaking Of the nature Of idolatry; given to idolatry or the worship Of false gods; as, idolatrous sacrifices. ... /i/idolatrous.htm - 8k Desolation (131 Occurrences) Chemarim (1 Occurrence) Abomination (78 Occurrences) Idolatry (14 Occurrences) Gehenna (12 Occurrences) Image (126 Occurrences) Pagan (7 Occurrences) Chemosh (8 Occurrences) Accursed (26 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Samaritans? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between fornication and adultery? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jeremiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Idolatrous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Idolatrous (4 Occurrences)2 Kings 23:5 Jeremiah 3:23 Hosea 10:5 Zephaniah 1:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |