How Do You Spell TERAPHIM?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛɹəfɪm] (IPA)

Teraphim is a Hebrew word that refers to household idols or figurines. It is spelled as /ˈtɛrəfɪm/ in IPA phonetic transcription, which shows that the stress is on the second syllable and the final sound is "fim" as in "heathen". The "ph" in "Teraphim" is a transliteration of the Hebrew letter "pe" which has a sound similar to "f". The word appears several times in the Old Testament and is often associated with false worship and idolatry.

TERAPHIM Meaning and Definition

1. Teraphim, a plural noun derived from the Hebrew root word "troph" meaning "to frighten" or "to be afraid," refers to a type of household idol or figurine that was commonly used in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The term is predominantly mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.

   Teraphim were typically small, human-shaped statues representing various deities or ancestral spirits. They were often made of clay, wood, or precious metals, and were considered sacred objects of worship within a family or clan. It is believed that these idols were associated with divination, oracles, and seeking guidance or blessings from the spiritual realm. They held significant symbolic and religious importance, serving as a means of communication between humans and gods.

   In biblical accounts, teraphim are mentioned numerous times in relation to the ancient Israelites' religious practices, often associated with idolatry and the worship of false gods. Several passages condemn the use of teraphim as a violation of the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Despite such censures, it is thought that teraphim were still prevalent in certain households, especially among those who blended foreign customs with their religious beliefs.

   While the nature and purpose of teraphim may vary across different ancient cultures, they generally represent a type of idol or cult object used for veneration and divinatory purposes. The significance of teraphim in ancient society sheds light on the religious beliefs and practices of the time, revealing the important role that these figurines played in connecting humans with the supernatural world.

Common Misspellings for TERAPHIM

• terapbhim

Etymology of TERAPHIM

The word "Teraphim" comes from the Hebrew word "tĕraphiym" (תְּרָפִים) and has its roots in the ancient Near Eastern cultures. It is believed to have been borrowed from the Akkadian word "tarpīšū", which means "household gods" or "household idols". In biblical texts, Teraphim refers to a form of idolatrous statues or objects used for worship in various ancient Semitic cultures, including the Israelites.