UBS Greek Dictionary Article

Notes: In the NT εἴδωλον[a] is restricted in meaning to idol in contrast with image, as noted in the discussion of 6.97: εἴδωλον.

Form 1

Part of speech: noun, n.

Inflections: εἴδωλον; -ου

Related lemmas: εἶδος

Sense 1: idol, (image)

Semantic entry: 6.97

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Images and Idols

Definition: an object which resembles a person, animal, god, etc. and which is an object of worship{N:001}

Notes: The technical distinction between an image and an idol is that an image may merely represent a supernatural being, while an idol not only represents such a being but is believed to possess certain inherent supernatural powers. Images often become idols when they are assumed to possess such powers in and of themselves rather than being mere representations of some supernatural entity. If, for example, various images of a particular supernatural being are supposed to have different healing powers, then what began merely as images or representations of a supernatural power have become idols, in that the different images themselves have acquired special efficacy.|Though the existence of idols and corresponding terms for them are widespread, idols are by no means universal, and therefore it may be necessary in some languages to employ some type of descriptive equivalent, for example, ‘objects that are made to look like gods’ or ‘carved statues that are considered to be gods.’

Further resources: realia:4.6

ACT 7:41: RV ACT 7:41 · LV ACT 7:41 · Read together ACT 7:41

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OET-RV ACT 7:41

41 So together they made a calf as an idol to bring sacrifices to, and they were pleased with what they’d achieved.

OET-LV ACT 7:41

41 And they _made _a _calf in the those days, and they _brought _up a_sacrifice to _the idol, and they _were _being _gladdened in the works of _the hands of _them.

ROM 2:22: RV ROM 2:22 · LV ROM 2:22 · Read together ROM 2:22

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OET-RV ROM 2:22

22 You teach about not messing with other people’s spouses, yet you do it yourself. You detest idols, but you sneak money out of the temple.

OET-LV ROM 2:22

22 You saying not to _be _committing _adultery, you _are _committing _adultery?
You detesting the idols, you _are _temple-robbing?

All 9 recorded passages for this sense

ACT: RV ACT 7:41 · LV ACT 7:41 · Read together ACT 7:41

ROM: RV ROM 2:22 · LV ROM 2:22 · Read together ROM 2:22

CO1: RV CO1 8:4 · RV CO1 8:7 · RV CO1 10:19 · RV CO1 12:2 · LV CO1 8:4 · LV CO1 8:7 · LV CO1 10:19 · LV CO1 12:2 · Read together CO1 8:4 · Read together CO1 8:7 · Read together CO1 10:19 · Read together CO1 12:2

CO2: RV CO2 6:16 · LV CO2 6:16 · Read together CO2 6:16

TH1: RV TH1 1:9 · LV TH1 1:9 · Read together TH1 1:9

REV: RV REV 9:20 · LV REV 9:20 · Read together REV 9:20

Sense 2: false god

Semantic entry: 12.23

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Beings

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of εἴδωλον[a] ‘idol,’ 6.97: εἴδωλον) an unreal supernatural being

Notes: A ‘false god’ may be rendered as ‘that which seems to be a god.’ In RV JN1 5:21 · LV JN1 5:21 · Read together JN1 5:21 one may speak of ‘those that seem to be gods but really are not.’|It is also possible, however, to interpret εἴδωλον in RV JN1 5:21 · LV JN1 5:21 · Read together JN1 5:21 as being simply an idol.

Further resources: realia:4.6

ACT 15:20: RV ACT 15:20 · LV ACT 15:20 · Read together ACT 15:20

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OET-RV ACT 15:20