Bible Lexicons

Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old TestamentGirdlestone's OT Synonyms

The Teraphim

The Teraphim (תרפים , Ass. tarpu, a 'spectre') have now to be noticed. this word, which is only used in the plural number, is not understood by the lexicographer or the antiquarian. The LXX gives various renderings, namely, εἴδωλον, idol; γλυπτόν, carved object; δη̂λα, manifestations; ἀποφθεγγόμενοι, revealers; κενοταφία, empty tombs. The teraphimappear to be material objects regarded as a sort of 'fetish' or talisman, and consulted in emergencies. They are first met with in Genesis 31:19; Genesis 31:34-35. Laban calls them his 'gods,' but the inspired writer only calls them 'teraphim.' in Judges 17:5, they are connected with the images, with 'a house of gods and an ephod,' but they are evidently distinct objects, see 18:14, 17, 18, 20 in 1 Samuel 15:23, teraphimare parallel with divination (compare Zechariah 10:2) in 1 Samuel 19:13; 1 Samuel 19:16, they are put in the bed to occupy the place of David in Ezekiel 21:21 they are mentioned as used by the King of Babyl on in divining. this fact, coupled with the use of these objects in the house of Laban, would lead us to look for a Chaldean orig in for them.