Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Idol worship, also known as idolatry, is the act of revering or venerating an image, statue, or any created object as a god or as possessing divine attributes. This practice is explicitly condemned throughout the Bible as it detracts from the worship of the one true God, Yahweh. Idolatry is considered a grave sin because it replaces the Creator with the created, leading individuals away from the truth and into spiritual deception.
Biblical Condemnation:The Bible consistently warns against idol worship, emphasizing the exclusive worship of God. In the Ten Commandments, 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" (
Exodus 20:3-4). This command underscores the prohibition of creating and worshiping physical representations of deities.
Old Testament Instances:Idolatry was a persistent issue for the Israelites, often leading them into sin and away from God's covenant. The golden calf incident (Exodus 32) is a notable example where the Israelites crafted an idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai. Despite witnessing God's mighty acts, they quickly turned to idol worship, provoking God's anger.
The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for idolatry. Isaiah mocked the futility of idol worship, stating, "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). This highlights the impotence of idols compared to the living God.
New Testament Perspective:The New Testament continues to denounce idolatry, expanding the concept to include anything that takes precedence over God in one's life. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (
1 Corinthians 10:14). He further explains that idol worship is not just a physical act but a spiritual one, involving demonic influences (
1 Corinthians 10:20).
Paul also addresses the issue in his letter to the Romans, describing how humanity exchanged the truth of God for a lie, worshiping created things rather than the Creator (
Romans 1:25). This exchange leads to moral and spiritual decay, illustrating the destructive nature of idolatry.
Spiritual Implications:Idol worship is not merely a historical or cultural issue but a spiritual one that affects the heart and soul. It represents a fundamental misalignment of priorities and affections, where something other than God becomes the object of ultimate trust and devotion. The Bible calls believers to guard against idolatry by maintaining a pure and undivided heart for God.
Contemporary Relevance:While modern society may not often engage in the worship of physical idols, the essence of idolatry persists in various forms. Materialism, power, fame, and even relationships can become idols when they usurp God's rightful place in one's life. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and lives, ensuring that God remains the central focus of their worship and devotion.
Conclusion:Idol worship is a recurring theme in the Bible, serving as a warning against the dangers of turning away from God. It calls for a steadfast commitment to worshiping God alone, recognizing His sovereignty and sufficiency in all things.
Topical Bible Verses
Exodus 20:5You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Topicalbible.orgJohn 4:23
But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
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Romans 1:1-32
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,
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Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
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Matthew 4:8-10
Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
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Leviticus 17:7
And they shall no more offer their sacrifices to devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever to them throughout their generations.
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Deuteronomy 32:17
They sacrificed to devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
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Psalm 106:37
Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to devils,
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Greek
1497. eidolon -- an image (ie forworship), by impl. a false god...idol. From eidos; an image (ie For
worship); by implication, a heathen god, or
(plural) the
worship of such --
idol. see GREEK eidos. (eidola) -- 3 Occurrences.
...1495. eidololatria -- imageworship
... eidololatria Phonetic Spelling: (i-do-lol-at-ri'-ah) Short Definition:worship or
service of an image Definition: service (worship) of an image (anidol)....
Strong's Hebrew
3649. komer -- a priest (inidol worship)... 3648, 3649. komer. 3650 . a priest (in
idol worship). Transliteration: komer
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-mawr') Short Definition: priests.
...Library
Folly ofIdol Worship.
... Chapter IX."Folly ofidol worship. And neither do we honour with many
sacrifices and garlands of flowers such deities as men have...
How the Gentiles AbandonedIdol Worship, and Turned to the...
... Book III. Chapter LVII."How the Gentiles abandonedIdol Worship, and turned
to the Knowledge of God. Hence it was that, of those...
Confutation ofIdol-Worship.
... Homily X. Chapter XXII."Confutation ofIdol-Worship. "In the first place,
indeed, if youworship them as being animated, why do...
Theology.
... And thus the imposture ofidol-worship is revealed, as well as the value of devotion
to the true Lord of all, by a process commenced in the opposite interest....
1 John v. 20, 21
... This admonition was, in its present form, intended for such as lived in a world
devoted toIdol-worship. Was then this admonition intended only for that age?...
Pride of Prosperity
... These women were numbered by hundreds. Their religion wasidol worship, and
they had been taught to practice cruel and degrading rites....
How He Forbade IdolatrousWorship, but Honored Martyrs and the...
... At the same time, his subjects, both civil and military, throughout the empire,
found a barrier everywhere opposed againstidol worship, and every kind of...
Idolatry Condemned by Baptism. To Make anIdol Is, in Fact, to...
... Chapter VI."Idolatry Condemned by Baptism. To Make anIdol Is, in Fact,
toWorship It. If no law of God had prohibited idols to...
Little Sins
... will not sin; and though all the world might have excused them with the plea of
expediency, if they had performed that one little act ofidol worship, yet they...
Daniel and the Village Priest.
... beg his bread for the day. I stopped him, and we entered into conversation
on the sin ofidol-worship. I told him that in order...
Resources
What is the definition of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the true meaning of the second commandment? | GotQuestions.orgIs it allowable for a Christian to eat halal food? | GotQuestions.orgIdol: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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