Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the Greek word εἴδωλον (eídōlon) plays a pivotal role in understanding the New Testament’s condemnation of idolatry. This term, which broadly refers to an idol or image representing a deity, is essential for grasping the tension between early Christian teachings and the pervasive idol worship in the Greco-Roman world. The word εἴδωλον is used extensively in the New Testament to describe the false gods and their images, which were central to pagan religious practices. Understanding εἴδωλον provides critical insight into the early Christian rejection of idolatry and the theological emphasis on worshiping the one true God.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἴδωλον (eídōlon) [AY-do-lon]
• Etymology: Derived from εἶδος (eîdos), meaning “form” or “appearance,” and the diminutive suffix -λον (-lon), indicating an image or representation.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter, second declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Idol, an image or representation of a false god
• A phantom or apparition, something that appears but has no true substance
• A false god or deity

Similar Words:

• εἶδος (eîdos) [AY-dos]: Refers to form or appearance, often used in the context of visible shape or structure.
• προσκυνέω (proskynéō) [pros-koo-NEH-oh]: A verb meaning “to worship” or “to bow down,” often used to describe acts of reverence, whether towards God or idols.
• μορφή (morphḗ) [mor-FAY]: Refers to form or shape, but can also imply an underlying reality, in contrast to εἴδωλον, which often denotes something without true substance.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The word εἴδωλον is a compound noun, combining the concept of form (εἶδος) with a diminutive suffix, indicating something that is a mere representation or image.
• Noun Declension: As a second declension neuter noun, εἴδωλον follows standard Greek declension patterns.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines εἴδωλον as an image or representation of a deity, specifically referring to idols worshiped in pagan religions. The lexicon emphasizes that in the New Testament, εἴδωλον is consistently used with a negative connotation, highlighting the Christian rejection of idol worship.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights εἴδωλον as an image or likeness, particularly of a false god. Thayer’s notes that the term is used in the New Testament to denounce the practice of idolatry, which was widespread in the Greco-Roman world.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἴδωλον in the context of Christian teachings against idolatry. Vine’s points out that the term is used to contrast the worship of idols, which are lifeless and powerless, with the worship of the living God.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἴδωλον to classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe images, representations, or even phantoms. The lexicon notes that the term often carried a connotation of something insubstantial or deceptive, fitting its later use in Christian texts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἴδωλον as a noun meaning “idol” or “image,” emphasizing its frequent use in the New Testament to condemn the worship of false gods. The concordance highlights the word’s significance in early Christian efforts to distinguish their faith from pagan practices.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 10:14: “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry (εἰδωλολατρία).”
• 1 John 5:21: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols (εἴδωλα).”
• Acts 15:20: “Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols (εἰδώλων), from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἴδωλον (G1497: eídōlon)

The Greek word εἴδωλον (eídōlon) is central to the New Testament’s critique of idolatry. As a term that refers to idols or images of false gods, εἴδωλον is consistently used to highlight the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God. This word encapsulates the early Christian rejection of pagan religious practices and serves as a key concept in understanding the New Testament’s teachings on faith and devotion. The term’s roots in classical Greek literature also reveal its broader cultural significance, where it often denoted something that was merely a representation, lacking true substance.

Did You Know?

The term εἴδωλον (eídōlon) is the origin of the modern English word “idol.” In ancient times, εἴδωλον could refer to any image or likeness, but in the context of the New Testament, it became a term of reproach, symbolizing the false gods and lifeless images that people mistakenly worshiped. The early Christians’ rejection of idols was not only a religious stance but also a bold declaration of their distinct identity in a world dominated by pagan practices.