Idolatry
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Idolatry in the Bible?
Idolatry denotes the worship of physical images or representations of deities, a concept that expanded in Hebrew scripture to include the veneration of any deity other than Yahweh, irrespective of the presence of physical icons.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the breadth of this definition clarifies the rigorous monotheistic standards of the Hebrew Bible, illustrating how the rejection of all foreign gods and their associated practices was fundamental to preserving the covenant between Israel and Yahweh.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Idolatry. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Idolatry in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Idolatry clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Idolatry." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/idolatry/