צֶ֫לֶם (tse.lem)
tse.lem
image
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun tselem primarily denotes an image or likeness, appearing eleven times in the Hebrew Bible with its most significant usage in Genesis 1:26 and 9:6, where humans are created in God’s image. It refers to a visible representation of an invisible reality, whether describing the physical statues of foreign gods mentioned in passages like 1 Samuel 31:10 or the figurative "image" of emptiness found in Psalms 39:6.
A key distinction lies in its application to idols versus people. While it describes lifeless representations of deities, its use for humanity carries theological weight, implying that humans reflect God’s nature and authority on earth. The sources note it can also mean a mere semblance or shadow, as when Psalm 39:6 describes human life as an "empty image" (tselem), emphasizing its fleeting, insubstantial nature compared to eternal divine truth.
This word bridges the concrete and the abstract. It is not merely a copy but a representation that shares in the identity of the original. When applied to humans, it establishes their unique status among creation; when applied to idols or human vanity, it highlights the gap between appearance and substance. Translators consistently render it as "image," preserving its core sense of likeness without adding modern connotations of artistry or intent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tselem reminds us that every person carries a unique dignity because they reflect the Creator. When Genesis describes humanity as God’s image, it is not speaking of physical appearance but of our capacity to love, create, and exercise stewardship over the world. This truth grounds our self-worth; we are not accidents, but intentional reflections of divine life.
Yet this word also warns against vanity. In Psalms, human life is called an empty image, fleeting like a dream upon waking. Recognizing this fragility invites humility. We do not need to prove our value through status or wealth, for it was given at creation. Instead, we are invited to live in alignment with that original design, treating others with the respect due to God’s representatives.
This balance of high calling and humble reality shapes how we view ourselves and our neighbors. Whether in moments of strength or weakness, the imprint of God remains. It calls us to honor life, reject idolatry, and walk gently in the grace that makes us who we are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ [the] image of2×
- images/ its2×
- [the] images of2×
- in/ own image/ his1×
- in/ image/ our1×
- images/ your1×
- images of1×
- image/ their1×
- and/ images of1×
- according to/ image/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַלְמָ֬/ם1×
- צַלְמֵי/כֶ֑ם1×
- צַלְמֵ֨י1×
- צַלְמֵ֥י1×
- צַלְמֵ֤י1×
- צְלָמָי/ו֙1×
- צְלָמָ֖י/ו1×
- כְּ/צַלְמ֑/וֹ1×
- וְ/צַלְמֵ֣י1×
- בְּ/צַלְמֵ֖/נוּ1×
- בְּ/צַלְמ֔/וֹ1×
- בְּ/צֶ֥לֶם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:26
God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
This verse establishes the foundational theological claim that humanity is uniquely created to reflect God’s nature and authority.
-
Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in his own image.
The image of God serves as the basis for the sanctity of human life and the prohibition against murder.
-
Psalms 73:20
As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
Here the word describes the fleeting, insubstantial nature of human vanity when compared to eternal divine truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tselem mean in Genesis 1?
How is tselem different from an idol?
Why is human life called an empty image in Psalms?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 4 verses
God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over…
Genesis 1:27God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 5:3Adam lived one hundred thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him…
Genesis 9:6Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in his own image.