תְּרָפִים (te.ra.phim)
te.ra.phim
teraphim
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun teraphim refers to small household idols, often understood as family images used in domestic worship. Occurring fourteen times in the Old Testament, these objects appear most frequently in the books of Genesis, Judges, and 1 Samuel, linking them closely to early Israelite history and the complex religious practices of surrounding cultures.
While the exact nature of teraphim remains debated, they are generally described as a type of idol associated with household shrines. In Genesis 31, Rachel’s theft of her father Laban’s teraphim suggests they may have held significance for inheritance or family authority, not merely religious devotion. This dual role highlights how deeply embedded these objects were in daily life and social structure.
Translators often render the term as "idols" or "household gods," though this can oversimplify their unique cultural context. Unlike large public cultic statues, teraphim were intimate, portable items tied to specific families. Their presence in biblical narratives underscores the tension between exclusive worship of Yahweh and the persistent allure of local, personal deities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teraphim points to small household idols that families kept for guidance or protection. In ancient times, these objects represented a desire to control one’s future through visible means rather than trusting in God’s unseen presence. Rachel’s secret theft of her father’s teraphim shows how deeply such practices were woven into family life and social standing.
When we face uncertainty, it is natural to look for signs or shortcuts to security. Yet Scripture consistently warns that these objects offer no real help. They cannot speak truth or guide our steps. True peace comes from relying on God alone, who knows our needs before we ask.
This word reminds us to examine what we rely on when life feels unstable. Are we seeking comfort in things we can see and hold, or are we resting in the promises of the Lord? Let your heart turn toward Him, for He is a faithful shepherd who never leads us astray.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ teraphim10×
- and/ teraphim4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים5×
- וּ/תְרָפִ֔ים2×
- הַ/תְּרָפִ֗ים2×
- וּ/תְרָפִֽים\׃1×
- וּ/תְרָפִ֖ים1×
- הַ/תְּרָפִֽים\׃1×
- הַ/תְּרָפִ֨ים1×
- הַ/תְּרָפִ֣ים1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 31:19
Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.
Rachel’s theft reveals how teraphim were tied to family authority and inheritance, not just religious ritual.
-
Judges 17:5
The man Micah had a house of gods, and he made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.
Micah’s private shrine shows how individuals created their own worship systems outside God’s law.
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I Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Yahweh’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.”
Saul’s rejection of God is compared to idolatry, linking teraphim with rebellion against divine authority.
-
Zechariah 10:2
For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams. They comfort in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep. They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd.
The prophet declares that teraphim speak vanity, showing their inability to provide true guidance or comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does teraphim mean in the Bible?
Why did Rachel steal her father’s teraphim?
Are teraphim mentioned in the New Testament?
How are teraphim different from other idols?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 6 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.
Genesis 31:34Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt around all the tent, but…
Genesis 31:35She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He…