Idolatry Definition - The Full Biblical Meaning (Accurate)

What is the definition of idolatry?

Idolatry means serving or worshipping other idols or gods besides The Father and The Lord Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily.  Idolatry is a sin.

Hebrew Word Study – Idolatry

1. אֱלִיל (’elil)

• Part of Speech: Noun

• Literal Meaning: Worthless thing; idol; something empty or powerless.

• Usage Notes: Highlights the powerlessness and emptiness of idols. Used in contrast with the living God.

• Key Scriptures:

  • Isaiah 2:8 – “Their land is full of idols (’elil).”

  • Psalm 96:5 – “All the gods of the nations are idols (’elil), but the LORD made the heavens.”

Idolatry is portrayed as worship of what is vain, powerless, and deceptive.

2. פֶּסֶל (pesel)

• Part of Speech: Noun

• Literal Meaning: Carved image; graven idol.

• Usage Notes: Refers to physical statues used for worship; direct violation of the Second Commandment.

• Key Scriptures:

  • Exodus 20:4 – “You shall not make unto thee any graven image (pesel).”

  • Deuteronomy 27:15 – Cursed is the one who makes a carved image (pesel).

According to Scripture, idolatry is rebellion against God’s covenant, replacing Him with human-made objects.

3. עֲבֹדַת אֱלִילִים (‘avodat elilim)

• Part of Speech: Phrase

• Literal Meaning: Worship/service of idols.

• Usage Notes: Emphasizes devotion and allegiance to false gods.

• Key Scriptures:

  • 1 Samuel 7:3 – “Put away the foreign gods and commit yourselves to the LORD.”

The Bible reveals that idolatry is not merely objects, but a matter of devotion and loyalty.

4. עֲצַבִּים (‘atsabbim)

• Part of Speech: Noun

• Literal Meaning: Idols, images; literally “pains” or “sorrows.”

• Usage Notes: Suggests that idols bring sorrow and pain to their worshippers.

• Key Scriptures:

  • Psalm 115:4 – “Their idols (‘atsabbim) are silver and gold…”

  • Hosea 4:17 – “Ephraim is joined to idols…”

According to Scripture, idolatry leads to bondage, deception, and emotional/spiritual pain.

5. תּוֹעֵבָה (to‘evah)

• Part of Speech: Noun

• Literal Meaning: Abomination; something detestable.

• Usage Notes: Often used of idolatrous practices God despises.

• Key Scriptures:

  • Deuteronomy 7:25 – “The images of their gods…are an abomination (to‘evah).”

  • Ezekiel 8:10 – Idolatrous images in the Temple called abominations.

According to the Bible, God views idolatry not only as false worship—but as moral and spiritual filth that defiles His people.

6. אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים (‘elohim acherim)

• Part of Speech: Phrase

• Literal Meaning: “Other gods”

• Usage Notes: Expresses exclusive covenant loyalty to Yahweh as the only true God; others are imposters.

• Key Scriptures:

  • Deuteronomy 6:14 – “Do not follow other gods (‘elohim acherim).”

Idolatry breaks the First Commandment and violates the exclusive covenant relationship between God and people.

More on How Idolatry is Viewed By God In The Scriptures:

1. Idolatry = Covenant Treason — It breaks loyalty to God and replaces Him with false objects, desires, or powers.

2. Idols Are Emptiness — Described as worthless, powerless, deceptive, and ultimately destructive.

3. Idolatry Is More Than Images — It involves hearts, desires, allegiance, and worship (Ezekiel 14:3).

4. The Call of God: “Turn from idols to serve the living God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9) — this theme begins in the Old Testament and continues into the New.

Scriptures that Define Idolatry

• 1 Corinthians 10:7  Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:14  Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
• Isaiah 45:20  “Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save.
• Jonah 2:8  “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
• Judges 10:14  Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!”
• Leviticus 19:4  “ ‘Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.
• 1 John 5:21  Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
• Colossians 3:5  Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Here are some biblical scholars on this topic: