teraphim

American  

[ter-uh-fim] / ˈtɛr ə fɪm /

plural noun

• teraph
  singular

1. idols or images reverenced by the ancient Hebrews and kindred peoples, apparently as household gods.

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Etymology

Origin of teraphim

1350–1400; < Hebrew tərāphīm; replacing Middle English theraphym < Late Latin theraphim (Vulgate) < Greek theraphín (Septuagint) < Hebrew, as above

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

teraphim teraph

And forgive too,' she breathed, 'that I stole the teraphim.'

From Time Magazine Archive

With regard to the teraphim which Rachel took with her when Jacob fled from her father, there is not much that can be said.

From The Old Testament In the Light of The Historical Records and Legends of Assyria and Babylonia by Theophilus Goldridge Pinches

The teraphim were certainly images of family gods, and, as such, in all probability represented deceased ancestors.

From Evolution of Theology: an Anthropological Study by Thomas Henry Huxley

In cases where a temple stood before the altar it contained an ephod and teraphim, a kind of images before which the lot was cast by the priest.

From Prolegomena by Julius Wellhausen

The teraphim was an idol about the size of a man: how did Michal use it to deceive Saul's messengers?

From Heroes of Israel Text of the Hero Stories with Notes and Questions for Young Students by Theodore Gerald Soares

The teraph told me last night that you would be here....'

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Charles Kingsley

After all, I liked you from the first moment I saw you, and asked the teraph about you, and I got an answer—such an answer!

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Charles Kingsley

Stay—I will go and consult the teraph; it may know where he is....'

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Charles Kingsley

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