Teraphim (Hebrew: תְּרָפִים, romanized: tərāfīm) is a word from the Hebrew Bible, found only in the plural, and of uncertain etymology.[1] Despite being plural, teraphim may refer to singular objects. Teraphim is defined in classical rabbinical literature as "disgraceful things",[2] but this is dismissed by modern etymologists. Many Bible translations into English translate it as idols or household god(s); its exact meaning in ancient times is unknown.
- ^ Smith, William Robertson; Box, George Herbert (1911). . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 26 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 637.
- ^ Jewish Encyclopedia, Teraphim