Image: 5 definitions

Introduction:

Image means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. On this page you will also find search and cross-referencing tools.

Images (photo gallery)

In Christianity

General definition (in Christianity)

Source: archive.org: Smith's Bible Dictionary

Image refers to:—[Idol]

Source: archive.org: Nave's Topical Bible

Image definition and references: –For idols
–See Idolatry
Figurative
–Man created in, of God Genesis 1:26,27; 5:1; 9:6; James 3:9
–Regenerated into Psalms 17:15; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 1 John 3:1-3
–Christ, of God Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3
–Of jealousy Ezekiel 8:3,5
–See Idol
–See Idolatry

Source: archive.org: Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

1) Image refers to:—In theological usage the term ‘image’ occurs in two connexions: (1) as defining the nature of man (‘God created man in his own image,’ Genesis 1:27 ); and (2) as describing the relation of Christ as Son to the Father (‘who is the image of the invisible God,’ Colossians 1:15 ). These senses, again, are not without connexion; for, as man is re-created in the image of God lost, or at least defaced, through sin ( Colossians 3:10; cf. Ephesians 4:24 ) so, as renewed, he bears the image of Christ ( 2 Corinthians 3:18 ). These Scriptural senses of the term ‘image’ claim further elucidation.

1.As regards man , the fundamental text is that already quoted, Genesis 1:26-27 . Here, in the story of Creation, man is represented as called into being, not, like the other creatures, by a simple flat , but as the result of a solemn and deliberate act of counsel of the Creator: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.… And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.’ Distinctions, referred to below, have been sought, since Patristic times, between ‘image’ and ‘likeness,’ but it is now generally conceded that no difference of meaning is intended. The two words ‘image’ ( tselem ) and ‘likeness’ ( demuth ) combine, without distinction of sense, to emphasize the idea of resemblance to God. This is shown by the fact that in Genesis 1:27 the word ‘image’ alone is employed to express the total idea, and in Genesis 5:1 the word ‘likeness.’ Man was made like God, and so bears His image .

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2) Images refers to:—1.The making of an image implies a definite conception and the application of art to religion. The earliest Semitic religion (like that of Greece, Rome, etc.) was accordingly imageless. The first images were the stone pillar and the wooden pole or asherah(a tree fetish possibly of phallic significance). Then came real idols, at first for domestic use (as probably the teraphim, portable household gods), and subsequently those of greater size for public worship.

2.About 15 words in OT are used specifically for images. The earliest point to the process of manufacture graven, sculptured, molten images. The word properly meaning image, i.e. ‘likeness,’ is not earlier than the end of 7th cent. b.c. From that time onwards metaphor is frequent: images are ‘vanity,’ ‘lies,’ and objects inspiring disgust or horror [cf. the name Beelzebul , which some interpret as = ‘lord of dung’]. Sometimes such terms would replace those used without offence in earlier days; thus, in a proper name compounded with baal (lord), the objectionable word would be replaced by bosheth (‘shame’), in obedience to Exodus 23:13 etc.

3.Images represented animals ( e.g. the golden calves and the serpent Nehushtan) and human forms (cf. Ezekiel 16:17 f., Isaiah 44:13 , Psalms 115:4-8 , Wis 14:15-16; Wis 14:20 ). The ephodappears to have been some sort of image, but was perhaps originally the robe worn by the image.

4.The materials used in idol manufacture were clay ( Wis 15:13 , Bel 7), wood ( Isaiah 44:15 , Wis 13:13 ), silver and gold ( Hosea 8:4 , Daniel 3:1 ). They might be painted ( Wis 13:14; Wis 15:4 ), dressed up ( Jeremiah 10:9 , Ezekiel 16:18 ), crowned and armed ( Bar 6:9; Bar 6:15 ). They were kept in shrines ( Judges 17:5 , Wis 13:15 etc.), and secured from tumbling down ( Isaiah 41:7 , Jeremiah 10:4 ). Refreshments ( Isaiah 65:11 , Jeremiah 7:18 ) and kisses ( Hosea 13:2 , 1 Kings 19:18 ) were offered to them, as well as sacrifice and incense. They figured in processions (cf. ancient sculptures, and Isaiah 46:7 , Jeremiah 10:5 ). See also art. Idolatry.

H. F. B. Compston.

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