What is a…
graven image

Hebrew: פֶסֶל —transliteration: pesel —meaning: an idol, an image carved, engraved, hewn or similarly fashioned

See: What is graving? and what is carving?

Jehovah God very specifically commanded,

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image —The 10 Commandments

These are idols fashioned by people in the imagined likeness of this god or something associated with the. These were sculpted from stone, trees, wood, clay, gold, silver, or other materials, or engraved upon such materials. They were objects of reverence, and a means of divination.

Deuteronomy 27:15; Psalm 97:7 (Hebrew: pesel), refers to the household gods of idolaters.

“Every nation and city had its own gods… Yet every family had its separate household or tutelary god.”

Pagan people’s also worshipped animals, stars, planets and places associated with their false gods.

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Article Version: April 8, 2024