Strong’s H6754

צֶלֶם

Part of speech

Noun Masculine

Transliteration

tselem

Pronunciation

tseh'-lem

Definition

Image, likeness, idol

Meaning

a phantom, illusion, resemblance, a representative figure, an idol

Usage

The Hebrew word "tselem" primarily denotes an image or likeness. It is used in the context of representing something, often in a physical or visual form. In the biblical narrative, "tselem" is most notably used to describe humanity being made in the "image" of God, signifying a representation or reflection of God's attributes, albeit in a finite and limited manner. It can also refer to idols or graven images, highlighting the contrast between the true image of God in humanity and the false images created by human hands.

Bible references

Genesis 1:26;Genesis 1:27;Genesis 1:27;Genesis 5:3;Genesis 9:6;Numbers 33:52;1 Samuel 6:5;1 Samuel 6:5;1 Samuel 6:11;2 Kings 11:18;2 Chronicles 23:17;Psalm 39:6;Psalm 73:20;Ezekiel 7:20;Ezekiel 16:17;Ezekiel 23:14;Amos 5:26