Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "image" often refers to physical representations or likenesses, whether of divine beings, humans, or idols. The concept of images is significant throughout Scripture, as it touches upon themes of worship, idolatry, and the nature of humanity.Creation and the Image of God The foundational biblical reference to "image" is found in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage underscores the unique status of human beings, who are made in the image of God, signifying a special relationship with the Creator and a mandate to exercise dominion over creation. Idolatry and Prohibition of Images The Bible frequently addresses the issue of idolatry, which involves the creation and worship of images or idols. The Ten Commandments explicitly prohibit the making of graven images for worship. Exodus 20:4-5 commands, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God..." This prohibition is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God alone and rejecting the worship of created things. Images in Worship and the Tabernacle While the making of idols is forbidden, the Bible does describe the use of certain images in the context of worship, particularly in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. For example, Exodus 25:18-20 describes the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant: "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; all made from one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat." These images served a specific purpose in the worship of God and were not objects of worship themselves. New Testament Perspectives In the New Testament, the concept of image is further developed, particularly in relation to Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:15 declares, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." This affirms the divinity of Christ and His role as the perfect representation of God. Believers are also called to be conformed to the image of Christ, as seen in Romans 8:29 : "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." Eschatological Hope The hope of believers is ultimately tied to the restoration of the image of God in humanity. 1 Corinthians 15:49 states, "And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the image of the heavenly man." This eschatological promise points to the future transformation and glorification of believers, reflecting the fullness of God's image. Throughout Scripture, the concept of images serves as a reminder of humanity's unique role in creation, the dangers of idolatry, and the ultimate hope of being conformed to the image of Christ. Library Nebuchadnezzar's Dream The Sixth vision "On Earth" Thesaurus Image's (1 Occurrence)...Image's (1 Occurrence). Daniel 2:32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, (KJV DBY). ... /i/image's.htm - 6k Image-worship (1 Occurrence) Images (158 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Image's (1 Occurrence)Daniel 2:32 Subtopics Related Terms |
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