Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H457 (אֱלִיל, elil): Refers to idols or worthless things.
• H6091 (עֲצַב, atzab): Refers to idols or images.
• H6456 (פֶּסֶל, pesel): Refers to a carved image or idol.
• H8655 (תְּרָפִים, teraphim): Refers to household gods or idols.

These Hebrew terms similarly denote objects of false worship and are often used in the Old Testament to describe the idolatrous practices that the Israelites were warned against.

Usage: The term εἰδωλολατρία is used in the New Testament to describe the act of worshiping false gods or idols, which is considered a grave sin and a deviation from the worship of the one true God. It is often associated with pagan practices and is condemned as contrary to the teachings of Christianity.

Context: εἰδωλολατρία, or idolatry, is a significant concept in the New Testament, representing a major theological and moral issue. It is explicitly condemned as a violation of the first commandment, which demands exclusive worship of the Lord. In the Greco-Roman world, idolatry was pervasive, with numerous deities and their images being objects of veneration. The early Christian community faced the challenge of distinguishing itself from such practices, emphasizing the worship of God in spirit and truth.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses idolatry in his epistles, warning believers against participating in pagan rituals and urging them to flee from idolatrous practices. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 10:14, Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." Similarly, in Galatians 5:19-21, idolatry is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like."

The Book of Revelation also addresses idolatry, portraying it as part of the corrupt practices of Babylon and a reason for divine judgment. Revelation 9:20 states, "The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk."

Idolatry is not merely the physical act of bowing to statues but extends to any form of allegiance or devotion that replaces God in one's life. It is a heart issue, where anything that takes precedence over God becomes an idol. Thus, the New Testament calls believers to a life of holiness, where God is the sole object of worship and devotion.