TERAPHIM (D ’ S1∏), a Hebrew word found only in the plural, which the Authorized Version sometimes simply transcribes (Judges xvii. 5, xviii. 14 sq. ; Hosea iii. 4), but elsewhere translates by “images” (Gen. xxxi. 19 and often elsewhere), “image” (1 Sam. xix. 13), “idols” (Zech. x. 2), “idolatry” (1 Sam. xv. 23). The etymology of the word is quite obscure (see Gesenius, Thesaurus, p. 1519 sy.), but it appears that the teraphim were a kind of idols (Gen. xxxi. 30), with something of a human figure (1 Sam. xix. 13); and, though their use was condemned by the prophets (1 Sam. xv. 23; cp. 2 Kings xxiii. 24), they were long commonly used in popular worship, both domestic (1 Sam. xix. 13, in the house of David and Michal) and public (Judges xviii.). They are associated with the ephod, λvhich in this connexion seems to mean a plated image, and Hosea speaks of ephod and teraphim as essential elements in the religious usages of northern Israel. Like the ephod, they were specially associated with divination, and in particular with the sacred lot (Zech. x. 2; Ezek. xxi. 21 [26]). From the last passage it appears that teraphim were used by the Babylonians as well as by the Hebrews. These statements and references cover all that is knoλvn about the teraphim; the fables of the rabbins are collected in Buxtorf, Lex. Talmud., 2660 sq.

It is said, Gen. xxxi, 19, that Rachel had stolen the images (_teraphim_) of her father. What then were these _teraphim_? The Septuagint translate this word by “oracle,” and sometimes by “vain figures.” Aquila generally translates it by “figures.” It appears, indeed, from all the passages in which this word is used, that they were idols or superstitious figures. Some Jewish writers tell us the _teraphim_ were human heads placed in niches, and consulted by way of oracles. Others think they were talismans or figures of metal cast and engraven under certain aspects of the planets, to which they ascribed extraordinary effects. All the eastern people are much addicted to this superstition, and the Persians still call them _telefin_, a name nearly approaching to teraphim. M. Jurieu supposes them to have been a sort of _dii penates_, or household gods; and this appears to be, perhaps, the most probable opinion.