סֶמֶל
𐤎𐤌𐤋
çemel
H5566 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A carved or cast image or statue, particularly one representing a deity or embodying a symbolic likeness, often associated with religious veneration or idolatry in ancient Near Eastern contexts. The term can denote any physical object fashioned as a representation, especially those worshipped or honored as divine in non-Israelite cultic practice.
Semantic Range
carved or cast figure, idol, symbolic image, statue, monument, physical representation (typically of a deity or ideal)
Root / Etymology
The word סֶמֶל (semel) possibly derives from an unused root presumed to mean 'to resemble' or 'to form a likeness.' Direct etymological connections are not securely attested in Biblical Hebrew or related Semitic languages; thus, the root is best classified as uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, סֶמֶל appears most frequently in texts related to the condemnation of idolatry, particularly in prophetic and Deuteronomistic literature. Its usage is distinct from other terms translated as 'idol' or 'image', such as פֶּסֶל (pesel, carved image) or תְּמוּנָה (temunah, form/likeness), in that סֶמֶל often emphasizes the representational or emblematic nature of the object, with less focus on the material or artistic process. The term is attested in both singular and plural forms, often in polemics against the worship practices of neighboring peoples—especially in relation to Assyrian or Babylonian cultic imagery (e.g., Ezekiel 8:3, 8:5). In earlier periods, the concept would be familiar in broader ancient Near Eastern society, where emblems or images served both religious and political functions. English translations often render סֶמֶל as 'idol' or 'image,' but this can obscure the term's nuance, which may connote a formal or iconic likeness, not limited solely to objects of worship. Post-exilic uses retain the negative connotation within Israelite tradition, underlining the persistent cultural and religious conflict concerning images in worship.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or סֵמֶל; from an unused root meaning to resemble; a likeness; figure, idol, image.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סמל (s-m-l) — to resemble, to make a likeness, to symbolize
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5566-01 |
הַ/סֶּ֖מֶל | hasemel | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the idol | the carved likeness | 2 |
H5566-03 |
סֵ֖מֶל | semel | HNcmsc |
image | likeness-image of | 2 |
H5566-02 |
סָ֑מֶל | samel | HNcmsa |
figure | carved likeness-image | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5566-02 |
Deuteronomy 4:16 | סָ֑מֶל | samel | HNcmsa |
figure | carved likeness-image |
H5566-03 |
Ezekiel 8:3 | סֵ֖מֶל | semel | HNcmsc |
of the image | likeness-image of |
H5566-03 |
Ezekiel 8:5 | סֵ֛מֶל | semel | HNcmsc |
image | likeness-image of |
H5566-01 |
2 Chronicles 33:7 | הַ/סֶּ֖מֶל | hasemel | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the idol | the carved likeness |
H5566-01 |
2 Chronicles 33:15 | הַ/סֶּ֨מֶל֙ | hasemel | HTd/Ncmsa |
the idol | the carved likeness |