prophetsנָבִיא
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
An individual, usually male, who serves as a spokesperson for a deity, receiving divine messages or revelations and communicating them to the people. While usually applied to servants of Yahweh, the term is also used for those who speak on behalf of false gods.
sacrificeזֶבַח
zebach · Hebrew Noun
A religious act involving the killing of an animal or other offering to a deity. In the Old Testament, these were primarily instituted by God to atone for sin, but the term is also used when describing the false rituals performed for pagan idols.
cunningעָרְמָה
ormah · Hebrew Noun
Skill in deceit or a shrewd, crafty, and deceptive plan. While sometimes associated with human wisdom, it is frequently viewed negatively in Scripture when used to manipulate or destroy others for personal or tactical gain.
Sanctifyקָדַשׁ
qadash · Hebrew Verb
To set apart as holy, dedicate for a specific purpose, or cleanse from ritual impurity. In the context of false worship, it denotes the formal preparation for a ritualized religious observance.
solemn assemblyעֲצָרָה
atsarah · Hebrew Noun
A large, formal gathering of people, often called for a specific religious, political, or social purpose. In a biblical context, it frequently refers to corporate worship or a communal religious observance.
Baalבַּעַל
Baal · Hebrew Noun
A generic term for a false god or deity, particularly the chief Canaanite god of fertility and storms. In the Bible, Baal worship represents the primary spiritual rival to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
worshipersעָבַד
obedim · Hebrew Participle
A generic term for anyone who prostrates themselves, renders homage, or serves a deity. Biblically, it describes those whose lives and devotion are directed toward a specific god.
the LORDיְהוָה
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God who revealed Himself to Moses. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and personal Creator who demands exclusive allegiance.
sacrificesזֶבַח
zebach · Hebrew Noun
Ritual acts of slaughtering animals or presenting gifts to a deity as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, or petition. In the Old Testament, these were prescribed for the worship of the LORD, but were also characteristic of idolatrous cultic practice.
burnt offeringsעֹלָה
olah · Hebrew Noun
A primary form of worship where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, dedication, or the removal of sin before God.
servantעֶבֶד
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who serves or obeys a master; in a religious context, it refers to a devotee or a person whose life is bound to the service and will of a specific god or deity.
strike them downנָכָה
nakah · Hebrew Verb
To smite, kill, or execute. In a judicial or military context, it refers to the decisive act of destroying an enemy or executing judgment under divine or royal command.
pillarמַצֵּבָה
matstsebah · Hebrew Noun
A sacred stone or monument, often associated with Canaanite fertility cults, which was forbidden by God for Israel to erect.
Baalבַּעַל
Ba'al · Hebrew Noun
Literally meaning 'lord' or 'master,' it was the name of the primary storm and fertility god of the Canaanites. His worship involved idolatry and immoral practices that were strictly forbidden in Israel.
latrineמַחֲרָאוֹת
machara'oth · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew word meaning a 'latrine' or 'sewer.' Its use here signifies extreme contempt and the total profanation of a site previously dedicated to idolatry.
