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.
(_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.