צֶלֶם
selem (ṣelem)
/TSEH-lem/
“image, likeness, statue, model”
Image, representation, statue; foundational theological term for Imago Dei (Genesis 1:26-27), designating humankind as God's representative vice-regents.
Lexical & Etymological Analysis
Root & Derivation
From an unused root meaning to shade.
Traditional English Renderings (KJV/AV)
imagevain shewfigure
Septuagint (LXX) & New Testament Conceptual Bridges
Cross-Testament BridgeHow this lemma bridges Old Testament Hebrew and New Testament Koine Greek through the Septuagint (LXX) translation tradition.
LXX conceptual translation: צֶלֶם (image, likeness, statue, model) -> εἰκών (an image, likeness)
LXX conceptual translation: צֶלֶם (image, likeness, statue, model) -> G3669
LXX conceptual translation: צֶלֶם (image, likeness, statue, model) -> τύπος (mark, impression, impress, stamp)
Key Biblical Occurrences (6)
Foundational passages where צֶלֶם (selem) carries significant theological or narrative weight.