graven image
C2Literary/Religious/Formal
Definition
Meaning
An idol or object of worship that has been carved, sculpted, or crafted from a solid material, especially in a religious context.
Any physical representation (often derogatory) that is worshipped, revered, or given excessive importance, treated as a false god or object of devotion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A primarily biblical and theological term. Strongly associated with prohibitions against idolatry. Implies the object is man-made, material, and spiritually false. Often used metaphorically to criticize the worship of money, power, or fame.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally archaic and literary in both varieties, used primarily in religious or historical contexts.
Connotations
Identical strong biblical/conservative religious connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, slightly more common in theological writing. No discernible UK/US frequency difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
worship + [graven image]make/erect/carve + [graven image]prohibit + [graven image]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't make a graven image of it.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical use, e.g., 'Profits have become the graven image of this corporation, worshipped above ethics.'
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, art history, and anthropology to discuss idolatry and religious practices.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation except in specific religious communities.
Technical
Specific term in biblical exegesis and comparative religion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They were accused of gravening images, contrary to the commandments.
- (Note: 'to grave' is obsolete, 'graven' is only used as a past participle/adjective)
American English
- The ancient tribe was known to grave images of their gods into the stone. (archaic)
adjective
British English
- The graven idol stood in the centre of the temple.
- His face was graven with lines of worry. (Note: this is the adjectival use of the participle, not part of the compound noun 'graven image')
American English
- They discovered a graven stone tablet.
- His features were graven in my memory. (adjectival use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The museum had statues that were ancient graven images.
- Some religions do not allow graven images in places of worship.
- The sermon warned against making modern materialism our graven image.
- Archaeologists found graven images of animals in the cave.
- The Second Commandment's prohibition of graven images has profoundly influenced Jewish and Islamic art.
- He argued that the nation's constitution had become a secular graven image, revered beyond rational critique.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRAVEN' as 'engraved' or 'carved' (it's the archaic past participle of 'grave' meaning to carve). A GRAVEN IMAGE is a CARVED PICTURE/STATUE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL OBJECT IS FALSE SPIRITUAL REALITY. MATERIAL IS FALSE. MAN-MADE IS INAUTHENTIC.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with просто 'идол' (idol) in a modern pop-culture sense. 'Graven image' carries heavy religious condemnation absent from the neutral Russian 'идол'.
- The phrase 'кумир' is closer in metaphorical sense (object of worship), but lacks the specific 'carved/material' element.
- Avoid translating as 'гравюра' or 'изображение' - these are purely descriptive and lack the theological meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe any admired person (e.g., 'My football hero is my graven image.'). The term is almost exclusively negative and religious.
- Confusing 'graven' (archaic) with 'engraved' (modern).
- Using it in a positive or neutral context for a sculpture.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'graven image' MOST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively used in religious, literary, or academic contexts. It is not part of everyday modern vocabulary.
All graven images are idols (in the religious sense), but not all idols are graven images. 'Idol' can be a more general term for anything worshipped, including abstract concepts like fame or money. 'Graven image' specifies a physical, crafted object.
'Graven' is the archaic past participle of the verb 'to grave' (to carve/engrave). The phrase comes from the language of the King James Bible (1611), which has had a lasting influence on English religious terminology.
Extremely rarely, and only with heavy irony or in a very specific art-historical description. Its default connotations are negative, implying false worship and violation of religious law.