Teraphim

Teraphim (singular unattested, plural: Hebrew: תְּרָפִים tərāfīm) is a Hebrew word from the Bible, found only in the plural, of uncertain etymology. Despite being plural, teraphim may refer to singular objects. Teraphim is explained in classical rabbinical literature as meaning 'disgraceful things', but this is dismissed by modern etymologists. Many English versions of the Bible translate the word as 'idols', or 'household god(s)'; its exact meaning is more specific than this, but unknown precisely.