Lexical Summary Moloch: Moloch Original Word: Μολόχ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Moloch. Of Hebrew origin (Molek); Moloch (i.e. Molek), an idol -- Moloch. see HEBREW Molek NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Molek Definition Moloch, the god of the Ammonites NASB Translation Moloch (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3434: ΜολόχΜολόχ, ὁ (Hebrew מֹלֶך, מִלְכֹּם, also מַלְכָּם; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus, ii., p. 794f), indeclinable, Moloch, name of the idol-god of the Ammonites, to which human victims, particularly young children, were offered in sacrifice. According to the description in the Jalkut ((Rashi (Vulg. Jarchi)) on Jeremiah 7:(31)), its image was a hollow brazen figure, with the head of an ox, and outstretched human arms. It was heated red-hot by fire from within, and the little ones placed in its arms to be slowly burned, while to prevent their parents from hearing their dying cries the sacrificing-priests beat drums (see γηννα): Acts 7:43 from Amos 5:26 the Sept., where Hebrew מַלְכְּכֶם, which ought to have been translated βασιλέως ὑμῶν, i. e. of your idol. Cf. Winers RWB, under the word, Moloch; J. G. Müller in Herzog ix. 714f; Merx in Schenkel see 194f; (BB. DD. under the words Molech, Moloch; Winers Grammar, Robertson Smith in Encyc. Brit. edition 9, under the word; Baudissin, Jahve et Moloch etc. and especially in Herzog 2 vol. 10:168-178). Topical Lexicon Name and Background Moloch (also rendered Molech or Milcom) designates a pagan deity whose worship centered on child sacrifice and ritual fire. The name derives from the Semitic word for “king,” and in ancient Near Eastern practice the god was venerated as a regal power demanding the costliest tribute—one’s own offspring. Israel encountered this cult primarily among Ammonites, Canaanites, and later Phoenician-Punic peoples. Old Testament Context From the Exodus onward the Lord explicitly forbade any association with Moloch worship. In Leviticus 18:21 and 20:2-5 the command is unequivocal: no child is to be “passed through the fire” to this god; violators would face death and the land itself would be defiled. Yet generations of Israelites lapsed: • Solomon permitted a high place for Moloch on the Mount of Olives (1 Kings 11:7). Amos 5:26, the passage later cited by Stephen, indicts Israel for carrying “Sakkuth your king” (often understood as Moloch) alongside star-god images—evidence of syncretism during the wilderness era. Appearance in Acts 7:43 The only New Testament occurrence is in Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin. Quoting the Septuagint’s form of Amos 5:26-27 he declares: “You took along the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images you made to worship. Therefore I will exile you beyond Babylon.” (Acts 7:43) Stephen’s point is twofold: (1) idolatry has plagued Israel since the wilderness, and (2) national exile proved God’s righteous response. By invoking Moloch, Stephen exposes the heart-level rebellion that ultimately culminated in the rejection of the Messiah. Theological Significance 1. Idolatry’s Cost. Moloch worship illustrates that sin often targets the innocent—here, children. Scripture presents it as the antithesis of God’s character, who cherishes life and calls His people to protect the vulnerable. Historical and Archaeological Insights Outside the Bible, Greek and Roman writers report that Phoenicians and Carthaginians offered infants to a brazen idol, heated from below. Excavations at Carthage and other Punic sites have uncovered urns containing the charred remains of babies and small animals, consistent with such accounts. While some debate persists, the convergence of biblical testimony and archaeological data affirms that child sacrifice was a real and horrifying practice. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Sanctity of Life: Moloch worship calls modern readers to uphold life from conception onward, defending children against any ideology that devalues them. Related References Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:2-5; 1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 16:3; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 19:5; Jeremiah 32:35; Zephaniah 1:5; Amos 5:26; Acts 7:43 Forms and Transliterations Μολοχ Μολόχ Μολὸχ μολόχη μολύνσεως Moloch MolóchLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |