Lexical Summary Molek: Molek Original Word: מֹלֶךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Molech From malak; Molek (i.e. King), the chief deity of the Ammonites -- Molech. Compare Malkam. see HEBREW malak see HEBREW Malkam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as melek Definition a heathen god to whom Isr. sacrificed children NASB Translation Molech (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֹ֫לֶךְ proper name, of a divinity Molech (ᵐ5 Μολοχ, ᵑ9 Moloch) (= מֶלֶךְ i.e. (divine) King, with vowels of בּשֶׁת to denote abhorrence, HoffmZAW iii. 1883, 124 RSSemitic i. 353; 2nd ed. 372; compare HoffmGG Abh. xxxvi. 1890 a (May, 1889), 25; Phoenician proper name, of divinity מלך Milk, in proper names compare Bloch, DrDt.222 f.); — with article ׳הַמּ: — the god to whom Israel sacrificed children with fire (in valley of Hinnom); ׳העביר בָּנֵשׁ לַ מּ 2 Kings 23:10; ׳העביר לַמּ Jeremiah 32:35 ("" הַבַּעַל), Leviticus 18:21 (H); ׳נתן לַמּ Leviticus 20:2,3,4 (H); more Generally ׳לִזְנוֺת אַחֲרֵי הַמּ Leviticus 20:5 (H). In 1 Kings 11:7 read probably מִלְכֹּם, q. v. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope A Canaanite–Ammonite idol associated with child sacrifice and fire rituals, “Molech” (Strong’s Hebrew 4432) functions in Scripture as a symbol of the most detestable form of idolatry: offering one’s own offspring in exchange for supposed blessing, protection, or fertility. Canonical Occurrences • Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5 – An absolute prohibition; violation carries the death penalty and divine rejection. Historical Background Archaeological finds at Ammonite, Phoenician, and Punic sites (e.g., Tophets at Carthage) corroborate the biblical picture of infant sacrifice by fire. The rite appears to have combined two ideas: (1) appeasement of a feared underworld deity, and (2) a dedication of firstborn strength to secure favor. In Israel it became attractive during periods of syncretism because it promised tangible prosperity while allowing continued use of Yahweh’s name. Ritual of Child Sacrifice Leviticus is explicit: “You must not give any of your children to sacrifice them to Molech, and do not profane the name of your God” (Leviticus 18:21). The worshiper quite literally “passed” a son or daughter “through the fire.” The act defiled both sanctuary and land, making true worship impossible. Scripture therefore prescribes death by stoning for the perpetrator and divine judgment on any community that tolerates the practice. Theological Implications 1. Sanctity of life: The prohibition arises from God’s ownership of children (Exodus 13:2) and His hatred of murder (Genesis 9:6). Prophetic and Reform Movements Solomon’s accommodation opened the door; later kings such as Ahaz and Manasseh entrenched the practice (alluded to in 2 Kings 16:3; 21:6). Josiah’s sweeping purge (2 Kings 23) physically destroyed the infrastructure of Molech worship, but Jeremiah shows that the heart-level idolatry persisted. Amos exposes a northern-kingdom version tied to astral symbols, anticipating the Assyrian exile. Relationship to Other Deities Molech is often mentioned alongside Chemosh, Baal, and Milcom. The overlapping titles suggest either a single deity with regional epithets or a syncretistic fusion of gods representing the same demonic power. The constant biblical descriptor—“abomination”—stresses the Lord’s unchanging verdict regardless of nomenclature or local variation. Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Data Phoenician inscriptions use mlk for a sacrificial term (possibly “molkomor” = substitution offering). Stone stelae from Carthage record dedications of children “to Baal-Hammon and Tanit,” paralleling the biblical mixture of Baal and Molech motifs. While not identical, the evidence reinforces the biblical narrative rather than contradicting it. Ministry Applications Today • Value every human life: Molech worship reminds believers to defend the unborn and vulnerable against any modern ideology that treats life as expendable. Summary Molech stands throughout Scripture as the epitome of idolatry that destroys life and profanes God’s name. The Bible’s unwavering condemnation and the reforms it inspires affirm the Lord’s holiness, the preciousness of human life, and the necessity of wholehearted worship. Forms and Transliterations הַמֹּ֖לֶךְ המלך וּלְמֹ֕לֶךְ ולמלך לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ לַמֹּ֔לֶךְ לַמֹּ֖לֶךְ לַמֹּֽלֶךְ׃ לַמֹּלֶךְ֒ למלך למלך׃ מַלְכְּכֶ֔ם מלככם ham·mō·leḵ hamMolech hammōleḵ lam·mō·leḵ lamMolech lammōleḵ mal·kə·ḵem malkeChem malkəḵem ū·lə·mō·leḵ uleMolech ūləmōleḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 18:21 HEB: תִתֵּ֖ן לְהַעֲבִ֣יר לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ וְלֹ֧א תְחַלֵּ֛ל NAS: to offer them to Molech, nor KJV: pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane INT: give to offer to Molech nor profane Leviticus 20:2 Leviticus 20:3 Leviticus 20:4 Leviticus 20:5 1 Kings 11:7 2 Kings 23:10 Jeremiah 32:35 Amos 5:26 9 Occurrences |
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