Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Chiun is a term mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Amos, and is often associated with idolatry practiced by the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. The reference to Chiun is found in Amos 5:26, where the prophet Amos rebukes the Israelites for their unfaithfulness to God, highlighting their worship of foreign deities. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "You have lifted up the shrine of your king and the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves."The term "Chiun" is believed to be a reference to an astral deity, possibly associated with the planet Saturn. The context in Amos suggests that Chiun was one of the idols that the Israelites carried with them, indicating a syncretistic practice where they combined the worship of Yahweh with that of other gods. This practice was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law, which commanded exclusive worship of the one true God (Exodus 20:3-5). The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translates "Chiun" as "Raiphan" or "Rephan," which is also mentioned in the New Testament. In Acts 7:43, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, refers to this passage from Amos during his speech before the Sanhedrin, using the name "Rephan" to describe the idolatry of the Israelites: "You took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon." The mention of Chiun in Amos serves as a reminder of the Israelites' recurring struggle with idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. It underscores the prophetic message that true worship requires fidelity to God alone, without the incorporation of foreign religious practices. The historical context of Chiun reflects the broader theme of the prophets, who called the people of Israel to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. In summary, Chiun represents a significant aspect of Israel's history of idolatry, serving as a cautionary example of the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining pure devotion to God. The biblical references to Chiun highlight the ongoing challenge of idolatry faced by the Israelites and the prophetic call to uphold the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Smith's Bible Dictionary Chiun(a statue , perhaps of Saturn), an idol made by the Israelites in the wilderness. [REMPHAN] ATS Bible Dictionary ChiunThe name of an idol worshipped by the Israelites in the desert, Am 5:26 Acts 7:43. It was most probably the planet Saturn, worshipped by eastern nations as an evil spirit to be propitiated by sacrifices. See REMPHAN. Easton's Bible Dictionary Occurs only in Amos 5:26 (R.V. marg., "shrine"). The LXX. translated the word by Rhephan, which became corrupted into Remphan, as used by Stephen (Acts 7:43; but R.V., "Rephan"). Probably the planet Saturn is intended by the name. Astrologers represented this planet as baleful in its influences, and hence the Phoenicians offered to it human sacrifices, especially children. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHIUN (1)ki'-un: Thus Hebrew kiyun, is transliterated in Amos 5:26 the King James Version. The vowels represent an assimilation to some such word as shiqquts, "detestable thing," or gillul, "idol" (properly "a filthy thing"), in consonance with the well-known habit of the punctuators (compare molekh, Molech with the vowels of bosheth, "shame"). The Syriac version has preserved the correct vocalization; apparently also the Septuagint, albeit the consonants have suffered corruption (so particularly in the Greek manuscripts of Acts 7:43). There can be no doubt that we should vocalize kewan = the Assyrian Kai(a)-wanu = Kaiamanu by which at least in late Babylonian Saturn was indicated. The passage in Amos refers to the Saturn worship which appears to have been in vogue in the prophet's days. The Israelites shall carry with them into exile the images of their gods (render with the margin of the Revised Version (British and American): "Yea, ye shall take up," etc.). The received vocalization is as old as Aquila and Symmachus. Max L. Margolis CHIUN (2) ki'-un (Amos 5:26 the King James Version): Called in Acts 7:43 "Rephan" (Rhemphan) the planet Saturn. Strong's Hebrew 3594. Kiyyun -- a heathen god... Chiun. From kuwn; properly, a statue, ie Idol; but used (by euphemism) for some heathen deity (perhaps corresponding to Priapus or Baal-peor) -- Chiun. ... /hebrew/3594.htm - 6k Library The Uproar in Ephesus. The Apology of Aristides the Philosopher. Translated from the ... Acts vii. 35 Thesaurus Chiun (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHIUN (1). ki'-un: Thus Hebrew kiyun, is transliterated in Amos 5:26 the King James Version. ... Max L. Margolis. CHIUN (2). ... /c/chiun.htm - 8k Astrology Rephan (1 Occurrence) Chittim (5 Occurrences) Remphan (1 Occurrence) Chloe (1 Occurrence) Star-god (1 Occurrence) Succoth (18 Occurrences) Moloch (2 Occurrences) Semites Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Chiun (1 Occurrence)Amos 5:26 Subtopics Chiun: Also Called Remphan, a God of the Phoenicians Related Terms |
    |