G3447

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μοσχοποιέω (moschopoieō) holds a unique place in the New Testament, especially in discussions of idolatry and the events surrounding the worship of the golden calf. Occurring in Acts 7:41, this verb is tied to an infamous moment in Israelite history: the creation of the golden calf during Moses’ absence on Mount Sinai. Understanding this word deepens our grasp of Biblical narratives that deal with false worship and disobedience, and how these themes are treated in both ancient Jewish and early Christian contexts. This word is particularly significant for New Testament interpretation as it captures a pivotal moment of rebellion against God in Israel’s history.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μοσχοποιέω (moschopoieō), pronounced mos-kho-poi-EH-oh

Etymology: The word is a compound of two roots. The first, μόσχος (moschos), means “calf” or “young bull.” The second part, ποιέω (poieō), means “to make” or “to do.” Combined, moschopoieō literally means “to make a calf.”

Part of Speech: Verb. This verb is found in the active voice and describes the act of fashioning or creating a calf, particularly in the context of idol-making, as seen in Acts 7:41.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Make a Calf: The primary meaning of moschopoieō is to fashion or create a calf, specifically in the context of crafting an image or idol for worship. It directly references the act of making the golden calf that the Israelites worshipped while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

2. To Create Idols: More broadly, moschopoieō can be understood as the act of creating idols or false objects of worship, thus symbolizing rebellion against divine authority.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ποιέω (poieō) [pronunciation: poi-EH-oh]: This verb means “to make” or “to do” in a more general sense. It refers to the act of creating or causing something to exist. Moschopoieō is a specific form of poieō, where the object being created is an idol, specifically a calf.

2. εἰδωλοποιέω (eidōlopoieō) [pronunciation: ei-doh-loh-poi-EH-oh]: This word refers to the act of making idols or images for worship, paralleling moschopoieō in meaning but applied to any idol rather than specifically a calf.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Since moschopoieō is a verb, its morphological breakdown follows the standard conjugation of Greek verbs. Here is the Present Active Indicative form:

Person Singular Plural

1st μοσχοποιῶ μοσχοποιοῦμεν

2nd μοσχοποιεῖς μοσχοποιεῖτε

3rd μοσχοποιεῖ μοσχοποιοῦσιν

In this form, it would translate as “I make a calf,” “You make a calf,” or “They make a calf,” depending on the subject.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, moschopoieō appears in Acts 7:41, where it recounts the Israelites’ creation of the golden calf during their exodus from Egypt. This verb captures the act of creating a physical representation of a deity, marking the Israelites’ turn from true worship to idolatry. In a theological context, it reflects the recurring theme of idolatry throughout the Old Testament and its implications for understanding disobedience and rebellion against God. Lexical sources highlight its use as a rare but potent term, focusing on the literal creation of a calf for worship purposes.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 7:41 – “And they made a calf [μοσχοποιήσαντες] in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.”

2. Exodus 32:4 (Septuagint) – “He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it into a molten calf [μόσχον].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Septuagint Exodus 32:4 “And he made a molten calf [μόσχον] and said, ‘These are your gods…’”

Herodotus Histories “The people made idols of gold [χρυσὸς], fashioning calves [μόσχους].”

Philo Special Laws “They shaped a young bull [μόσχον], and worshipped it as a god.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word μοσχοποιέω (moschopoieō), meaning “to make a calf,” serves as a vivid reminder of the Israelites’ idolatry in the wilderness when they crafted and worshipped the golden calf. This verb appears in Acts 7:41 during Stephen’s speech, where he condemns the Israelites for turning away from God. Understanding this word enriches our comprehension of Biblical passages dealing with idolatry and its consequences. It highlights how easily people can be swayed by their desires, choosing visible, tangible objects over the unseen but true God.

Did You Know?

1. The making of the golden calf was a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

2. The term moschopoieō appears only once in the New Testament, making it a rare but powerful word in describing idolatry.

3. The creation of the calf symbolized a deeper issue of trust and impatience within the Israelite community as they awaited Moses’ return from the mountain.