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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the word Μολόχ (Moloch) is critical due to its historical and theological significance. Moloch refers to the ancient Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice, often condemned in the Hebrew Bible. Its mention in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 7:43, underscores the grave idolatry Israel committed during their history, pointing to the seriousness of turning away from the true worship of God. By exploring the Greek word Μολόχ, we uncover layers of meaning that bridge New Testament theology with Old Testament practices and ancient Near Eastern culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Μολόχ (Moloch), pronounced MO-lok.

Etymology: The word Μολόχ is a direct transliteration from the Hebrew Molek or Melek, meaning “king.” It is often associated with the Canaanite deity to whom children were sacrificed.

Part of Speech: Μολόχ is a proper noun, a specific name for the deity. It does not change form according to declension, remaining fixed in its usage as the name of a pagan god.

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Defining Meanings

1. Moloch as a Deity of Child Sacrifice: The primary meaning of Moloch refers to the ancient Near Eastern god to whom child sacrifices were made, a practice strongly condemned in both the Hebrew Bible and by later Jewish and Christian writings.

2. Idolatry and Rebellion Against God: Μολόχ is symbolic of the ultimate rebellion against Yahweh, representing Israel’s turn to foreign gods and the rejection of divine commandments.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Βάαλ (Baal) [pronunciation: bah-AHL]: Baal was another prominent Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather. Unlike Moloch, who was known for child sacrifice, Baal’s worship involved various other rites, but both deities represent idolatry in the Bible.

2. Ἀστάρτη (Astarte) [pronunciation: as-TAR-teh]: Astarte was a goddess worshipped in the ancient Near East, associated with fertility, sexuality, and war. The worship of Astarte, like Moloch, was condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures, highlighting Israel’s tendency to stray toward pagan practices.

3. Χεμώς (Chemosh) [pronunciation: KHE-mosh]: The Moabite god, Chemosh, was another deity linked to child sacrifice. Similar to Moloch, Chemosh represented the idolatrous practices that led Israel astray.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Μολόχ does not follow regular declension patterns like other Greek nouns. It is a foreign name directly transliterated into Greek, thus remaining fixed in its singular, nominative form. It represents the name of the deity and is typically used in this singular nominative form across occurrences.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The Greek word Μολόχ (Moloch) appears as a transliteration of the Hebrew Molech, the Canaanite deity associated with the horrific practice of child sacrifice. In lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s, the name is connected to historical practices where children were burned as offerings to this deity, primarily by ancient Israelites during times of severe apostasy. Scholars note that the appearance of Moloch in Acts 7:43, quoting from Amos 5:26, highlights the strong condemnation of idolatry. In classical Greek literature, Moloch does not appear frequently, as it is primarily tied to the biblical tradition.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 7:43 – “Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of [Moloch], and the star of your god Rephan, the figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.”

2. Leviticus 18:21 – “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to [Moloch], neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”

3. Jeremiah 32:35 – “And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto [Moloch]; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato N/A The name Μολόχ does not appear in classical works.

Herodotus N/A No specific mention of Μολόχ is found in his writings.

Septuagint Amos 5:26 “But ye have borne the tabernacle of [Moloch].”

Noteworthy Summary

Μολόχ (Moloch), a proper noun, represents a key figure in the idolatrous practices condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. Found in Acts 7:43, this word underscores the importance of fidelity to God and the dangers of turning to pagan deities. Moloch was infamous for being associated with child sacrifice, a practice that directly opposed the values and commandments of the Hebrew faith. Understanding Moloch helps us appreciate the theological depth of scriptural warnings against idolatry and apostasy.

Did You Know?

1. The practice of child sacrifice to Moloch was a central reason for God’s harsh judgments on the Israelites during periods of apostasy.

2. Moloch is often used symbolically in modern literature and political discourse to represent the sacrifice of humanity or morality for material gain.

3. The name Moloch appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 7:43, as a reference to the idolatrous worship condemned by the prophet Amos.

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