of Hebrew origin (מֹלֶךְ); Moloch (i.e. Molek), an idol:--Moloch.
Transliteration:Molóch
Pronunciation:mol-okh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Μολόχ (Molóch, `{{G3434}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew מֹלֶךְ (Molek, `{{H4432}}`). It refers specifically to a pagan deity, an idol worshipped by various peoples in the ancient Near East, particularly the Ammonites. The core meaning is thus a proper noun identifying this specific god. Its semantic range is exceptionally narrow, referring exclusively to this entity or the cultic practices associated with its worship. The most infamous and defining characteristic of Moloch worship was the ritualistic sacrifice of children, often by passing them through fire. Therefore, beyond merely identifying an idol, the term inherently carries the connotation of a particularly horrific and detestable form of pagan worship, condemned unequivocally by the God of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek term Μολόχ (Molóch, `{{G3434}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the speech of Stephen before the Sanhedrin:
* [[Acts 7:43]]: "You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon."
This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Amos 5:26]]. In Stephen's powerful historical survey, he recounts Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, even during their wilderness wanderings. The mention of Moloch here serves as a potent example of Israel's apostasy, highlighting their tendency to turn away from the true God, Yahweh, and embrace the abominable practices of surrounding nations. Stephen uses this historical precedent to underscore the deep-seated spiritual resistance of his contemporary audience, who, like their ancestors, were rejecting God's appointed messengers. The reference to Moloch specifically evokes the gravest form of idolatry, emphasizing the severity of their historical and ongoing sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Greek Μολόχ (Molóch, `{{G3434}}`) is inextricably linked to its Hebrew original, מֹלֶךְ (Molek, `{{H4432}}`). This deity is extensively mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in legal codes and prophetic denunciations:
* **Levitical Law:** The worship of Moloch, especially the practice of "passing children through the fire" to him, is strictly forbidden and condemned as an abomination ([[Leviticus 18:21]], [[Leviticus 20:2-5]]). Those who engaged in such practices were to be cut off from the community, and if the community failed to act, God Himself would set His face against them.
* **Historical Accounts:** Kings like Solomon, in his later apostasy, built high places for Moloch ([[1 Kings 11:7]]). King Manasseh also led Judah into this horrific practice ([[2 Kings 21:6]]). King Josiah, during his reforms, defiled Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom, where children were sacrificed to Moloch, to prevent further such worship ([[2 Kings 23:10]]).
* **Prophetic Condemnation:** Prophets like Jeremiah vehemently denounced the worship of Moloch and the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, declaring that such acts "never entered [God's] mind" ([[Jeremiah 32:35]], also [[Jeremiah 7:31]]).
* **Associated Concepts:** The word is strongly associated with **idolatry**, **child sacrifice**, **apostasy**, **abomination**, **pagan worship**, and the **Valley of Hinnom** (Gehenna), which became synonymous with judgment due to the atrocities committed there. The contrast with the worship of Yahweh, who abhors human sacrifice and demands moral purity, is fundamental.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Μολόχ (Molóch, `{{G3434}}`) is profound and multi-faceted:
* **Divine Holiness and Jealousy:** The severe condemnation of Moloch worship throughout Scripture underscores the absolute holiness and exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh. He is a "jealous God" ([[Exodus 20:5]]) who tolerates no rivals. The offering of human life, particularly innocent children, to a lifeless idol is the ultimate affront to the Creator who bestows life.
* **Human Depravity and Spiritual Blindness:** The practice of child sacrifice to Moloch exemplifies the deepest levels of human depravity and spiritual corruption. It reveals a chilling willingness to violate natural parental love and the inherent dignity of human life for perceived material or spiritual gain from a false god. This act is a stark manifestation of humanity's fallen state and its capacity for profound evil when separated from the true God.
* **Covenant Violation and Judgment:** Worship of Moloch constituted a direct and egregious violation of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the first two commandments against having other gods and making idols ([[Exodus 20:3-5]]). Such acts were consistently presented as grounds for divine judgment, leading to exile and destruction, as highlighted in Stephen's speech ([[Acts 7:43]]).
* **Contrast with True Worship:** The abhorrence of Moloch worship serves as a stark contrast to the pure and life-affirming worship demanded by Yahweh. While Moloch demanded the blood of children, the God of Israel called for justice, righteousness, mercy, and ultimately provided the path to redemption through the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ, which is a life-giving, not a life-taking, sacrifice.
* **Continuity of Rebellion:** Stephen's invocation of Moloch in [[Acts 7:43]] demonstrates that the pattern of Israel's rebellion against God's covenant, manifested in idolatry and rejection of His messengers, continued even into the New Testament era, culminating in the rejection of Christ.
### Summary
Μολόχ (Molóch, `{{G3434}}`) refers to a notorious pagan deity, derived from the Hebrew מֹלֶךְ (Molek, `{{H4432}}`), whose worship was characterized by the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. Appearing only once in the New Testament in [[Acts 7:43]], it is cited by Stephen as a historical example of Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God, fulfilling the prophecy of Amos. Theologically, Moloch represents the antithesis of Yahweh's holiness, exposing the depths of human depravity and covenant violation. Its condemnation throughout Scripture underscores God's righteous judgment against false worship and His unwavering demand for exclusive devotion, serving as a powerful reminder of the stark contrast between the life-destroying demands of idolatry and the life-giving grace of the true God.
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