from μόσχος and ποιέω; to fabricate the image of a bullock:--make a calf.
Transliteration:moschopoiéō
Pronunciation:mos-khop-oy-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μοσχοποιέω (moschopoiéō), Strong's `{{G3447}}`, is a compound word derived from μόσχος (moschos), meaning "a young bull, calf," and ποιέω (poieō), meaning "to make, do, create." Thus, its core meaning is "to make a calf" or "to fabricate the image of a bullock." The semantic range of this word is remarkably narrow, specifically denoting the act of crafting an idol in the form of a calf or young bull for purposes of worship. It inherently carries the connotation of an act of creation that is perverted for idolatrous ends, contrasting sharply with the divine act of creation. The term implicitly highlights the human agency involved in constructing objects of false worship, emphasizing the deliberate nature of such transgression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While μοσχοποιέω is rare in the New Testament, appearing only once, its singular occurrence is profoundly significant, referencing one of the most infamous acts of idolatry in Israelite history.
In the New Testament, the word is found in [[Acts 7:41]] within Stephen's powerful sermon before the Sanhedrin: "And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands." Here, Stephen recounts the incident of the Golden Calf from [[Exodus 32]]. His use of μοσχοποιέω serves to indict his audience by drawing a parallel between their ancestors' rebellion at Sinai and their own rejection of Christ. The phrase "works of their own hands" underscores the human-made nature of the idol, contrasting it with the true God who revealed Himself supernaturally.
The Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, also employs μοσχοποιέω to describe this very event. For example, [[Exodus 32:35]] states, "And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made." The consistent use of this specific verb in both the LXX and the New Testament highlights the precise nature of the sin: the deliberate crafting of a tangible, animalistic image to represent or replace the invisible God of Israel. This act was a direct violation of the second commandment ([[Exodus 20:4]]), given directly by God on Mount Sinai. The context in both Exodus and Acts emphasizes the immediate and severe consequences of this idolatrous act, revealing God's absolute intolerance for false worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μοσχοποιέω naturally connects to several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **μόσχος (moschos) `{{G3448}}`**: The noun from which the first part of the verb is derived, referring to the "calf" or "young bull" itself. This highlights the specific form of the idol.
* **ποιέω (poieō) `{{G4160}}`**: The general verb for "to make" or "to do." Its combination with μόσχος specifies the act of creation as it pertains to this particular idol.
* **Idolatry (εἰδωλολατρεία `{{G1495}}`)**: The overarching concept of worshipping idols. The making of the calf is a prime example of this sin. Related terms include εἴδωλον (eidolōn) `{{G1497}}`, "idol" or "image."
* **False Worship**: The act of making the calf represents a perversion of true worship, directing devotion away from the one true God towards a created object. This stands in stark contrast to λατρεύω (latreuō) `{{G3000}}`, "to serve, worship," which is reserved for God alone.
* **Covenant Infidelity**: The incident of the Golden Calf occurred shortly after the covenant at Sinai, representing a profound act of unfaithfulness and spiritual adultery against God, their divine Husband.
* **Works of Human Hands**: The phrase "works of their own hands" ([[Acts 7:41]]) is a recurring biblical motif (e.g., [[Psalm 115:4]], [[Isaiah 2:8]]) that contrasts the impotence and vanity of human-made gods with the omnipotence of the living God.
### Theological Significance
The act described by μοσχοποιέω carries immense theological weight, serving as a foundational narrative for understanding idolatry and its implications.
Firstly, it represents a profound **rebellion against divine revelation**. God had just manifested His presence powerfully at Sinai, giving His commandments, including the explicit prohibition against making graven images ([[Exodus 20:4]]). The immediate fabrication of the calf demonstrates a willful rejection of God's authority and His revealed nature as an invisible, transcendent Spirit, rather than a manipulable, visible deity.
Secondly, it highlights the **danger of human-centered worship**. The Israelites, impatient for Moses' return, demanded a god they could "see" and "go before them" ([[Exodus 32:1]]). This desire for a tangible, controllable deity born of human ingenuity rather than divine command is a recurring temptation. The calf was a product of human hands and human desire, not divine instruction.
Thirdly, the incident underscores the **severity of spiritual infidelity**. The covenant between God and Israel was likened to a marriage, and the making of the calf was a heinous act of spiritual adultery, breaking the sacred bond. This act brought immediate and severe judgment upon the people, demonstrating God's jealousy for His exclusive worship.
Finally, the narrative of the Golden Calf, articulated by μοσχοποιέω, serves as a timeless warning against the various forms of idolatry that persist. While modern idolatry may not involve literal golden calves, it can manifest in the worship of wealth, power, self, or any created thing that takes precedence over God in one's life. The theological lesson remains: true worship is directed solely to the one true God, as He has revealed Himself, not as humanity desires to fashion Him.
### Summary
μοσχοποιέω (moschopoiéō) is a rare but potent Greek verb meaning "to make a calf" or "to fabricate the image of a bullock." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 7:41]] directly references the infamous Golden Calf incident from [[Exodus 32]]. This word powerfully encapsulates the act of creating an idol for worship, highlighting humanity's tendency towards rebellion against God's revealed will and the profound spiritual infidelity inherent in such acts. Theologically, μοσχοποιέω serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of human-centered religion, the gravity of idolatry, and the absolute necessity of worshipping God alone, according to His commands, rather than fashioning Him according to human desires. It underscores the enduring truth that true worship is directed to the transcendent, invisible God, not to the "works of human hands."
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