### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4481 (Ῥεμφάν, *Rhemphán*) is presented as an incorrect transliteration for the Hebrew word `{{H3594}}` (כִּיּוּן, *Kiyyun*). The base definition identifies Remphan as an Egyptian idol, specifically a star-god.
* **`{{H3594}}` (Kiyyun):** In Hebrew, this word generally refers to a "pillar," "pedestal," or "base," often implying a stand for an idol or a cultic image itself. Its usage in [[Amos 5:26]] clearly links it to idolatrous worship.
* **G4481 (Rhemphan):** The Septuagint (LXX) translators rendered `{{H3594}}` as Ῥαιφάν (Raiphan) or Ῥεμφάν (Rhemphan). This rendering is widely understood to be a transliteration of a foreign deity's name, often identified with the planet Saturn, which was worshipped as a god in various ancient Near Eastern cultures (e.g., Rephan in Coptic, Kronos in Greek, or a form of Ninurta in Mesopotamian contexts). The semantic range thus centers on an object of idolatrous worship, particularly a celestial deity or an image dedicated to such a god, adopted by Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4481 (Rhemphan) occurs only once in the New Testament:
* [[Acts 7:43]]: In Stephen's powerful defense before the Sanhedrin, he recounts Israel's long history of rebellion and idolatry in the wilderness, quoting from the prophet Amos: "You also took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Remphan, the images that you made to worship; and I will remove you beyond Babylon."
This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint version of [[Amos 5:26]]. The Masoretic Text of [[Amos 5:26]] reads: "But you carried Sakkuth your king, and Kiyyun your images, the star of your gods, which you made for yourselves."
The discrepancy between the Hebrew Masoretic Text's "Kiyyun" and the Septuagint's "Remphan" (adopted by Stephen) is notable. Scholars propose several explanations:
1. **Phonetic Similarity/Scribal Error:** A possible misreading of Hebrew characters by the LXX translators, where כִּיּוּן (Kiyyun) was confused with a similar-sounding name or word.
2. **Interpretive Substitution:** The LXX translators may have deliberately substituted "Kiyyun" with "Remphan" to identify the obscure Hebrew deity with a more recognizable foreign deity (likely Egyptian or Mesopotamian) known to their Hellenistic audience, particularly the planet Saturn, which was worshipped as a star-god.
3. **Variant Hebrew Text:** It is also possible the LXX translators worked from a slightly different Hebrew textual tradition.
Regardless of the precise reason for the substitution, Stephen's use of the Septuagint rendering validates its authority for his audience and emphasizes the depth of Israel's syncretistic idolatry, including astral worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3594}}` (Kiyyun):** The foundational Hebrew term from which Remphan is derived in the LXX. It denotes an idolatrous image or its pedestal.
* **Moloch (`{{G3445}}`):** Mentioned alongside Remphan in [[Acts 7:43]]. Moloch was a Canaanite deity associated with horrific child sacrifice. The pairing of Moloch and Remphan highlights the severe and varied forms of pagan worship adopted by the Israelites.
* **Idolatry (`{{G1495}}`, εἰδωλολατρεία):** The overarching sin exemplified by the worship of Remphan. It encompasses the worship of anything other than the one true God, whether literal images, celestial bodies, or anything that usurps God's rightful place in human devotion.
* **Star Worship/Astral Cults:** The phrase "star of your god Remphan" explicitly links this deity to astral worship, a prevalent form of paganism in the ancient Near East, where celestial bodies were deified and worshipped as gods.
* **Syncretism:** The adoption of foreign deities like Remphan (and Moloch) by the Israelites demonstrates a pervasive syncretism, where elements of pagan worship were blended with the worship of Yahweh, a practice consistently condemned by the prophets.
### Theological Significance
The mention of Remphan carries profound theological weight in Stephen's discourse and beyond:
* **Evidence of Persistent Rebellion:** Remphan serves as a stark reminder of Israel's deep-seated and persistent rebellion against God, even during their wilderness wanderings, a period of direct divine guidance and miraculous provision. It underscores their propensity to turn away from the Creator to worship created things.
* **Divine Judgment for Apostasy:** Stephen's quotation from Amos directly links the worship of Remphan to divine judgment: "I will remove you beyond Babylon" ([[Acts 7:43]]). This prophecy of exile demonstrates God's righteous response to unrepentant idolatry and spiritual adultery.
* **The Nature of True Worship:** By highlighting the false worship of Remphan, Stephen implicitly contrasts it with the true worship of Yahweh, emphasizing the exclusivity and holiness of God's covenant demands.
* **A Warning for All Generations:** The historical account of Israel's idolatry, personified by deities like Remphan, serves as a timeless warning against the human tendency to create and serve idols, whether physical images or the modern idols of wealth, power, pleasure, or self.
* **Stephen's Apologetic:** In the immediate context of [[Acts 7]], Stephen uses Israel's history of idolatry and rejection of God's prophets (culminating in their rejection of Jesus) to demonstrate that the Sanhedrin, far from being righteous, were continuing a long tradition of resisting the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
G4481 (Ῥεμφάν, *Rhemphán*) refers to an idolatrous deity, specifically a star-god often identified with the planet Saturn, whose worship was adopted by the Israelites. This term is the Septuagint's rendering of the Hebrew `{{H3594}}` (Kiyyun) from [[Amos 5:26]]. Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Acts 7:43]], where Stephen cites it to underscore Israel's long history of rebellion and idolatry in the wilderness. Theologically, Remphan symbolizes the deep-seated unfaithfulness of God's people, their inclination towards syncretism and astral worship, and the inevitable divine judgment that follows such spiritual apostasy. It serves as a potent reminder of the enduring human propensity for idolatry and the necessity of exclusive devotion to the one true God.
TRV