from כּוּן; properly, a statue, i.e. idol; but used (by euphemism) forsome heathen deity (perhaps corresponding to Priapus or Baal-peor); Chiun.
Transliteration:Kîyûwn
Pronunciation:kee-yoon'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Kîyûwn (כִּיּוּן, `{{H3594}}`) is derived from the root `{{H3559}}` (כּוּן - kûn), meaning "to be firm, established, or prepared." This etymological connection suggests something "set up" or "fixed." In its primary sense, Kîyûwn refers to a "statue" or "idol." The Strong's definition further clarifies its usage as a euphemism for a "heathen deity," with suggestions linking it to fertility cults (e.g., Priapus or Baal-peor) or perhaps a specific astral deity. The term functions as a proper noun in its sole biblical occurrence, identifying a particular object of pagan worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Kîyûwn (כִּיּוּן, `{{H3594}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Amos:
* [[Amos 5:26]]: "You also carried along Sikkuth your king and Kiyyun your images, your star-gods which you made for yourselves."
In this passage, Amos is delivering a scathing rebuke to the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their hypocrisy and pervasive idolatry. Despite their outward show of religious observance, their hearts were far from Yahweh. The mention of Kîyûwn alongside "Sikkuth" (another pagan deity, often identified with Moloch or Saturn) highlights the syncretism prevalent among the Israelites. They had adopted the worship of foreign deities, likely associated with astral cults, demonstrating a profound spiritual unfaithfulness to their covenant God. The Septuagint (LXX) translates Kîyûwn as "Rephan" (ῥαιφάν), a Greek transliteration that further solidifies the identification with a star-god, likely Saturn. This Septuagint reading is subsequently quoted by Stephen in [[Acts 7:43]], reinforcing the historical continuity of Israel's idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H3559}}` (כּוּן - kûn): The verbal root from which Kîyûwn is derived, emphasizing the "established" or "set up" nature of the idol.
* `{{H6736}}` (צֶלֶם - tselem): A common Hebrew term for "image" or "likeness," frequently used for idols.
* `{{H4572}}` (מַסֵּכָה - massekah): Refers to a "molten image," often an object of idolatry.
* `{{H1544}}` (גִּלּוּלִים - gillulim): A contemptuous term for "idols," often rendered as "dung-gods."
* Sikkuth (סִכּוּת - Sikkuth): The companion deity mentioned in [[Amos 5:26]], likely another name for Adar, Moloch, or Saturn, further indicating astral worship.
* Rephan (ῥαιφάν - Rhaiphan): The Greek transliteration of Kîyûwn found in the Septuagint and quoted in [[Acts 7:43]], confirming the identification of Kîyûwn as a star-god, specifically associated with Saturn.
* **Concepts:** Idolatry, syncretism, astral worship (veneration of celestial bodies or deities associated with them), fertility cults, spiritual adultery, and rebellion against the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of Kîyûwn in [[Amos 5:26]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark indictment of Israel's persistent spiritual infidelity. Despite the covenant relationship with Yahweh and His mighty acts of deliverance, the people turned to foreign gods, seeking security or prosperity from man-made images and celestial bodies. This passage underscores God's demand for exclusive worship, as articulated in the first commandment ([[Exodus 20:3-6]]), and His rejection of any form of syncretism.
The identification of Kîyûwn as a "star-god" (Rephan) highlights the pervasive nature of astral worship in the ancient Near East. Such practices directly challenged Yahweh's sovereignty as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Worshiping the created rather than the Creator is a fundamental misdirection of devotion and a denial of God's unique power and authority.
Stephen's quotation of [[Amos 5:26]] in [[Acts 7:43]] is particularly significant. In his defense before the Sanhedrin, Stephen uses this historical example to demonstrate the long and tragic history of Israel's rebellion and idolatry, culminating in their rejection of God's Messiah. Kîyûwn thus represents the enduring human propensity to turn from the living God to dead idols, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and continues to challenge believers to pure devotion.
### Summary
Kîyûwn (כִּיּוּן, `{{H3594}}`) is a Hebrew term referring to a "statue" or "idol," specifically a pagan deity, possibly associated with fertility or astral worship. Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible is in [[Amos 5:26]], where it is listed alongside "Sikkuth" as an object of Israel's idolatrous devotion. The Septuagint and [[Acts 7:43]] identify Kîyûwn with "Rephan," a star-god, likely Saturn, underscoring the astral nature of this particular cult. Theologically, Kîyûwn's mention in Amos serves as a severe prophetic condemnation of Israel's syncretism and spiritual unfaithfulness, emphasizing God's demand for exclusive worship and the futility of turning to false gods. Stephen's later citation of this verse in the New Testament highlights the persistent nature of Israel's rebellion and rejection of God's true revelation.
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