### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Môlek**, represented by `{{H4432}}`, is the name for **Molek (i.e. king), the chief deity of the Ammonites**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is exclusively associated with a form of idolatry condemned in the strongest possible terms, particularly for its horrific ritual practices.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, worship of `{{H4432}}` is consistently linked to the practice of child sacrifice. The law in Leviticus strictly forbids letting any **seed** `{{H2233}}` **pass** `{{H5674}}` through the fire to **Molech** [[Leviticus 18:21]]. This act is described as profaning the name of **God** `{{H430}}`. The practice took place at **high places** `{{H1116}}` built for this purpose, such as the one King **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` built for **Molech**, the **abomination** `{{H8251}}` of the **Ammonites** `{{H5983}}`, on a hill near **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` [[1 Kings 11:7]]. These rites were performed at **Topheth** `{{H8612}}`, located in the **valley** `{{H1516}}` of the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Hinnom** `{{H2011}}` [[2 Kings 23:10]]. God explicitly states that He never commanded such an **abomination** `{{H8441}}`, nor did it ever enter His **mind** `{{H3820}}` [[Jeremiah 32:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the worship of Molech:
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): The high places of Baal were directly linked to Molech worship, as they were built to cause sons and daughters to pass through the fire to Molech [[Jeremiah 32:35]].
* `{{H3645}}` **Kᵉmôwsh** (the powerful; Kemosh, the god of the Moabites): Chemosh is named as another "abomination" for whom Solomon built a high place, alongside the one for Molech, demonstrating a pattern of grievous idolatry [[1 Kings 11:7]].
* `{{H8612}}` **Tôpheth** (Topheth, a place near Jerusalem): This is the specific geographical location identified as the site of Molech worship, a place defiled by these rituals of passing children through the fire [[2 Kings 23:10]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to commit whoredom): This word is used figuratively to describe the spiritual adultery of worshipping Molech. God warns He will cut off all who "go a whoring after" Molech [[Leviticus 20:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4432}}` is immense, representing the depths of human rebellion against God.
* **Ultimate Abomination:** The worship of Molech is labeled an **abomination** `{{H8251}}` and a **detestable thing** `{{H8441}}` ([[1 Kings 11:7]], [[Jeremiah 32:35]]). It is presented as a practice so vile that God states it never even came into His mind to command it [[Jeremiah 32:35]].
* **Profanation of Holiness:** The act of giving one's **seed** `{{H2233}}` to Molech is a direct assault on God's character, as it is said to **defile** `{{H2930}}` His **sanctuary** `{{H4720}}` and **profane** `{{H2490}}` His **holy** `{{H6944}}` **name** `{{H8034}}` [[Leviticus 20:3]].
* **Capital Offense:** The law mandates the gravest consequence for this sin. Anyone, whether an Israelite or a **stranger** `{{H1616}}`, who gives their seed to Molech must **surely** `{{H4191}}` be **put to death** `{{H4191}}` by stoning [[Leviticus 20:2]]. God himself declares He will set His **face** `{{H6440}}` against such a person and **cut him off** `{{H3772}}` from the **people** `{{H5971}}` ([[Leviticus 20:3]], 20:5).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4432}}` represents one of the most grievous forms of idolatry described in the Bible. The name Molech is synonymous with child sacrifice, the active defilement of God's sanctuary, and the profanation of His holy name. It serves as a powerful biblical symbol of the ultimate spiritual and moral corruption that provokes the most severe divine judgment.
TRV