### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂnammelek**, represented by `{{H6048}}`, is the name of an Assyrian deity. This name is of foreign origin and appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as a very specific and singular reference within the scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical mention of `{{H6048}}` occurs in the context of idolatrous worship practices. The scripture records that the Sepharvites **burnt** their children in the **fire** as offerings to **Adrammelech** and **Anammelech**, who are identified as "the **gods** of Sepharvaim" [[2 Kings 17:31]]. This places **Anammelech** as a deity associated with human sacrifice by fire.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the nature and worship of this deity:
* `{{H152}}` **ʼĂdrammelek** (splendor of (the) king; Adrammelek, the name of an Assyrian idol, also of a son of Sennacherib; Adrammelech.): This is the name of the deity worshipped alongside **Anammelech**, indicating they were a pair of gods honored by the Sepharvites [[2 Kings 17:31]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God...): This term is used to categorize **Anammelech** as one of the "gods" of a foreign people, distinguishing this worship from that of the God of Israel [[2 Kings 17:31]].
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (to be (causatively, set) on fire; (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly.): This verb describes the horrific ritual act performed in service to **Anammelech**, where the Sepharvites "burnt" their own children [[2 Kings 17:31]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name)...): This word identifies the victims of the sacrificial worship of **Anammelech** as children, highlighting the extreme nature of the idolatry [[2 Kings 17:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6048}}` is found in its representation of forbidden worship.
* **Idolatry and Human Sacrifice:** The worship of **Anammelech** exemplifies the kind of idolatry condemned by God, specifically the abhorrent practice of burning one's children in fire [[2 Kings 17:31]].
* **Foreign Gods:** As a deity of Sepharvaim, **Anammelech** stands as a stark example of the foreign gods whose worship was a corruption and a turning away from the true God [[2 Kings 17:31]].
* **Contrasted with True Worship:** The act of burning children to a man-made deity is the antithesis of what the LORD requires, which is "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" [[Micah 6:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6048}}` is not a broad theological concept but the specific name of a foreign god. Its only appearance in the Bible serves as a historical record of the pagan practice of child sacrifice by the Sepharvites. **Anammelech** thus functions as a powerful and grim illustration of the idolatry that stands in direct opposition to the worship of the God of Israel.
TRV