Μολόχ (Moloch)
Moloch
Moloch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Moloch refers to the deity worshipped by the Ammonites, whose name literally means "king." In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Acts 7:43, where Stephen recounts Israel’s history of idolatry during their wilderness wanderings. The reference points back to the Old Testament prophets who warned against adopting these foreign practices.
Historical sources describe Moloch not merely as a statue but as a specific ritual object: a hollow bronze figure with the head of an ox and outstretched arms. According to ancient accounts, priests would heat the idol from within until it glowed red hot, then place children into its arms as sacrifices. To drown out the cries of the victims, drumming was used during these ceremonies.
The Hebrew origin of the name is particularly striking. While the word itself means "king," Jewish tradition often vocalized it to resemble a word for "shame" or linked it to Baal, reflecting a deep revulsion toward the practice. This etymological shift underscores how later readers viewed the worship of Moloch not as legitimate religion, but as a profound moral corruption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Moloch appears only once in the New Testament, recorded by Stephen in Acts 7:43. He uses it to describe a dark moment when Israel turned away from God to worship foreign idols during their time in the wilderness. This single reference serves as a solemn reminder of how easily people can trade their trust in God for visible, manufactured objects that promise power or security.
For believers today, this word highlights the danger of placing anything above our relationship with the Creator. It is not just about ancient statues; it points to any habit or desire that demands the loyalty reserved for God alone. Recognizing these modern forms of idolatry helps us keep our hearts focused on what truly sustains us.
May you find peace in knowing that God desires your whole heart, not out of strictness, but because He knows nothing else can fill the void that only He can satisfy. Let this truth guide your choices and deepen your reliance on His faithful presence every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Moloch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μολὸχ1×
Key Verses
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Acts 7:43
You took up the tabernacle of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship, so I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’
Stephen uses this term to identify a specific historical instance where Israel abandoned their covenant with God for foreign worship.