כְּמוֹשׁ (ke.mosh)
ke.mosh
Chemosh
N:N-M-TQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-T
Word Overview
The name Chemosh refers to the national deity of Moab, mentioned eight times in the Hebrew Bible. The sources note that its meaning is understood as "subduer," a title that reflects the god’s role as a protector and warrior for his people. This deity was not exclusive to Moab; he was also associated with the Ammonites and sometimes identified with other figures like Baal-peor or even Roman gods such as Mars.
Chemosh appears prominently in narratives involving Israel’s interactions with neighboring nations. In Numbers, the story of Balaam highlights the presence of Chemosh at Peor, where Israelite men were led into idolatry. Later, in 1 Kings, King Solomon is recorded as building a high place for Chemosh on the hill east of Jerusalem, an act that contributed to his spiritual decline. This worship was eventually abolished by King Josiah, who sought to centralize and purify religious practice in Judah.
The mention of Chemosh serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual dangers Israel faced from surrounding cultures. His name, meaning "subduer," contrasts sharply with the God of Israel, who is portrayed as both sovereign and compassionate. The biblical accounts use Chemosh to illustrate the consequences of turning away from covenant faithfulness toward foreign gods.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chemosh appears in the Bible as the national god of Moab, a neighbor often at odds with Israel. Its meaning, understood as "subduer," reflects how ancient peoples viewed their deities as protectors and warriors who secured land and safety for their people. When King Solomon built a high place for Chemosh on the hill east of Jerusalem, it marked a significant spiritual turning point, showing how even wise leaders could be swayed by surrounding cultures.
Reading these accounts today offers a sobering look at human nature. It reminds us that trust in visible strength or local customs can easily replace trust in God. The prophets later declared that Chemosh would go into captivity alongside his people, illustrating that idols cannot save when judgment comes. This history invites us to examine where we place our ultimate confidence.
For your faith, this word serves as a quiet warning against the subtle pull of anything that claims to provide security apart from God. It highlights the contrast between gods who are defeated and taken captive, and the Lord who remains sovereign. By seeing the emptiness of these ancient alliances, we are encouraged to hold fast to the one God who does not falter.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Chemosh4×
- to/ Chemosh1×
- from/ Chemosh1×
- for/ Chemosh1×
- and/ to/ Chemosh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לִ/כְמוֹשׁ֙2×
- כְּמ֑וֹשׁ2×
- מִ/כְּמ֑וֹשׁ1×
- כְּמ֥וֹשׁ1×
- כְמוֹשׁ֙1×
- וְ/לִ/כְמוֹשׁ֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 11:7
Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the mountain that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon.
This verse marks a personal failure in Solomon’s life, showing how he actively constructed a shrine for Chemosh near Jerusalem, directly violating the covenant.
-
Jeremiah 48:7
For, because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you also will be taken. Chemosh will go out into captivity, his priests and his princes together.
Here the prophet declares that Chemosh himself will go into captivity, demonstrating the powerlessness of the idol when God’s judgment falls on Moab.
-
Judges 11:24
Won’t you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whoever Yahweh our God has dispossessed from before us, them will we possess.
The Ammonite king uses this name to argue that just as Israel possesses land given by Yahweh, he possesses what Chemosh grants, highlighting the parallel religious frameworks of the time.