Μολόχ (G3434) — Greek Lexicon

Μολόχ

Molóch

G3434 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A designation for a deity (Moloch), especially associated with certain forms of worship among some ancient Semitic peoples, often characterized in biblical literature by the offering of children. In the Greek (Septuagint and New Testament) context, the term refers to the foreign god Moloch, to whom prohibited sacrifices are ascribed. The word functions as a proper noun denoting this specific figure, with semantic focus on an object of cultic veneration considered foreign and abominable from an Israelite and Judean perspective.

Semantic Range

the name of a foreign deity (Moloch), object of forbidden worship, symbol of abominable cult; understood as an idol or as the personification of condemned foreign religious practice

Root / Etymology

Borrowed directly from Hebrew מֹלֶךְ (Molek/Molekh). The Greek spelling Μολόχ is a simple transliteration. Its ultimate etymology is debated; some relate it to the Hebrew root מלך ("to rule" or "king") but its specific use as a divine name or title is distinct and may reflect an intentional use of the vocalization of 'bosheth' (shame) with the consonants of 'mlk.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Μολόχ occurs only in contexts referring to a foreign deity associated with child sacrifice (cf. Septuagint Leviticus 18:21; Acts 7:43, quoting Amos 5:26). In Greek literature outside Jewish/Christian contexts, the name does not appear; it is a term of Hebrew/Israelite/Judean origin transmitted through the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (the Septuagint) and cited in the New Testament for polemical or illustrative purposes. In ancient Israelite texts, the identity, attributes, and the historical existence as an actual god named 'Moloch' or the use of 'molek' as a type of sacrifice remain debated among scholars. The English rendering 'Moloch' traditional in translations is based on the same transliteration. The referent is not a Greek god or the product of Greek religious concepts, but a translation of Near Eastern religious vocabulary for the benefit of Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (מֹלֶךְ); Moloch (i.e. Molek), an idol:--Moloch.

Root Family

Μολόχ (Molóch) — Moloch, foreign deity, abominable cult figure

Root - Moloch (proper name of a foreign deity)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3434-01`	Μολὸχ	moloch	`N GEN M SG`	Moloch	of Moloch	Moloch	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3434-01`	Acts 7:43	Μολὸχ	moloch	`N GEN M SG`	Moloch	of Moloch	Moloch

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