Ῥεμφάν
Rhemphán
G4481 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Ῥεμφάν is a transliterated term referring to a divinity or astral entity associated with astral worship, most likely an object of idolatrous reverence mentioned in polemical contexts; in the New Testament, it refers to a figure invoked as an example of Israelite idolatry during the wilderness, likely intended as an astral deity (associated with Saturn by later tradition). Semantic range: name of an idol/deity, specifically associated with astral (planetary) worship or imagery; possibly a surrogate for various regional Semitic deities.
Semantic Range
Remphan as the name of a deity/idol mentioned in the context of forbidden worship by Israelites; astral deity; possible reference to Saturn; a surrogate for forbidden or foreign gods
Root / Etymology
Ῥεμφάν is a transliteration of a Semitic term, likely derived from the Hebrew כִּיּוּן (Kiyyun) as found in Amos 5:26 (MT), which the Septuagint renders as 'Raiphan' or 'Rephan.' Its deeper etymology is debated, with some linking it to the Akkadian Kayyamānu ('Saturn'), though the identification is not universally accepted. Etymology uncertain beyond this Semitic root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term Ῥεμφάν is unattested in classical Greek prior to its appearance in the Septuagint (Amos 5:26) and the New Testament (Acts 7:43). Its usage is found in polemical retellings of Israelite history as a negative reference to astral worship, specifically directed at Israelite practices condemned by prophets. The LXX translator(s) replaced the Hebrew 'Kiyyun' with 'Raiphan/Rhephan,' likely reflecting a local or Hellenistic understanding or pronunciation of an astral deity's name, perhaps influenced by Egyptian tradition. In Acts 7:43, Stephen, quoting the LXX, uses Ῥεμφάν to represent improper worship. Later Christian and Jewish tradition identified Remphan with the planet Saturn, but this is not explicit in the original biblical texts. In English Bible translation, 'Remphan' is a traditional rendering, but the actual referent remains ambiguous. The term is used exclusively as a proper noun and does not appear elsewhere in Greek literature, highlighting its transliterated and context-specific character.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
by incorrect transliteration for a word of Hebrew origin (כִּיּוּן); Remphan (i.e. Kijun), an Egyptian idol:--Remphan.
Root Family
Ῥεμφάν (Rhemphan) — proper name of an idol, astral deity, planetary god (possibly Saturn)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4481-01 |
Ῥαιφάν | raiphan | N GEN M SG |
Rephan | of Rhemphan | Rhemphan | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4481-01 |
Acts 7:43 | Ῥαιφάν | raiphan | N GEN M SG |
Rephan | of Rhemphan | Rhemphan |