Amos 5:26
But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְשָׂאתֶ֗ם
But ye have borne
H5375
וּנְשָׂאתֶ֗ם
But ye have borne
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַלְכְּכֶ֔ם
H4432
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּיּ֣וּן
and Chiun
H3594
כִּיּ֣וּן
and Chiun
Strong's:
H3594
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a statue, i.e., idol; but used (by euphemism) for some heathen deity (perhaps corresponding to priapus or baal-peor)
צַלְמֵיכֶ֑ם
your images
H6754
צַלְמֵיכֶ֑ם
your images
Strong's:
H6754
Word #:
7 of 12
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
כּוֹכַב֙
the star
H3556
כּוֹכַב֙
the star
Strong's:
H3556
Word #:
8 of 12
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
of your god
H430
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
of your god
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
1 Kings 11:33Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.Leviticus 18:21And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
Historical Context
Acts 7:43 translates differently: 'Remphan' instead of 'Chiun,' following the Septuagint. Both refer to astral deities. Canaanite religion featured star worship, and Israel repeatedly fell into this syncretism (Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 23:5). Amos exposes how Israel's worship mixed Yahwism with paganism.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'stars' or celebrities do people worship instead of God—following them, imitating them, trusting their wisdom?
- How does making our own gods—through selective theology or cultural accommodation—repeat Israel's error?
- Why is syncretism (mixing true worship with false) more dangerous than outright paganism?
Analysis & Commentary
But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images (וּנְשָׂאתֶם אֵת סִכּוּת מַלְכְּכֶם וְאֵת כִּיּוּן צַלְמֵיכֶם, un'satem et sikkut malkechem v'et kiyun tzalmeichem)—Moloch (מֹלֶךְ, molech) was the Ammonite deity requiring child sacrifice; Chiun/Kiyyun (כִּיּוּן, kiyun) likely refers to a star deity, possibly Saturn. The star of your god, which ye made to yourselves (כּוֹכַב אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר עֲשִׂיתֶם לָכֶם, kochav eloheichem asher asitem lachem)—they created gods with their own hands, inverting the Creator-creature relationship.
Idolatry always involves exchanging the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:25), worshiping and serving the creature rather than the Creator. The reference to carrying these idols suggests Israel transported them during wilderness wandering and continued this practice in Canaan—syncretism spanning generations.