Amos 5:26 (KJV)

What does Amos 5:26 mean?

Amos 5:26 says that the people of Israel carried with them objects connected to the worship of foreign gods—specifically, the tabernacle (or portable shrine) of Moloch and images of Chiun, described as the star of their god, which they made for themselves. The verse points out that, instead of being faithful to the God of Israel, the people brought along idols and symbols of other deities.

In this verse, the prophet Amos is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about their unfaithfulness. He accuses them of idolatry, saying they have physically carried and honored objects linked to Moloch and Chiun—names associated with pagan gods. This rebuke is part of a larger message in Amos, where God, through the prophet, calls out Israel’s religious hypocrisy and warns of coming judgment because of their actions.

The Hebrew behind Amos 5:26

• "borne" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to lift, carry, or bear. Here, it emphasizes that the people actively transported these idols or shrines, showing intentional involvement in idolatry.
• "tabernacle" (סִכּוּת, sikkut): This word refers to a portable shrine or small tent. It highlights that the worship of Moloch was not just an abstract idea but involved a physical object the people took with them.
• "Moloch" (מֹלֶךְ, Molek): Moloch is often understood as a foreign deity associated with child sacrifice. The mention here underlines the seriousness of Israel’s idolatry.
• "Chiun" (כִּיּוּן, Kiyyun): This name is less clear but is often linked to an astral deity, possibly Saturn. The verse connects it to "the star of your god," suggesting worship of celestial bodies.
• "images" (צֶלֶם, tselem): This word means carved or shaped idols. It stresses that the people made physical representations of these gods.
• "star" (כּוֹכָב, kokhav): The word for star connects the worship of Chiun to astral or star worship, which was common in some ancient Near Eastern religions.
• "god" (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This is the general word for god or gods, showing that these objects were treated as divine.
• "made" (עָשָׂה, ‘asah): This verb means to make or do, highlighting that the people themselves crafted these idols, deepening their responsibility.

Why Amos 5:26 matters

• Amos 5:26 clears up the idea that Israel’s problem was only neglect or forgetfulness; the verse shows they actively participated in idol worship, carrying and making objects for foreign gods.
• The verse emphasizes that idolatry was not just a private matter but a public, collective action, involving the whole community in unfaithfulness.
• This verse connects to the wider message of Amos, where God’s judgment is not just for social injustice but also for religious corruption and syncretism—mixing true worship with pagan practices.