Other gods and idols in the Bible

Canaan and Phoenicia

“Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians” (1 Kings 11:5)

5 names.

Baal בַּעַל"lord" (BDB)

“And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.”

1 Kings 16:31 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew and Greek

Hebrew · Baalבַּעַל

Say it: ba-al

BDB: "lord"

Strong’s (H1168): the same as H1167 (בַּעַל)

First in: Judges 2:11 Open the verse

Greek · BaalΒάαλ

Say it: Baal

Strong’s (G896): of Hebrew origin (H1168)

BDB, for the Hebrew name בַּעַל (H1168): "lord"

First in: Romans 11:4 Open the verse

Hebrew · Baal-peorבַּ֫עַל פְּעוֹר

Say it: ba-al pe-or

Strong’s (H1187): from H1168 (בַּעַל) and H6465 (פְּעוֹר); Baal of Peor

First in: Numbers 25:3 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“they forsook Jehovah, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth” (Judges 2:13). Open the verse
“Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor” (Numbers 25:3). Open the verse

History

Baal was worshipped in many places in the ancient Middle East, above all among the Canaanites, who held him to be a god of fertility. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Baal summary".
In the Canaanite stories Baal was king of the gods, having taken the kingship from Yamm, the sea god. He fought Mot, the god of death, and the outcome was said to bring seven years of plenty or of famine. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Baal summary".
Baal was a popular god in Egypt from the later New Kingdom to its end (1400 to 1075 B.C.). Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Baal summary".
Baal means "lord", and several different gods were called "Baal of" a place or a thing. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".
The Aramaeans said the name the Babylonian way, Bel, and in Greek it became Belos. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Baal summary".

Scarab with Representation of Baal, about 1300 to 1080 B.C. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (09.180.1070). Photograph: public domain, The Met Open Access.

Named in 70 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Numbers 25:3. Open the verse

Baal-berith בַּעַל בְּרִית"lord of the covenant" (BDB)

“And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and played the harlot after the Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god.”

Judges 8:33 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Baal-berithבַּעַל בְּרִית

Say it: ba-al be-rit

BDB: "lord of the covenant"

Strong’s (H1170): from H1168 (בַּעַל) and H1285 (בְּרִית); Baal of (the) covenant

First in: Judges 8:33 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the house of Baal-berith” (Judges 9:4). Open the verse

Named in 3 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Judges 8:33. Open the verse

Asherah אֲשֵׁרָה"groves (for idol worship)" (BDB)

“Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, that eat at Jezebel’s table.”

1 Kings 18:19 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Asherahאֲשֵׁרָה

Say it: a-she-rah

BDB: "groves (for idol worship)"

Strong’s (H842): or אֲשֵׁירָה; from H833 (אָשַׁר); happy

First in: Exodus 34:13 Open the verse

Hebrew, another spelling · Asherothהָאֲשֵׁרֽוֹת

Say it: a-she-rah

BDB: "groves (for idol worship)"

Strong’s (H842): or אֲשֵׁירָה; from H833 (אָשַׁר); happy

First in: Judges 3:7 Open the verse

Asherah poles

The same word is used for wooden poles or trees set up for her (the Asherim). “Thou shalt not plant thee an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of Jehovah thy God, which thou shalt make thee.” (Deuteronomy 16:21). Open the verse

BDB: sacred trees or poles set up near an altar.

In the verses’ own words

“served the Asherim and the idols” (2 Chronicles 24:18). Open the verse

History

Asherah was one of the chief goddesses of the region; Britannica names her with Anath, Shapash and Athtart (Astarte) as major goddesses. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".
Britannica says Asherah and Astarte were both worshipped in Israel. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".
Hebrew inscriptions have been found that name YHWH and Asherah together. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".
Her name has been found written on storage jars in a room used for worship at Ekron. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".

A clay figurine from Revadim, 13th century B.C., Israel Museum, titled “Asherah” on Wikimedia Commons. The name is the photograph’s title, not a firm identification. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, file “Asherah 13th century BC Israel Museum”, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Named in 40 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Exodus 34:13. Open the verse

Ashtoreth עַשְׁתֹּ֫רֶת"star" (BDB)

“For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.”

1 Kings 11:5 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Ashtorethעַשְׁתֹּ֫רֶת

Say it: ash-to-ret

BDB: "star"

Strong’s (H6253): probably for H6251 (עַשְׁתְּרָה)

First in: 1 Kings 11:5 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians” (1 Kings 11:33). Open the verse

History

Astarte, the Ashtoreth of the Bible, was a great goddess of the ancient Middle East and the chief goddess of Tyre, Sidon and Elat. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Astarte".
She was worshipped in Canaan, in Egypt, at Ugarit and among the Hittites. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Astarte".
She was a goddess of war and of love. Her counterpart in Babylonia and Assyria was the goddess Ishtar. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Astarte".
Later she was joined with the Egyptian goddesses Isis and Hathor. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Astarte".

A seated goddess in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, titled Astarte (goddess) on Wikimedia Commons — A seated goddess in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, titled “Astarte (goddess)” on Wikimedia Commons. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, file “Astarte (goddess)-Collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum”, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Named in 3 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in 1 Kings 11:5. Open the verse

Ashtaroth עַשְׁתָּרוֹת"star" (BDB)

“And they forsook Jehovah, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth.”

Judges 2:13 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Ashtarothעַשְׁתָּרוֹת

Say it: ash-ta-rot

BDB: "star"

Strong’s (H6252): or עַשְׁתָּרֹת; plural of H6251 (עַשְׁתְּרָה)

First in: Judges 2:13 Open the verse

History

Ashtaroth is the Hebrew plural of the goddess's name. It came to be a general word for goddesses and for the worship of other gods. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Astarte".

Named in 6 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Judges 2:13. Open the verse

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Philistia

“the lords of the Philistines” (Judges 16:23)

2 names.

Dagon דָּגוֹן"a fish" (BDB)

“And the lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.”

Judges 16:23 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Dagonדָּגוֹן

Say it: da-gon

BDB: "a fish"

Strong’s (H1712): from H1709 (דָּג); the fish-god

First in: Judges 16:23 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“brought it into the house of Dagon” (1 Samuel 5:2). Open the verse

History

Dagan (the Dagon of the Bible) was a god of crops, worshipped widely in the ancient Middle East. His worship is known from about 2500 B.C. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Dagan".
In Hebrew and in the language of Ugarit, dagan was the everyday word for "grain". Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Dagan".
At Ebla, in the third millennium B.C., Dagan was the most important god, called "Lord of Gods" and "Lord of the Land". Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".
He had an important temple at Ugarit (Ras Shamra), and texts found there call him the father of Baal. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Dagan".

The ruins of the temple of Dagan at Ugarit (Ras Shamra). A place, not a picture of the god. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, file “Ugarit Dagan aka Dagon temple 3971”, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Named in 7 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Judges 16:23. Open the verse

Baal-zebub בַּעַל זְבוּב"lord of the fly" (BDB)

“And Ahaziah fell down through the lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover of this sickness.”

2 Kings 1:2 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Baal-zebubבַּעַל זְבוּב

Say it: ba-al ze-vuv

BDB: "lord of the fly"

Strong’s (H1176): from H1168 (בַּעַל) and H2070 (זְבוּב); Baal of (the) Fly

First in: 2 Kings 1:2 Open the verse

History

Britannica notes that the Bible calls the gods of the Philistines by well-known Canaanite names: Dagon, Baal-zebub and Ashtart (Ashtoreth). Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".

Named in 4 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 1:2. Open the verse

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Moab and Ammon

“Chemosh the abomination of Moab” (1 Kings 11:7)

2 names.

Chemosh כְּמוֹשׁ"subduer" (BDB)

“Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon.”

1 Kings 11:7 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Chemoshכְּמוֹשׁ

Say it: ke-mosh

BDB: "subduer"

Strong’s (H3645): or (Jeremiah 48:7) כְּמִישׁ; from an unused root meaning to subdue; the powerful

First in: Numbers 21:29 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“O people of Chemosh” (Numbers 21:29). Open the verse
“Chemosh the god of Moab” (1 Kings 11:33). Open the verse

History

The Moabites held Chemosh to be their chief god. Britannica says little is known about him. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Chemosh".
He is also known from older finds at Ebla and Ugarit. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".
On the Moabite Stone, written by Mesha, a king of Moab in the 800s B.C., Chemosh is named as the god who gave the Moabites victory in their war with Israel. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Chemosh".

The Mesha Stele (the Moabite Stone), Louvre, Paris (AO 5066). Its writing names Chemosh; it is not a picture of the god. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, file “P1120870 Louvre stèle de Mésha AO5066 rwk”, CC BY 3.0.

Named in 8 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Numbers 21:29. Open the verse

Molech מֹ֫לֶךְ"king" (BDB)

“Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon.”

1 Kings 11:7 (ASV). Open the verse

Other spellings it prints: Milcom (1 Kings 11:5); Malcam (Zephaniah 1:5); Moloch (Acts 7:43).

The name in Hebrew and Greek

Hebrew · Molechמֹ֫לֶךְ

Say it: mo-lekh

BDB: "king"

Strong’s (H4432): from H4427 (מָלַךְ)

First in: Leviticus 18:21 Open the verse

Hebrew · Milcomמִלכֹּם

Say it: mil-kom

Strong’s (H4445): or מִלְכּוֹם; from H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) for H4432 (מֹלֶךְ)

First in: 1 Kings 11:5 Open the verse

Hebrew · Milcomמֶ֫לֶךְ

Say it: me-lekh

King James Version spelling: Malcham

Strong’s (H4428): from H4427 (מָלַךְ)

First in: Zephaniah 1:5 Open the verse

Greek · MolochΜολόχ

Say it: Moloch

Strong’s (G3434): of Hebrew origin (H4432)

BDB, for the Hebrew name מֹ֫לֶךְ (H4432): "king"

First in: Acts 7:43 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites” (1 Kings 11:5). Open the verse
“to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech” (Jeremiah 32:35). Open the verse

History

Britannica explains the spelling Moloch as the letters of the Hebrew word melech, "king", read with the vowels of boshet, "shame". Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Moloch".
Milcom was the national god of the Ammonites. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Syrian and Palestinian religion: Other early gods".

Statue of an Ammonite king shown as a god, Jordan Museum, Amman. It is not identified as Molech (Milcom), the god the Bible names for the Ammonites. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, file “Statue of an Ammonite deified King on display at the Jordan Museum”, CC0.

A later artists imagining from a printed book of Bible pictures — A later artist’s imagining from a printed book of Bible pictures. Not an ancient image. Picture: Wikimedia Commons, file “Idol named Molech”, public domain.

A later artists imagining from an old German book — A later artist’s imagining from an old German book. Not an ancient image. Picture: Wikimedia Commons, file “Moloch the god”, public domain.

Named in 13 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Leviticus 18:21. Open the verse

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Syria

“the king of Syria” (2 Kings 5:1)

1 name.

Rimmon רִמּוֹן"pomegranate" (BDB)

“In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant in this thing.”

2 Kings 5:18 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Rimmonרִמּוֹן

Say it: rim-mon

BDB: "pomegranate"

Strong’s (H7417): or (shorter) (רִמֹּן; or רִמּוֹנוֹ; (1 Chronicles 6:62 (H77 (אֶבֶץ))), the same as H7416 (רִמּוֹן); in Joshua 19:13: הַמְּתֹאָר is mistaken for part of a name; article with the passive participle of H8388 (תָּאַר); the (one) marked off, i.e. which pertains).

First in: 2 Kings 5:18 Open the verse

History

Britannica identifies the Rimmon of the Old Testament with Hadad, the West Semitic god of storms, thunder and rain. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Hadad".
He was the chief baal ("lord") of the West Semites in north Syria, and he matched the god Adad of Assyria and Babylonia. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Hadad".
As Baal-Hadad he was shown as a bearded god, often holding a club and a thunderbolt and wearing a horned headdress. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Hadad".

Colossal statue of the god Hadad, from Gerdshin near Samal, about 775 B — Colossal statue of the god Hadad, from Gerdshin near Sam’al, about 775 B.C., Pergamon Museum, Berlin. Britannica identifies Rimmon with Hadad (see History). Photograph: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 5:18. Open the verse

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Egypt

“Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt” (Jeremiah 46:25)

1 name.

Amon אָמוֹן"to nourish: to be faithful" (BDB)

“Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, saith: Behold, I will punish Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with her gods, and her kings; even Pharaoh, and them that trust in him:”

Jeremiah 46:25 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Amonאָמוֹן

Say it: a-mon

BDB: "to nourish: to be faithful"

Strong’s (H528): of Egyptian derivation; used only as an adjunct of H4996 (נֹא)

First in: Jeremiah 46:25 Open the verse

History

In Egypt Amon, whose name means "the Hidden One", was honoured as king of the gods. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Great Temple of Amon".
His worship reached Thebes. Joined with the sun god Re, he became Amon-Re, a god of the whole nation. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Great Temple of Amon".
His Great Temple at Karnak was the largest temple complex in Egypt and one of the largest in the world. Karnak and the rest of ancient Thebes are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Great Temple of Amon".

Statuette of Amun, gold, about 945 to 721 B.C. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (26.7.1412). Photograph: public domain, The Met Open Access.

Named in 2 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Jeremiah 46:25. Open the verse

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Assyria and Babylon

“Babylon is taken, Bel is put to shame” (Jeremiah 50:2)

4 names.

Nisroch נִסְרֹךְ"the great eagle" (BDB)

“And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.”

2 Kings 19:37 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Nisrochנִסְרֹךְ

Say it: nis-rokh

BDB: "the great eagle"

Strong’s (H5268): of foreign origin

First in: 2 Kings 19:37 Open the verse

Named in 2 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 19:37. Open the verse

Bel בֵּל"lord" (BDB)

“Declare ye among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is put to shame, Merodach is dismayed; her images are put to shame, her idols are dismayed.”

Jeremiah 50:2 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Belבֵּל

Say it: bel

BDB: "lord"

Strong’s (H1078): by contraction for H1168 (בַּעַל)

First in: Isaiah 46:1 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“I will execute judgment upon Bel in Babylon” (Jeremiah 51:44). Open the verse

History

Marduk was the chief god of the city of Babylon and the national god of Babylonia. In time he was called simply Bel, "Lord". Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Marduk".
His chief temples at Babylon were the Esagila and the Etemenanki, a stepped tower with a shrine of Marduk at the top. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Marduk".
In the Esagila the poem Enuma elish was recited every year at the New Year festival. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Marduk".

Cuneiform tablet: hymn to Marduk, 1st millennium B.C. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (86.11.313). Photograph: public domain, The Met Open Access.

Named in 3 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Isaiah 46:1. Open the verse

Merodach מְרֹדָךְ"thy rebellion" (BDB)

“Declare ye among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is put to shame, Merodach is dismayed; her images are put to shame, her idols are dismayed.”

Jeremiah 50:2 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Merodachמְרֹדָךְ

Say it: me-ro-dakh

BDB: "thy rebellion"

Strong’s (H4781): of foreign derivation

First in: Jeremiah 50:2 Open the verse

BDB describes it as: the chief deity of the Babylonians in the time of Nebuchadnezzar.

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Jeremiah 50:2. Open the verse

Nebo נְבוֹ"prophet" (BDB)

“Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth; their idols are upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: the things that ye carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary beast.”

Isaiah 46:1 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Neboנְבוֹ

Say it: ne-vo

BDB: "prophet"

Strong’s (H5015): probably of foreign derivation

First in: Isaiah 46:1 Open the verse

History

Nabu (the Nebo of the Bible) was a major god of Assyria and Babylonia, the patron of writing and a god of growing things. His signs were the clay tablet and the writing stylus. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Nabu".
His name means "speaking". Marduk was counted as his father. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Nabu".
In his own holy city, Borsippa, he was the highest god. He also had a chapel named Ezida in Marduk's temple, the Esagila. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Nabu".

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Isaiah 46:1. Open the verse

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The peoples brought to Samaria

“every nation made gods of their own” (2 Kings 17:29)

The peoples the king of Assyria brought to live in Samaria, as 2 Kings 17 tells it.

7 names.

Succoth-benoth סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת"the daughter's booth" (BDB)

“And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,”

2 Kings 17:30 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Succoth-benothסֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת

Say it: suk-kot be-not

BDB: "the daughter's booth"

Strong’s (H5524): from H5523 (סֻכּוֹת) and the (irregular) plural of H1323 (בַּת)

First in: 2 Kings 17:30 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth” (2 Kings 17:30). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:30. Open the verse

Nergal נֵרְגָּ֑ל"hero" (BDB)

“And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,”

2 Kings 17:30 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Nergalנֵרְגָּ֑ל

Say it: ne-re-gal

BDB: "hero"

Strong’s (H5370): of foreign origin

First in: 2 Kings 17:30 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the men of Cuth made Nergal” (2 Kings 17:30). Open the verse

History

Nergal was a Mesopotamian god who became king of the underworld. Hymns call him a god of plague, hunger and ruin. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Nergal".
Cuthah (today Tall Ibrahim) was the chief centre of his worship. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Nergal".

Old Babylonian fired clay plaque from Nippur, titled on Wikimedia Commons as showing the symbol ofNergal — Old Babylonian fired clay plaque from Nippur, titled on Wikimedia Commons as showing the symbol of Nergal. Photograph: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:30. Open the verse

Ashima אֲשִׁימָא"guiltiness: I will make desolate" (BDB)

“And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,”

2 Kings 17:30 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Ashimaאֲשִׁימָא

Say it: a-shi-ma

BDB: "guiltiness: I will make desolate"

Strong’s (H807): of foreign origin

First in: 2 Kings 17:30 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the men of Hamath made Ashima” (2 Kings 17:30). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:30. Open the verse

Nibhaz נִבְחַז"the barker" (BDB)

“and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.”

2 Kings 17:31 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Nibhazנִבְחַז

Say it: niv-chaz

BDB: "the barker"

Strong’s (H5026): of foreign origin

First in: 2 Kings 17:31 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak” (2 Kings 17:31). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:31. Open the verse

Tartak תַּרְתָּ֑ק"prince of darkness" (BDB)

“and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.”

2 Kings 17:31 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Tartakתַּרְתָּ֑ק

Say it: tar-taq

BDB: "prince of darkness"

Strong’s (H8662): of foreign derivation

First in: 2 Kings 17:31 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak” (2 Kings 17:31). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:31. Open the verse

Adrammelech אַדְרַמֶּ֫לֶךְ"honour of the king" or "Adar is prince" or "Adar is Counsellor, Decider" (BDB)

“and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.”

2 Kings 17:31 (ASV). Open the verse

Another man of this name, a son of Sennacherib, is on the Names of People pages.

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Adrammelechאַדְרַמֶּ֫לֶךְ

Say it: a-de-ram-me-lekh

BDB: "honour of the king" or "Adar is prince" or "Adar is Counsellor, Decider"

Strong’s (H152): from H142 (אָדַר) and H4428 (מֶלֶךְ); splendor of (the) king

First in: 2 Kings 17:31 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech” (2 Kings 17:31). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:31. Open the verse

Anammelech עֲנַמֶּ֫לֶךְ"image of the king" (BDB)

“and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.”

2 Kings 17:31 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Anammelechעֲנַמֶּ֫לֶךְ

Say it: a-nam-me-lekh

BDB: "image of the king"

Strong’s (H6048): of foreign origin

First in: 2 Kings 17:31 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech” (2 Kings 17:31). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 17:31. Open the verse

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Greece and Rome

“Great is Diana of the Ephesians” (Acts 19:28)

4 names.

Zeus Ζεύς, Δίςin the oblique cases there is used instead of it a (probably cognate) name , which is otherwise obsolete (Strong's)

“And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.”

Acts 14:12 (ASV). Open the verse

The American Standard Version prints: Jupiter.

The name in Greek

Greek · ZeusΖεύς, Δίς

Say it: Zeus, Dis

King James Version spelling: Jupiter

Strong’s (G2203): of uncertain affinity; in the oblique cases there is used instead of it a (probably cognate) name , which is otherwise obsolete

First in: Acts 14:12 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the priest of Jupiter whose temple was before the city” (Acts 14:13). Open the verse

History

Zeus was the chief god of the ancient Greeks, a god of the sky and the weather. The Romans called him Jupiter. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Zeus".

Statuette of Zeus or Jupiter, bronze, A.D. 1st to 3rd century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (96.18.6). Photograph: public domain, The Met Open Access.

Named in 2 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Acts 14:12. Open the verse

Hermes ἙρμῆςNo meaning in these sources.

“And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.”

Acts 14:12 (ASV). Open the verse

The American Standard Version prints: Mercury.

Another man named Hermes, greeted in Romans 16:14, is on the Names of People pages.

The name in Greek

Greek · HermesἙρμῆς

Say it: Hermēs

King James Version spelling: Mercurius

Strong’s (G2060): perhaps from G2046 (ἐρέω)

First in: Acts 14:12 Open the verse

History

Hermes was the messenger of the gods, the protector of herds and travellers, and a god of trade. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "What was Hermes the god of?".
The Romans took their god Mercury to be the same as Hermes. By tradition, Mercury's temple on the Aventine Hill in Rome was dedicated in 495 B.C. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Mercury".

Bronze statuette of Hermes seated on a rock, A.D. 1st to 2nd century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (20.202). Photograph: public domain, The Met Open Access.

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Acts 14:12. Open the verse

Artemis Ἄρτεμιςprompt (Strong's)

“And when they heard this they were filled with wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.”

Acts 19:28 (ASV). Open the verse

The American Standard Version prints: Diana.

The name in Greek

Greek · ArtemisἌρτεμις

Say it: Artemis

King James Version spelling: Diana

Strong’s (G735): probably from the same as G736 (ἀρτέμων); prompt

First in: Acts 19:24 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“whom all Asia and the world worshippeth” (Acts 19:27). Open the verse

History

In Greek religion Artemis was the goddess of wild animals, of hunting and growing things, and of childbirth. The Romans called her Diana. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Artemis".
Britannica notes that the Artemis of Ephesus was very different from the Artemis of the Greek stories. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Artemis".
Her sanctuary at Ephesus was founded by the second millennium B.C., at first for an Anatolian mother goddess. Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, "Ephesus".
Her temple at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and drew pilgrims from all around the Mediterranean. Little of it remains. Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, "Ephesus".

Bronze statuette of Artemis, 3rd to 1st century B.C. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1980.303.3). Photograph: public domain, The Met Open Access.

Named in 5 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Acts 19:24. Open the verse

The Twin Brothers Διόσκουροιsons of Jupiter (Strong's)

“And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.”

Acts 28:11 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Greek

GreekΔιόσκουροι

Say it: Dioskouroi

Strong’s (G1359): from the alternate of G2203 (Ζεύς) and a form of the base of G2877 (κοράσιον); sons of Jupiter

First in: Acts 28:11 Open the verse

The Greek letters are copied from Strong’s dictionary.

History

The Twin Brothers (in Greek, the Dioscuri), Castor and Pollux, were twin gods who helped shipwrecked sailors and received sacrifices for good winds. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Dioscuri".
The Greek stories make them sons of Leda, and of Zeus or of Tyndareus. By tradition their worship came to Rome in 484 B.C. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Dioscuri".

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Israel

“These are thy gods, O Israel” (Exodus 32:4)

3 names.

The golden calvesThe verses below name it.

“And he received it at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, and made it a molten calf: and they said, These are thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”

Exodus 32:4 (ASV). Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“have worshipped it, and have sacrificed unto it” (Exodus 32:8). Open the verse
“made two calves of gold” (1 Kings 12:28). Open the verse

Nehushtan נְחֻשְׁתָּן"a thing of brass" (BDB)

“He removed the high places, and brake the pillars, and cut down the Asherah: and he brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made; for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan.”

2 Kings 18:4 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Nehushtanנְחֻשְׁתָּן

Say it: ne-chush-tan

BDB: "a thing of brass"

Strong’s (H5180): from H5178 (נְחֹשֶׁת)

First in: 2 Kings 18:4 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“Moses made a serpent of brass” (Numbers 21:9). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in 2 Kings 18:4. Open the verse

Teraphim תְּרָפִיםa healer (Strong's)

“Now Laban was gone to shear his sheep: and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.”

Genesis 31:19 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · teraphimתְּרָפִים

Say it: te-ra-phim

Strong’s (H8655): plural from H7495 (רָפָא); a healer

First in: Genesis 31:19 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“the man Micah had a house of gods, and he made an ephod, and teraphim” (Judges 17:5). Open the verse

Named in 14 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Genesis 31:19. Open the verse

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Land not named in the verses

The verses for these do not say which people or land they came from.

8 names.

Fortune גַּד"god of fortune" (BDB)

“But ye that forsake Jehovah, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for Fortune, and that fill up mingled wine unto Destiny;”

Isaiah 65:11 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Fortuneגַּד

Say it: gad

BDB: "god of fortune"

Strong’s (H1408): a variation of H1409 (גָּד)

First in: Isaiah 65:11 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“prepare a table for Fortune” (Isaiah 65:11). Open the verse

Relief of the Gad (Fortune) of Dura, from the Temple of the Gadde at Dura-Europos, Yale University Art Gallery. The Hebrew word in Isaiah 65:11 is Gad. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Isaiah 65:11. Open the verse

Destiny מְנִי"fate" or "fortune" (BDB)

“But ye that forsake Jehovah, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for Fortune, and that fill up mingled wine unto Destiny;”

Isaiah 65:11 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Destinyמְנִי

Say it: me-ni

BDB: "fate" or "fortune"

Strong’s (H4507): from H4487 (מָנָה)

First in: Isaiah 65:11 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“fill up mingled wine unto Destiny” (Isaiah 65:11). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Isaiah 65:11. Open the verse

Rephan Ῥεφάν, Ῥαιφάν, Ῥομφά, Ῥεμφάν"an image" or "pillar" (BDB)

“And ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of the god Rephan, The figures which ye made to worship them: And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.”

Acts 7:43 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Greek

Greek · RephanῬεφάν, Ῥαιφάν, Ῥομφά, Ῥεμφάν

Say it: Rhemphan, Rhaiphan

King James Version spelling: Remphan

Strong’s (G4481): by incorrect transliteration for a word of Hebrew origin (H3594)

BDB, for the Hebrew name כִּיּוּן (H3594): "an image" or "pillar"

First in: Acts 7:43 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“The figures which ye made to worship them” (Acts 7:43). Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Acts 7:43. Open the verse

Sikkuth סִכּוּתNo meaning in these sources.

“Yea, ye have borne the tabernacle of your king and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.”

Amos 5:26 (ASV). Open the verse

The American Standard Version does not print a name here: it reads the Hebrew as ordinary words. Other Bibles, and STEPBible’s list of names, read the name Sikkuth.

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Sikkuthסִכּוּת

Say it: sik-kut

Strong’s (H5522): feminine of H5519 (סָךְ)

First in: Amos 5:26 Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Amos 5:26. Open the verse

Kiyyun כִּיּוּן"an image" or "pillar" (BDB)

“Yea, ye have borne the tabernacle of your king and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.”

Amos 5:26 (ASV). Open the verse

The American Standard Version does not print a name here: it reads the Hebrew as ordinary words. Other Bibles, and STEPBible’s list of names, read the name Kiyyun.

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Kiyyunכִּיּוּן

Say it: kiy-yun

King James Version spelling: Chiun

BDB: "an image" or "pillar"

Strong’s (H3594): from H3559 (כּוּן)

First in: Amos 5:26 Open the verse

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Amos 5:26. Open the verse

Tammuz תַּמּוּז"sprout of life" (BDB)

“Then he brought me to the door of the gate of Jehovah’s house which was toward the north; and behold, there sat the women weeping for Tammuz.”

Ezekiel 8:14 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Tammuzתַּמּוּז

Say it: tam-muz

BDB: "sprout of life"

Strong’s (H8542): of uncertain derivation

First in: Ezekiel 8:14 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“there sat the women weeping for Tammuz” (Ezekiel 8:14). Open the verse

History

Tammuz (in Sumerian, Dumuzi) was a Mesopotamian god of fertility, the new life of spring. His most common title was "Shepherd". Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Tammuz".
In one story the goddess Inanna (Ishtar) sends him to the underworld in her place. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Tammuz".
Celebrations in March and April marked his death. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Tammuz".

Incised chalk stone from the palace of Arad, 3000 to 2650 B.C., titled “The God Tammuz” on Wikimedia Commons. The name is the photograph’s title, not a firm identification. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Named in 1 verse in STEPBible’s count. First named in Ezekiel 8:14. Open the verse

The queen of heavenThe verses below name it.

“The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead the dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.”

Jeremiah 7:18 (ASV). Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“to burn incense unto the queen of heaven” (Jeremiah 44:17). Open the verse

History

Britannica takes the queen of heaven of Jeremiah 44 to be Astarte (Ashtoreth). Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Astarte".

Azazel עֲזָאזֵלNo meaning in these sources.

“And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot for Azazel.”

Leviticus 16:8 (ASV). Open the verse

The name in Hebrew

Hebrew · Azazelעֲזָאזֵל

Say it: a-za-zel

Strong’s (H5799): from H5795 (עֵז) and H235 (אָזַל)

First in: Leviticus 16:8 Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness” (Leviticus 16:10). Open the verse

Readings differ

Readers have taken Azazel as a word, as a place, or as a name. BDB gives “entire removal, scapegoat”, and says the meaning is uncertain. The History part below gives the other two readings, each with its source.

History

The Talmud reads Azazel as a rugged mountain or cliff in the wilderness, from which the goat was thrown down. Source: The Jewish Encyclopedia (1906), "Azazel".
In later Jewish legend Azazel is a demon or evil spirit, and later rabbinic writings sometimes call him a fallen angel. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Azazel".
The Book of Enoch makes Azazel the leader of the rebellious giants before the Flood. Source: The Jewish Encyclopedia (1906), "Azazel".
In the Second Temple the high priest carried out this rite, and the Mishnah describes it. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Azazel".

Named in 3 verses in STEPBible’s count. First named in Leviticus 16:8. Open the verse

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The gods of Assyria and Babylonia the Bible does not name

Two great gods of the lands around Israel. The Bible does not name them, but their pictures are among the best-known of the gods of that time.

2 names.

AshurNot named in the Bible.

The Bible does not name Ashur as a god. In the Bible, Asshur is the name of a man and of the land of Assyria.

History

Ashur was the god of the city of Ashur and the national god of Assyria. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Ashur".

Wall relief from the palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud, 865 to 850 B.C., showing the god Ashur inside a winged disk; British Museum, London. Photograph: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

ShamashNot named in the Bible.

The Bible does not name Shamash. Shamash was the sun god; the Bible’s Hebrew word for the sun is shemesh. The verses below speak of the worship of the sun.

“And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entrance of the house of Jehovah, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the precincts; and he burned the chariots of the sun with fire.”

2 Kings 23:11 (ASV). Open the verse

In the verses’ own words

“they were worshipping the sun toward the east” (Ezekiel 8:16). Open the verse

History

Shamash was the sun god of Mesopotamia. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Shamash".
He became known as the god of justice and fairness, the judge of gods and of people. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Shamash".
The chief centres of his worship were Larsa in Sumer and Sippar in Akkad. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Shamash".

The Tablet of Shamash, a stone relief of the sun god seated on a throne, titled so on WikimediaCommons — The Tablet of Shamash, a stone relief of the sun god seated on a throne, titled so on Wikimedia Commons. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons, file “Tablet of Shamash relief”, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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Where the words come from

The verses

Every verse and every quoted phrase is from the American Standard Version (1901), copied by machine.

The names and their letters

The names, their Hebrew and Greek letters, and the verses that name them come from STEPBible’s list of proper names (TIPNR). Meanings come from BDB and Strong’s, as on the Names of People cards.

History

A few facts from outside the Bible for the main gods, in Open Scroll’s own words. Each names the source it was checked against: Encyclopaedia Britannica, UNESCO, The Jewish Encyclopedia (1906).

Photographs

Where a museum’s own label names the god, a photograph of the real ancient object, from The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Open Access, public domain).

Where a dictionary prints God’s name in English letters, this page writes YHWH. The Hebrew letters stay as the dictionary prints them.