Anammelech
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Anammelech in the Bible?
A Babylonian deity worshipped by the Sepharvites in Samaria, accompanied by the sacrifice of children by fire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Anammelech clarifies the biblical account of religious syncretism in Samaria, where imported populations maintained their distinct idolatrous practices alongside the worship of Yahweh, illustrating the complex cultural tensions described in 2 Kings 17.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Anammelech. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Anammelech in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Anammelech clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Anammelech." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/anammelech/