Chiun (1)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Chiun (1) in the Bible?
Chiun is the name of an idol, likely representing the planet Saturn, mentioned in Amos 5:26 and Acts 7:43, with its pronunciation preserved in ancient Greek translations by Aquila and Symmachus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Chiun as an astral deity clarifies the specific nature of the syncretistic religious practices condemned by the prophets, helping readers grasp the historical context of idolatry in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Chiun (1). 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 Chiun (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chiun (1) clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Amos 5:26Acts 7:43
Related Topics
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
"Chiun (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chiun-1/