Merodach
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Merodach in the Bible?
Merodach is the Hellenized form of the name Marduk, the patron god of Babylon and head of the Mesopotamian pantheon. The name appears in classical sources and the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible, where it is used interchangeably with the Hebrew term Bel or the original Akkadian Marduk.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Merodach as the Greek rendering of Marduk clarifies references in the New Testament and Septuagint, allowing readers to accurately identify the specific Babylonian deity opposed by biblical prophets and understand the cultural context of Babylonian religious influence during the exile period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Merodach in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Merodach 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.