occurs only in Amos 5:26 (RSV marg., "shrine"). The LXX. translated the word by Rhephan, which became corrupted into Remphan, as used by Stephen ( Acts 7:43 ; but RSV, "Rephan"). Probably the planet Saturn is intended by the name. Astrologers represented this planet as baleful in its influences, and hence the Phoenicians offered to it human sacrifices, especially children.
(a statue , perhaps of Saturn), an idol made by the Israelites in the wilderness. [REMPHAN]
CHIUN (1)
ki'-un:
Thus Hebrew kiyun, is transliterated in Amos 5:26 the King James Version. The vowels represent an assimilation to some such word as shiqquts, "detestable thing," or gillul, "idol" (properly "a filthy thing"), in consonance with the well-known habit of the punctuators (compare molekh, Molech with the vowels of bosheth, "shame"). The Syriac version has preserved the correct vocalization; apparently also the Septuagint, albeit the consonants have suffered corruption (so particularly in the Greek manuscripts of Acts 7:43). There can be no doubt that we should vocalize kewan = the Assyrian Kai(a)-wanu = Kaiamanu by which at least in late Babylonian Saturn was indicated. The passage in Amos refers to the Saturn worship which appears to have been in vogue in the prophet's days. The Israelites shall carry with them into exile the images of their gods (render with the margin of the Revised Version (British and American):
"Yea, ye shall take up," etc.). The received vocalization is as old as Aquila and Symmachus.
Max L. Margolis
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CHIUN (2)
ki'-un (Amos 5:26 the King James Version):
Called in Acts 7:43 "Rephan" (Rhemphan) the planet Saturn.
See ASTROLOGY.
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