chemosh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Religious, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “chemosh” mean?
The national deity or god of the ancient Moabites, an ancient Semitic people who lived east of the Dead Sea in modern-day Jordan.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The national deity or god of the ancient Moabites, an ancient Semitic people who lived east of the Dead Sea in modern-day Jordan.
In biblical contexts, Chemosh is often used as a symbol of idolatry and false worship, representing a rival god to Yahweh. It can also refer to a false idol or a powerful non-Christian deity in theological discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the word only in the same specialized contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare and specialized in both dialects, encountered almost exclusively in religious, historical, or classical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “chemosh” in a Sentence
Verb + to + Chemosh (sacrifice to Chemosh, pray to Chemosh)Noun + of + Chemosh (the god of Chemosh, the altar of Chemosh)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chemosh” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient inscriptions claim the king Chemoshed his enemies. (Rare, hypothetical use)
American English
- (No standard verb usage exists. Use 'worshipped Chemosh' instead.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb usage exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverb usage exists.)
adjective
British English
- The Chemoshite altar was discovered by archaeologists. (Hypothetical derivative)
American English
- (No standard adjective usage exists.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, biblical archaeology, and ancient Near Eastern history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in theological and historical texts to refer specifically to the Moabite deity.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chemosh”
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'ch' sound (/tʃ/). Correct is a 'k' sound (/k/).
- Not capitalizing it.
- Using it in contemporary, non-figurative contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is pronounced KEE-mosh, with the 'ch' making a /k/ sound.
No. The worship of Chemosh disappeared after the absorption of the Moabite kingdom and culture into other empires centuries ago.
The primary sources are the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Mesha Stele, a 9th-century BCE Moabite stone inscription.
Yes, but it is highly literary and rare. It can be used metaphorically to refer to a 'false idol' or an unworthy object of extreme devotion (e.g., 'He sacrificed his family life to the chemosh of his career').
The national deity or god of the ancient Moabites, an ancient Semitic people who lived east of the Dead Sea in modern-day Jordan.
Chemosh is usually literary, religious, academic, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] To sacrifice something to a modern Chemosh (meaning: to waste something valuable for a false goal or idol).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHEMOSH: think of CHEeky MOSH pit → Imagine ancient worshippers performing violent rituals (like a mosh pit) for their cheeky, rebellious god.
Conceptual Metaphor
False Idol / Rival Power. Used to conceptualize any powerful but ultimately false or destructive object of devotion (e.g., money, power, fame).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'Chemosh' most likely be used?