Who or what is Human Sacrifice in the Bible?

Ancient Context: Human Sacrifice

⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Human sacrifice was a practice in which humans were killed as an offering to a deity or gods. This practice is mentioned several times in the Bible, particularly in connection with the worship of Molech.

What is the meaning of Human Sacrifice in the Bible?

Human sacrifice was a practice in which humans were killed as an offering to a deity or gods. This practice is mentioned several times in the Bible, particularly in connection with the worship of Molech.

SIGNIFICANCE

The biblical condemnation of human sacrifice highlights the importance of distinguishing between true and false forms of worship.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Human Sacrifice. 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 Human Sacrifice in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Human Sacrifice clarify?

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

          "Human Sacrifice." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/human-sacrifice/
        

Human Sacrifice