Who Is Kaiwan in the Bible?
The name Kaiwan appears only once in the Bible, in Amos 5:26, where the prophet rebukes Israel for carrying foreign idols. Yet this obscure term opens a window into the larger biblical theology of idolatry, Israel’s covenant calling, and the contrast between the nations’ star-gods and the living God who made the heavens (Ps 96:5). Understanding Kaiwan helps readers interpret both the specific historical moment in Amos and the broader narrative of God forming a people who worship him alone.
In Amos 5:26, the prophet names two foreign deities—Sakkuth and Kaiwan—condemning Israel for adopting “the star of your god that you made for yourselves.” The Hebrew form Kiyyun reflects a vocalization pattern used for abominations, but scholars agree the real pronunciation was Kaiwan, matching the Syriac Keywân, the name of the planet Saturn. This term ultimately derives from the Babylonian Kajjamānu, “The Steady One,” a deity associated with the star Saturn. Though not prominent in Mesopotamian mythology, this astral god was still considered a divine entity, as indicated by the deity marker in cuneiform texts.
This background helps explain why Amos confronts Israel: they were forming images, carrying star idols, and placing their trust in something other than Yahweh. In biblical theology, this is more than a historical detail—it reflects the long struggle between the worship of the Creator and the imitation of the nations.
Kaiwan in the Biblical Story: How and Why Israel Turned to a Star-God
Amos 5 exposes a pattern found throughout Scripture: Israel repeatedly sought gods that were visible, manageable, and common among their neighbors. The worship of the “star of your god” parallels language about “the host of heaven” (Deut 4:19; 2 Kgs 17:16), a phrase referring either to celestial bodies or to spiritual beings associated with them. The Bible condemns both forms of devotion, for they blur the line between creation and Creator.
The mention of Kaiwan also appears alongside Sakkuth, another foreign god. Amos labels Sakkuth “your king” and Kaiwan “your images,” though the grammar is debated. The prophet’s indictment shows that these idols were “your god” (Amos 5:26)—a stinging accusation that Israel was crafting gods for themselves rather than serving the Lord who brought them out of Egypt (Exod 20:2–4).
Two interpretive approaches emerge in biblical scholarship:
1. Kaiwan’s Worship Adopted Before the Fall of Samaria
Under this view, Israel borrowed the cult of Saturn from the Assyrians during a time of political entanglement. Amos, therefore, rebukes them for abandoning Yahweh by turning to astral divinities—a violation of the covenant given at Sinai (Exod 19:5–6; Deut 6:14–15).
2. Kaiwan as a Later Editorial Reference to Assyrian-Deported Peoples
Another view connects Amos 5:26 with 2 Kings 17:28–30, where Assyrian settlers brought foreign deities into Samaria. This interpretation suggests the text may reflect a later prophetic or deuteronomistic perspective, highlighting Israel’s confusion and syncretism both before and after the exile.
Both perspectives reinforce the same theological point: Israel’s flirtation with other gods, including star-gods like Kaiwan, was rooted in covenant infidelity. Amos calls Israel to repentance by revealing that their outward worship was empty when paired with idolatry (Amos 5:21–24).
Kaiwan, Idols, and the Biblical Theology of the Stars
Throughout Scripture, stars serve symbolic and theological purposes. God made the stars to mark seasons and signs (Gen 1:14–16). Abraham receives a promise tied to the stars (Gen 15:5). But Israel is repeatedly warned not to bow down to the “host of heaven” (Deut 17:3; Jer 19:13). The biblical authors distinguish between stars as created things and stars as images for spiritual beings in the heavenly council (Job 38:7).
Astral worship—bowing to Saturn, Venus, or other celestial figures—represented a rejection of the Creator. The worship of Kaiwan shows how Israel preferred what they could see, even if God had already declared the stars “good” as created lights (Gen 1:18) but not objects of devotion.
The theological contrast is sharp:
Israel’s God
– Creates stars by his word (Ps 33:6)
– Calls them by name (Isa 40:26)
– Rules the heavens and the earth (Ps 115:3–15)
Kaiwan and the “Star of Your God”
– A created object associated with Saturn
– A foreign practice adopted from nations
– Powerless to save or speak
– An idol crafted by human hands (Amos 5:26; Isa 44:9–20)
Idolatry in Scripture is not merely the worship of false gods—it is the attempt to control reality through visible substitutes. Kaiwan represents the gravitational pull of the nations’ worship practices, standing against Israel’s calling to be a distinct people who reflect God’s glory (Exod 19:5–6; Isa 42:6).
From Kaiwan to the New Testament: The Triumph of the True King
The New Testament continues the prophetic critique of star-worship and idolatry. Stephen quotes Amos 5:26–27 in Acts 7:42–43, using the Greek form Rompha (a corrupted rendering similar to Rephan). He argues that Israel rejected God and embraced the worship of created things, which resulted in exile.
This sets the stage for seeing Christ as the fulfillment of Israel’s calling. Whereas Israel carried idols in the wilderness, Jesus carries his people, prays for them, and embodies faithful obedience (John 17; Heb 7:24–25). The contrast between Kaiwan and Christ is profound:
Kaiwan is a star; Jesus is the one who upholds the stars (Heb 1:3).
Kaiwan is a silent idol; Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
Kaiwan represents exile; Jesus gathers a redeemed people (Eph 2:13–18).
Kaiwan is a foreign god; Jesus is Israel’s true King (John 12:13).
Revelation completes the biblical arc by presenting the risen Christ as the “bright morning star” (Rev 22:16)—the one who signals the dawn of God’s final kingdom. Unlike Kaiwan, this star is not a created light but the divine ruler whose kingdom has no end (Dan 7:13–14). The nations are called not to follow astral powers but to worship the Lamb who reigns over heaven and earth.
Why Kaiwan Matters for Christians Today
Kaiwan’s brief appearance in Scripture teaches lasting truths:
Idolatry always begins with misplaced trust. Israel trusted the stars; modern people trust success, security, or cultural approval.
God desires exclusive worship. The first commandment guards the heart (Exod 20:3).
Christ reveals the emptiness of idols and the fullness of God. In him, the covenant story finds its completion.
The stars point to God’s glory, not to rival powers. Psalm 19 frames creation as a witness to the Creator, not an object of worship.
Exile results not from political missteps but from misplaced worship. Amos and Acts both highlight this theme.
Kaiwan is therefore not a minor footnote—it is a doorway into the Bible’s larger vision of faithful worship, the danger of syncretism, and God’s purpose to form a people who shine with his light (Phil 2:15).
Bible Verses About Idolatry, False Gods, and the Stars
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exod 20:3)
“Lest you lift up your eyes to heaven… and be drawn away to bow down to them.” (Deut 4:19)
“They served Baal and the host of heaven.” (2 Kgs 17:16)
“The heavens declare the glory of God.” (Ps 19:1)
“All the gods of the peoples are worthless idols.” (Ps 96:5)
“Those who make them become like them.” (Ps 115:8)
“You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god.” (Amos 5:26)
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matt 2:2)
“Therefore God gave them up to the lusts of their hearts.” (Rom 1:24–25)
“I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev 22:16)
