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What the Bible Says About Tophet

Overview

The Bible addresses tophet across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Jeremiah, 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings. Closely related themes include Idolatry, Molech, Valleys and Kings. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jeremiah.

Key Bible verses about tophet

Old Testament

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. came: Heb. came it upon my heart

Jeremiah 7:32

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.

Jeremiah 19:6

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter.

Jeremiah 19:11

And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury. be made: Heb. be healed

Jeremiah 19:12

Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet:

Jeremiah 19:13

And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.

Jeremiah 19:14

Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,

Jeremiah 32:35

And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

People in the Bible and tophet

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying tophet for yourself

  • Begin with 2 Kings 23:10, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Jeremiah, 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jeremiah and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Idolatry, Molech, Valleys and Kings.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about tophet?

The Bible addresses tophet across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Jeremiah, 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings. Closely related themes include Idolatry, Molech, Valleys and Kings. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jeremiah.

How many Bible verses are about tophet?

The Bible references tophet in 12 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention tophet?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Kings 23:10: “And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with tophet?

Jeremiah.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on tophet.

Preach a series on Tophet