### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Hinnôm**, represented by `{{H2011}}`, refers to a person, apparently a Jebusite, whose name became attached to a significant geographical location. Appearing **13 times** across **11 unique verses**, this name is primarily associated with the valley located near Jerusalem. While initially referenced as a geographical boundary, it is more notoriously known as a site for idolatrous and abominable practices.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the valley of `{{H2011}}` serves two distinct purposes. First, it is a geographical landmark used to define tribal borders. The border `{{H1366}}` of the territory of Judah went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom on the south side `{{H3802}}` of the Jebusite `{{H2983}}`, which is Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` [[Joshua 15:8]]. It is also mentioned as a boundary marker that descended from the mountain `{{H2022}}` [[Joshua 18:16]]. Later, it marked the northern extent of the area where people dwelt after the exile [[Nehemiah 11:30]]. More significantly, the valley became a center for pagan worship, where high places `{{H1116}}` were built for Baal `{{H1168}}` and where Israelites caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire `{{H784}}` to Molech `{{H4432}}` ([[Jeremiah 32:35]], [[2 Kings 23:10]]). This practice, which the LORD `{{H3068}}` did not command `{{H6680}}`, was considered a great evil `{{H7451}}` and an abomination `{{H8441}}` ([[2 Chronicles 33:6]], [[Jeremiah 7:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of the valley of Hinnom:
* `{{H1516}}` **gay'** (valley): This word defines the physical geography of Hinnom. It is almost always referred to as "the **valley** of the son of Hinnom" or "the **valley** of Hinnom," establishing it as a gorge or narrow depression ([[Jeremiah 19:2]], [[2 Chronicles 28:3]]).
* `{{H4432}}` **Môlek** (Molech): This is the name of the Ammonite deity to whom child sacrifices were performed in the valley. The texts explicitly state that people made their children pass through the fire to **Molech** `{{H4432}}`, an act that defiled `{{H2930}}` the land ([[2 Kings 23:10]], [[Jeremiah 32:35]]).
* `{{H8612}}` **Tôpheth** (Topheth): This refers to a specific location within the valley of Hinnom where the altars for burning children were built `{{H1129}}` [[Jeremiah 7:31]]. This place was defiled by King Josiah to end the practice and was prophesied to be renamed ([[2 Kings 23:10]], [[Jeremiah 7:32]]).
* `{{H8441}}` **tôwʻêbah** (abomination): This term describes God's view of the rituals performed in Hinnom. The worship of foreign gods `{{H1471}}` and the sacrifice of children were considered a moral and spiritual **abomination** that caused Judah `{{H3063}}` to sin `{{H2398}}` ([[2 Chronicles 28:3]], [[Jeremiah 32:35]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2011}}` is centered on themes of idolatry, judgment, and defilement.
* **A Symbol of Extreme Idolatry:** The Valley of Hinnom stands as a stark symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness. The building of high places `{{H1116}}` to Baal `{{H1168}}` and the burning `{{H8313}}` of children in the fire `{{H784}}` represent the ultimate rejection of God's commands ([[Jeremiah 7:31]], [[Jeremiah 32:35]]).
* **A Place of Divine Judgment:** Due to these abhorrent acts, the valley becomes a site of divine judgment. Josiah defiles `{{H2930}}` Topheth `{{H8612}}` within the valley to stop the sacrifices [[2 Kings 23:10]]. Jeremiah prophesies that its name will be changed from "the valley of the son of Hinnom" to "the valley of **slaughter**" `{{H2028}}`, where the dead will be buried `{{H6912}}` until there is no more room ([[Jeremiah 7:32]], [[Jeremiah 19:6]]).
* **Corruption at the Heart of the Nation:** Its location right next to Jerusalem `{{H3389}}`, the holy city, underscores the depth of the nation's corruption. A place that once marked a boundary `{{H1366}}` for God's people became a center for practices He detested, highlighting a profound spiritual decay ([[Joshua 15:8]], [[2 Chronicles 33:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2011}}` **Hinnôm** evolves from a geographical place name to a powerful symbol of sin and its consequences. Initially marking the border of Judah near Jerusalem, the Valley of Hinnom became infamous as the location of Topheth, where Israelites committed the abomination of child sacrifice to the god Molech. This profound rebellion against the LORD led to its prophetic renaming as "the valley of slaughter," transforming it from a simple valley into an emblem of divine judgment and the horrific results of idolatry.
TRV