### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hephek**, represented by `{{H2016}}`, signifies a turn, the reverse, or something contrary. Its usage in scripture is highly specific, appearing only **2 times** within a single verse. This rarity makes its application particularly pointed, used to describe a situation that is the complete opposite of the norm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical context for `{{H2016}}` is in God's rebuke of Jerusalem in [[Ezekiel 16:34]]. Here, the city's spiritual unfaithfulness is described as being the **contrary** of other women engaged in harlotry. The verse explains this reversal: unlike others who receive payment, Jerusalem **givest** `{{H5414}}` a **reward** `{{H868}}` for others to commit whoredoms. This use of **hephek** establishes Jerusalem's sin as a unique and inverted perversion, one that defies the natural order of corruption by actively paying for its own spiritual adultery.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in Ezekiel 16 illuminate the meaning of `{{H2016}}`:
* `{{H8457}}` **taznûwth** (harlotry, i.e. (figuratively) idolatry): This is the context in which the "contrary" nature is demonstrated. Jerusalem’s idolatry was so pervasive it "multiplied" its **whoredoms** [[Ezekiel 16:25]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to commit adultery; figuratively, to commit idolatry): This is the action being described. God accuses Israel of having a **whorish** heart, departing from Him to follow idols [[Ezekiel 6:9]].
* `{{H868}}` **ʼethnan** (a gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry); hire, reward): This term is central to the reversal. The law forbids bringing the **hire** of a whore into the house of the Lord [[Deuteronomy 23:18]], yet Jerusalem gives out such a reward.
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This word captures the action that is inverted. Instead of receiving a reward, Jerusalem is the one to **give** it, a central point in the accusation of being contrary [[Ezekiel 16:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2016}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage. It serves to emphasize several key points about the nature of sin and judgment:
* **Uniqueness of Rebellion:** The term highlights that Israel's sin was not ordinary. It was **contrary** to the expected patterns of even sinful behavior, showing a deeper level of spiritual depravity [[Ezekiel 16:34]].
* **Inverted Motivation:** Theologically, it points to a sin that is not committed for gain but out of a wanton desire for the act itself. Jerusalem pays others to join its idolatry, flipping the concept of temptation on its head.
* **Foundation for Judgment:** By establishing how uniquely perverse Jerusalem's actions were, the use of **hephek** underscores the righteousness of God's severe judgment. The punishment is warranted because the crime is so profoundly contrary to divine and even worldly standards.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2016}}` is a term whose significance comes from its extreme rarity. Defined as "contrary" or "the reverse," its only appearance in the Bible is in Ezekiel's prophecy against Jerusalem. It powerfully conveys the unnatural and inverted character of the city's spiritual adultery, where instead of being paid for harlotry, she pays others to participate. Thus, **hephek** functions as a term of ultimate rebuke, marking a sin so profound that it operates in reverse of all normal convention.
TRV