from זָנָה; adultery; figuratively, idolatry; whoredom.
Transliteration:zânûwn
Pronunciation:zaw-noon'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word zânûwn (`{{H2183}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root zânâh (`{{H2181}}`), which fundamentally means "to commit fornication," "to play the harlot," or "to be unfaithful." As a noun, zânûwn therefore denotes "whoredom," "prostitution," or "adultery." Crucially, its semantic range extends beyond mere physical infidelity to encompass a profound figurative meaning: spiritual apostasy and idolatry. In biblical theology, particularly in the prophetic books, this figurative sense is paramount, representing Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant relationship with Yahweh.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
zânûwn (`{{H2183}}`) appears in a limited number of Old Testament passages, primarily within the prophetic literature, where it carries significant weight in describing Israel's spiritual state.
* **Figurative Sense (Spiritual Adultery/Idolatry):** This is the predominant usage of zânûwn.
* In [[Hosea 4:12]], the prophet declares, "My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom (רוּחַ זְנוּנִים) has led them astray, and they have played the harlot, forsaking their God." Here, zânûwn explicitly links the people's idolatrous practices (consulting wood) with a pervasive spiritual condition that causes them to abandon Yahweh.
* Similarly, [[Hosea 5:4]] reiterates this theme: "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of whoredom (רוּחַ זְנוּנִים) is within them, and they do not know the LORD." The "spirit of whoredom" is presented as an internal spiritual sickness that prevents genuine repentance and a true relationship with God.
* [[Jeremiah 3:2]] vividly portrays Israel's widespread spiritual prostitution: "Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see! Where have you not been ravished? By the roadsides you have sat for them, like an Arab in the desert; you have polluted the land with your whoredom (בִּזְנוּנַיִךְ) and with your wickedness." Here, zânûwn clearly refers to Israel's widespread idolatry and their relentless pursuit of foreign gods and alliances, which defiled the land and broke their covenant vows.
These contexts consistently use zânûwn to underscore the gravity of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, portraying it as a deliberate act of betrayal against their divine "husband," Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding zânûwn (`{{H2183}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic family and theological parallels:
* **Root zânâh (`{{H2181}}`):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to commit fornication," "to act as a harlot," or "to be unfaithful." The noun zânûwn signifies the *state* or *act* of this unfaithfulness.
* **zônâh (`{{H2182}}`):** A noun meaning "harlot" or "prostitute," referring to the individual who commits the act.
* **zənûth (`{{H2184}}`):** Another cognate noun, also meaning "whoredom" or "fornication," often used interchangeably with zânûwn in contexts of spiritual defilement (e.g., [[Ezekiel 23:27]]).
* **Covenant Infidelity:** The most significant conceptual link. The relationship between Yahweh and Israel is frequently depicted as a marriage covenant (e.g., [[Hosea 2:19-20]], [[Ezekiel 16]]). Thus, idolatry and turning to other gods are viewed as spiritual adultery, a profound breach of the exclusive devotion required by the covenant.
* **Baal Worship:** A prominent form of idolatry in ancient Israel, often involving cultic prostitution and fertility rites, which blurred the lines between literal sexual immorality and spiritual zânûwn.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of zânûwn (`{{H2183}}`) are profound and central to the prophetic message:
* **Breach of Covenant:** zânûwn represents the ultimate betrayal of the covenant relationship. It is not merely a transgression but a fundamental rejection of the exclusive bond between God and His chosen people, akin to a spouse's infidelity.
* **Spiritual Blindness and Alienation:** The "spirit of whoredom" (רוּחַ זְנוּנִים) described in Hosea suggests a pervasive spiritual condition that distorts perception, hinders true knowledge of God, and prevents repentance. It signifies a profound spiritual insensitivity and a preference for false deities and their associated practices over the living God.
* **Divine Jealousy and Judgment:** God's response to zânûwn is often depicted as righteous jealousy, a passionate indignation over His people's unfaithfulness. This jealousy leads to severe divine judgment, as the prophets consistently warn that Israel's spiritual whoredom will result in chastisement, including exile and desolation.
* **Call to Repentance and Restoration:** Despite the severity of the sin, the prophetic denunciations of zânûwn are often paired with a fervent call to repentance and a promise of restoration. God, as the faithful husband, longs for His people to return from their spiritual harlotry and renew their covenant vows (e.g., [[Hosea 14:1-4]], [[Jeremiah 3:12-14]]).
### Summary
zânûwn (`{{H2183}}`) is a potent Hebrew noun denoting "whoredom," "adultery," and, most crucially, "idolatry" or "spiritual unfaithfulness." Derived from the root zânâh (`{{H2181}}`), it encapsulates the profound breach of covenant between God and Israel. Predominantly found in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Hosea 4:12]], [[Hosea 5:4]], [[Jeremiah 3:2]]), it vividly portrays Israel's spiritual apostasy, often described as a "spirit of whoredom" that blinds them to God's truth and prevents genuine repentance. Theologically, zânûwn underscores the gravity of covenant infidelity, the spiritual blindness it engenders, and the righteous divine judgment it provokes. Yet, it also serves as a backdrop for God's persistent call to repentance and His enduring desire for His people's restoration, highlighting the exclusive and sacred nature of the relationship He desires.
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