### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zᵉnûwth**, represented by `{{H2184}}`, primarily denotes **whoredom**. Its base definition extends from adultery to the figurative meanings of infidelity and idolatry. It appears a total of **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently used to describe a profound spiritual unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical prophecy, `{{H2184}}` is overwhelmingly used to characterize Israel's apostasy. The nation's worship of idols is equated with adultery, an act that pollutes the land and violates its sacred covenant with God [[Jeremiah 3:2]]. This spiritual "whoredom" is considered a defilement of God's holy name, a barrier that must be put away before He will dwell in their midst ([[Ezekiel 43:7]], [[Ezekiel 43:9]]). The consequences are severe, with the prophets warning that the children of the unfaithful generation would "bear" their parents' **whoredoms** in the wilderness [[Numbers 14:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of spiritual and moral corruption associated with `{{H2184}}`:
* `{{H2154}}` **zimmâh** (lewdness, wicked device): This term signifies a heinous crime or a wicked plan. It appears alongside **whoredom** to describe the depth of Jerusalem's depravity [[Jeremiah 13:27]].
* `{{H2610}}` **chânêph** (to soil, defile, pollute): This root word describes moral and spiritual contamination. Israel is said to have **polluted** the land through its **whoredoms** and wickedness [[Jeremiah 3:2]].
* `{{H5003}}` **nâʼaph** (to commit adultery): As the direct act of adultery, this word is used in parallel with `{{H2184}}` to describe how Israel **defiled** the land and **committed adultery** with idols of stone and wood [[Jeremiah 3:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2184}}` is centered on the covenant relationship between God and His people, portraying sin as an act of betrayal.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** The term powerfully frames idolatry not as a simple mistake, but as a violation of a sacred, exclusive relationship. By turning to idols, Israel is described as committing **adultery** "with stones and with stocks" [[Jeremiah 3:9]].
* **Source of Defilement:** This spiritual **whoredom** is a contaminating force. It defiles the house of Israel [[Hosea 6:10]], pollutes the land [[Jeremiah 3:2]], and prevents God from dwelling with His people [[Ezekiel 43:9]].
* **Corruption of the Heart:** The prophets teach that this behavior has a deep internal effect. Hosea states that **whoredom**, along with wine, "take away the heart," indicating a loss of wisdom and devotion to God [[Hosea 4:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2184}}` serves as a potent and recurring metaphor for infidelity against God. It moves beyond the physical act of adultery to define the essence of idolatry as a grievous betrayal of the divine covenant. This "whoredom" is depicted as a corrupting influence that defiles people, pollutes the land, and severs the intimate bond between God and His chosen nation.
TRV