regarded by some as if from זוּן or an unused root, and applied to military equipments; but evidently the feminine plural active participle of זָנָה; harlots; armour.
Transliteration:zônôwth
Pronunciation:zo-noth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זֹנוֹת (zônôwth), Strong's `{{H2185}}`, presents an interesting semantic duality, though one interpretation is clearly dominant in its biblical usage. Grammatically, it is the feminine plural active participle of the verb זָנָה (zânâh, `{{H2181}}`), which primarily means "to commit fornication," "to be a harlot," or "to play the harlot." Thus, the most direct and widely accepted meaning of זֹנוֹת is "harlots" or "prostitutions" (as in acts of harlotry).
The alternative interpretation, noted in some lexicons, suggests a derivation from an unused root or from זוּן (zûn, related to sustenance), leading to a meaning of "military equipment" or "armour." This proposed etymology is considerably less certain and lacks direct contextual support within the biblical corpus for this specific form. The overwhelming evidence points to its connection with the root `{{H2181}}`, signifying sexual immorality and, by extension, spiritual unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זֹנוֹת (`{{H2185}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, in the book of Nahum:
* **[[Nahum 3:4]]**: "Because of the multitude of the harlotries of the well-favored harlot, the mistress of sorceries, who sells nations through her harlotries and families through her sorceries."
In this sole occurrence, the context unequivocally supports the meaning derived from זָנָה (`{{H2181}}`). The prophet Nahum is pronouncing judgment upon Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Nineveh is personified as a "well-favored harlot" (זוֹנָה, `{{H2181}}`) and a "mistress of sorceries." The phrase "multitude of the harlotries" (רֹב זְנוּנֵי) directly uses `{{H2185}}` (zônôwth, here vocalized as zənûnê, a construct form of the plural) to describe the pervasive moral corruption and deceptive allure of the city. Her "harlotries" are linked with her "sorceries," indicating a combination of spiritual and moral depravity that has led to her dominion over nations and families. The idea of "selling nations" through these means further emphasizes the insidious and corrupting influence of Nineveh, akin to a prostitute who uses her wiles for gain. The alternative meaning of "armour" would be entirely incongruous and nonsensical in this specific verse, highlighting the primacy of the "harlotry" interpretation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of זֹנוֹת (`{{H2185}}`) is זָנָה (zânâh, `{{H2181}}`), a verb that encompasses the literal act of prostitution and, more profoundly, the metaphorical concept of spiritual unfaithfulness. Other related terms include:
* **זוֹנָה** (zônâh, `{{H2181}}`): The feminine singular participle, meaning "a harlot" or "prostitute." This term is used frequently, both literally (e.g., Rahab in [[Joshua 2:1]]) and metaphorically (e.g., Israel as a harlot in [[Hosea 4:15]]).
* **זְנוּנִים** (zənûnîm, `{{H2183}}`): A masculine plural noun derived from the same root, meaning "harlotries" or "fornications." This term is often used in the prophetic books to describe Israel's idolatry and spiritual apostasy (e.g., [[Ezekiel 23:27]]).
* **זְנוּת** (zənût, `{{H2184}}`): A feminine noun, also meaning "harlotry" or "prostitution," often used abstractly (e.g., [[Hosea 4:12]]).
The consistent semantic field across these related words underscores the central meaning of `{{H2185}}` within the biblical lexicon. The metaphorical extension of "harlotry" to describe idolatry and unfaithfulness to God is a powerful and recurring theme in the prophets, particularly in Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. This imagery portrays God's covenant relationship with Israel as a marriage, where spiritual defection is depicted as adultery or prostitution.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זֹנוֹת (`{{H2185}}`) and its root `{{H2181}}` lies primarily in its representation of profound moral and spiritual corruption. In the context of [[Nahum 3:4]], Nineveh's "harlotries" signify a deep-seated depravity that extends beyond mere sexual immorality. It speaks to a treacherous and deceptive nature, a willingness to betray for gain, and a pervasive unfaithfulness to any semblance of divine order or justice. The city's "sorceries" further compound this image, pointing to illicit spiritual practices and reliance on dark powers.
The divine judgment pronounced upon Nineveh is a direct consequence of this multifaceted sin. God, as the righteous judge, cannot tolerate such widespread corruption, especially when it leads to the oppression and "selling" of nations. The use of "harlotry" imagery serves to emphasize the abhorrence of God for such practices, portraying them as an affront to His holiness and a violation of the moral fabric of creation.
More broadly, the concept of "harlotry" in the Old Testament is a potent metaphor for apostasy and idolatry. When Israel "plays the harlot," it signifies their abandonment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh for the worship of other gods or reliance on foreign alliances. This spiritual harlotry is seen as a betrayal of divine love and faithfulness, leading to divine discipline and judgment. Thus, `{{H2185}}`, though appearing only once, resonates with a profound theological truth: God's unwavering opposition to spiritual and moral infidelity, and His ultimate justice against those who persist in such rebellion.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זֹנוֹת (zônôwth, `{{H2185}}`) is best understood as the feminine plural active participle of זָנָה (`{{H2181}}`), meaning "harlots" or "prostitutions." While an alternative etymology linking it to "armour" exists, the sole biblical occurrence in [[Nahum 3:4]] definitively supports the meaning of "harlotries." In this passage, Nineveh is condemned for its "multitude of harlotries" and "sorceries," depicting its pervasive moral corruption, deceptive nature, and spiritual depravity that led to its downfall. The term is deeply connected to a family of words centered on sexual immorality and, more significantly, the prophetic metaphor of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. Theologically, `{{H2185}}` underscores God's righteous judgment against profound moral and spiritual betrayal, reflecting His opposition to all forms of unholiness and unfaithfulness.
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