a primitive root; to soil, especially in a moral sense; corrupt, defile, [idiom] greatly, pollute, profane.
Transliteration:chânêph
Pronunciation:khaw-nafe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2610}}` (chanêph) fundamentally conveys the idea "to soil" or "to stain." Its primary application in the biblical text, however, extends beyond mere physical defilement to encompass a profound moral and spiritual corruption. It describes a state of being *profane*, *polluted*, or *corrupt*, often in the context of one's relationship with God or the sacred. This moral defilement can manifest as hypocrisy, godlessness, or a deliberate violation of sacred trust. The verb can be active, meaning "to make profane" or "to corrupt," or passive, "to be profaned" or "to become corrupt." It signifies a departure from purity, integrity, and covenant faithfulness, marking a profound inner contamination that affects outward actions and the very fabric of society.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H2610}}` reveal its varied yet consistent application across different biblical books. In the book of Job, the term is frequently used to describe the "hypocrite" or "godless" person (e.g., [[Job 8:13]], [[Job 13:16]], [[Job 15:34]], [[Job 20:5]], [[Job 27:8]], [[Job 36:13]]). Here, it points to individuals whose outward religious conformity or claims of piety are belied by an inner deceit, lack of true faith, or moral corruption. Their hope is vain, and their end is destruction. Similarly, [[Psalm 35:16]] speaks of "hypocritical mockers," underscoring the insincerity and malice inherent in their actions.
In the prophetic books, `{{H2610}}` often describes the defilement of the land or the people. [[Jeremiah 3:1]] and [[Jeremiah 3:9]] lament that the land has been "polluted" or "defiled" due to the nation's idolatry and spiritual promiscuity, highlighting the tangible consequences of sin on the physical environment. [[Jeremiah 23:11]] further indicts both "prophet and priest" as being "profane," indicating a pervasive corruption within the religious leadership itself, which should have been a bastion of holiness. Isaiah also uses the term to characterize a nation or its inhabitants as "hypocritical" or "godless" ([[Isaiah 9:17]], [[Isaiah 10:6]]), signifying a widespread moral decay that invites divine judgment.
Finally, in [[Daniel 11:32]], the verb takes on the sense of "violating" or "profaning" the covenant, referring to those who apostatize and betray their sacred commitment to God. This usage underscores the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness and its direct opposition to divine truth. Across these contexts, `{{H2610}}` consistently points to a state of moral and spiritual impurity that stands in stark contrast to God's holiness and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2610}}` intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms and theological concepts. It is closely related to the noun `{{H2611}}` (choneph), which denotes "hypocrisy," "godlessness," or "profanity" itself. This nominal form reinforces the state or characteristic described by the verb.
Concepts of ritual and moral impurity are also relevant. Words like `{{H2930}}` (tame', "unclean" or "defiled") share a conceptual overlap, though `{{H2610}}` tends to emphasize the moral and spiritual aspect of defilement rather than just ritual impurity. The idea of "abomination" (`{{H8441}}` to'evah or `{{H7683}}` shiqquṣ), which describes practices or objects abhorrent to God, often results from or contributes to the state of being `{{H2610}}`.
The antonyms to `{{H2610}}` are terms related to purity, holiness (`{{H6942}}` qodesh), righteousness (`{{H6666}}` tsedeq), and faithfulness (`{{H530}}` 'emunah). The contrast between the "hypocrite" or "profane" person and the "righteous" or "upright" individual is a recurring theme in wisdom literature and prophecy, highlighting the fundamental choice between a life of integrity and one of corruption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2610}}` is profound, touching upon the very nature of God, humanity, and the covenant relationship. God is inherently holy and pure, and therefore, `{{H2610}}` represents everything antithetical to His character. The defilement described by this word is not merely a social misstep but a direct affront to divine holiness and an act of rebellion against God's righteous standards.
The use of `{{H2610}}` to describe individuals (hypocrites, godless) emphasizes that true godliness is an internal state of the heart, not merely external observance. Hypocrisy, in particular, is a grave offense because it mocks God's omniscience and undermines the very essence of genuine worship and faithfulness. For the land to be `{{H2610}}` (polluted) signifies a cosmic disruption caused by human sin, implying that moral corruption has tangible, far-reaching consequences that invite divine judgment, such as exile or devastation.
Furthermore, when religious leaders (prophets and priests) are described as `{{H2610}}` (profane), it points to a catastrophic failure within the very institutions meant to uphold God's law and guide the people in holiness. This internal corruption renders their ministry ineffective and brings further condemnation upon the nation. Ultimately, `{{H2610}}` underscores the biblical emphasis on moral purity, integrity, and sincere devotion as essential for a right relationship with God and for the flourishing of His people. It serves as a stark warning against spiritual compromise and a call to genuine repentance and purification.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2610}}` (chanêph) is a potent term signifying deep moral and spiritual defilement. Rooted in the idea of "soiling," its primary biblical usage extends to describe individuals as "hypocritical" or "godless," and lands or institutions as "polluted" or "profane." Whether characterizing the deceitful heart of an individual in Job, the widespread moral decay of a nation in Isaiah and Jeremiah, or the apostasy of those who betray the covenant in Daniel, `{{H2610}}` consistently points to a profound departure from purity and faithfulness. Theologically, it highlights the stark contrast between human corruption and divine holiness, underscoring that such defilement is not merely a social failing but a grave offense against God that warrants His righteous judgment. Understanding `{{H2610}}` reveals the biblical emphasis on internal integrity and the sacredness of covenant relationship, serving as a powerful reminder of the call to live lives of genuine holiness before a holy God.
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