from חָנֵף; soiled (i.e. with sin), impious; hypocrite(-ical).
Transliteration:chânêph
Pronunciation:khaw-nafe'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *חָנֵף* (chanêph, `{{H2611}}`) is derived from the verbal root *חָנֵף* (chanaph, `{{H2610}}`), which fundamentally means "to be defiled," "to be profaned," or "to pollute." As an adjective, *chanêph* thus signifies someone who is "soiled" or "polluted," particularly in a moral and spiritual sense. This core meaning extends to describe one who is "impious," "godless," or "profane." The nuance of "hypocrite" emerges from this underlying sense of defilement; it describes an individual whose outward religious or moral performance is a mere facade, masking an inner state of impurity, insincerity, or opposition to God. The *chanêph* is therefore not merely a sinner, but one whose very disposition or allegiance is corrupted, leading to a fundamental lack of integrity in their relationship with the divine and with others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *chanêph* appears predominantly in the wisdom literature and prophetic books, underscoring its relevance to matters of piety, righteousness, and divine judgment.
In the book of Job, *chanêph* is frequently used to characterize those who do not genuinely seek God, whose hope is ultimately futile:
* [[Job 8:13]]: "So are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the hypocrite shall perish." Here, the *chanêph* is directly linked to forgetting God and is contrasted with those who truly trust Him.
* [[Job 13:16]]: "He also shall be my salvation; for a hypocrite shall not come before Him." This verse suggests that the *chanêph* is fundamentally unacceptable in God's presence due to their defiled nature.
* [[Job 15:34]]: "For the company of hypocrites shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery." This associates the *chanêph* with moral corruption and divine judgment.
* [[Job 20:5]]: "that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment." The transient nature of the *chanêph*'s joy highlights the superficiality of their prosperity.
* [[Job 27:8]]: "For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he may gain much, if God takes away his life?" The rhetorical question emphasizes the ultimate emptiness of a life lived without genuine piety.
* [[Job 34:30]]: "that the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared." This verse in Elihu's speech warns against the destructive influence of an impious ruler.
* [[Job 36:13]]: "But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath; they do not cry for help when He binds them." This explicitly identifies the "heart" as the seat of the *chanêph*'s impiety, indicating an internal spiritual condition.
In Proverbs, the *chanêph* is portrayed as destructive to others:
* [[Proverbs 11:9]]: "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." Here, the *chanêph*'s verbal deception and malice are highlighted.
Isaiah employs the term to describe a nation or people lacking true devotion:
* [[Isaiah 9:17]]: "Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly." The widespread nature of impiety in the nation is lamented.
* [[Isaiah 10:6]]: "I will send him against an ungodly nation, and against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, to seize the spoil, to take the plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets." While not using *chanêph* directly in the English translation, the context of an "ungodly nation" (often rendered as "hypocritical nation" in some translations, reflecting the underlying Hebrew sense of defilement and impiety) aligns with the concept.
* [[Isaiah 33:14]]: "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: 'Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?'" This verse powerfully links the *chanêph* with those who will face divine judgment, unable to stand before God's holiness.
Across these occurrences, *chanêph* consistently points to a state of spiritual corruption, often manifesting as outward pretense or a fundamental lack of genuine reverence for God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term *chanêph* is intimately connected to its verbal root *חָנֵף* (chanaph, `{{H2610}}`), meaning "to be defiled," "to be profaned," or "to act impiously." This root can also describe the defilement of land or people through sin, as seen in [[Jeremiah 3:9]] and [[Psalm 106:38]]. Another related noun is *חֹנֶף* (chonêph, `{{H2612}}`), meaning "profaneness" or "impiety," which denotes the state or act of being *chanêph*.
Semantically, *chanêph* overlaps with other Hebrew terms describing various forms of wickedness or moral failure:
* *רָשָׁע* (rasha, `{{H7563}}`): "wicked," "guilty." While a *chanêph* is certainly wicked, *chanêph* emphasizes the *internal* state of defilement and often the *pretense* of piety, whereas *rasha* is a broader term for general unrighteousness.
* *שֶׁקֶר* (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`): "lie," "falsehood." The *chanêph* often engages in *sheqer* through their deceptive outward appearance or words.
* *טָמֵא* (tame, `{{H2930}}`): "unclean," "defiled" (ritually or morally). This term shares the concept of defilement with *chanêph*, but *tame* often focuses on ritual impurity, while *chanêph* is more about spiritual and moral corruption that manifests as impiety.
In the New Testament, the Greek term *ὑποκριτής* (hypokritēs, `{{G5273}}`) perfectly captures the "hypocrite" aspect of *chanêph*. Jesus frequently used *hypokritēs* to condemn the Pharisees and scribes for their outward show of righteousness that masked inner corruption and lack of true devotion (e.g., [[Matthew 6:2]], [[Matthew 23:13]]). This parallels the Old Testament's critique of the *chanêph* as one whose heart is not right with God.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *chanêph* holds profound theological significance, highlighting God's demand for sincerity, integrity, and genuine devotion. It underscores that God looks beyond outward appearances and religious rituals to the state of the heart. The *chanêph* represents a person whose spiritual core is "soiled" or "polluted," making them fundamentally estranged from God, regardless of any outward religious conformity.
This term serves as a stark contrast to true piety and righteousness. While the righteous are characterized by their uprightness and wholehearted devotion, the *chanêph* is marked by spiritual impurity and a lack of authentic relationship with the divine. The frequent association of the *chanêph* with perishing hope and divine judgment (especially in Job and Isaiah) reveals that such spiritual defilement is unacceptable to a holy God and leads to severe consequences.
The judgment against the *chanêph* reinforces the biblical emphasis on internal transformation over external performance. It teaches that God desires truth in the inward parts ([[Psalm 51:6]]) and that a heart that is not genuinely surrendered and pure cannot truly know or please Him. The *chanêph* stands as a warning against superficial religiosity, reminding believers that true faith must permeate every aspect of one's being, manifesting in both inward purity and outward integrity.
### Summary
The Hebrew term *חָנֵף* (chanêph, `{{H2611}}`) describes an individual who is fundamentally "soiled" or "polluted" in a spiritual and moral sense. Derived from a root meaning "to be defiled" or "to profane," *chanêph* characterizes one who is impious, godless, and often hypocritical. This concept emphasizes the internal state of spiritual corruption, where outward appearances of piety mask an insincere or defiled heart. Biblical occurrences, particularly in Job, Proverbs, and Isaiah, consistently portray the *chanêph* as one whose hope is futile, whose actions are destructive, and who faces inevitable divine judgment due to their lack of genuine devotion. The term underscores God's demand for integrity and sincerity, serving as a powerful counterpoint to superficial religiosity and highlighting the critical importance of a pure and undivided heart in one's relationship with the Holy One.
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