from חָנֵף; moral filth, i.e. wickedness; hypocrisy.
Transliteration:chôneph
Pronunciation:kho'-nef
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חֹנֶף (chôneph) `{{H2612}}` is derived from the verbal root חָנֵף (chanef) `{{H2610}}`, which fundamentally means "to be profaned," "to be defiled," or "to be polluted." Thus, חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` signifies the state, quality, or result of this defilement. Its core meaning encompasses "moral filth," "wickedness," and "hypocrisy." This semantic range points to an internal corruption that is not merely a superficial blemish but a deep-seated impurity affecting one's moral character, often manifesting as a deceptive outward appearance. It speaks to a profound spiritual and ethical decay, a departure from divine standards of purity and righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֹנֶף (chôneph) `{{H2612}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in prophetic literature, highlighting its gravity and the severe nature of the moral condition it describes.
* **[[Isaiah 9:17]]**: "Therefore the Lord will not have pity on their young men, nor will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is חֹנֶף (godless/profane) and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still." Here, חֹנֶף is paralleled with "evildoer" (מֵרַע) and "folly" (נְבָלָה), indicating a pervasive moral corruption and impious behavior. The context describes a society steeped in spiritual decay, where the entire populace, from young to old, is characterized by this profound ungodliness, leading to divine judgment. It suggests a state where moral integrity is utterly absent.
* **[[Jeremiah 23:15]]**: "Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets: 'Behold, I will feed them with wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem חֹנֶף (ungodliness/hypocrisy) has gone out into all the land.'" In this passage, חֹנֶף is directly attributed to the false prophets of Jerusalem. Their teachings and conduct are depicted as the source of widespread moral defilement throughout the land. This highlights the corrupting influence of unrighteous leadership, where a facade of religious authority conceals deep moral impurity. The translation "hypocrisy" in some versions captures the deceptive nature of these prophets who claimed divine inspiration but propagated wickedness.
In both contexts, חֹנֶף is presented as a severe indictment, denoting a state of profound moral and spiritual corruption that incurs divine wrath and has far-reaching negative consequences for the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **חָנֵף (chanef) `{{H2610}}` (verb):** The root verb from which חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` is derived. It signifies "to be profaned," "to be defiled," or "to be polluted." This verb is often used to describe the defilement of the land due to sin, such as bloodshed or idolatry (e.g., [[Numbers 35:33]], [[Psalm 106:38]], [[Isaiah 24:5]]). The noun חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` therefore represents the state or outcome of this defilement.
* **חָנֵף (chanef) `{{H2611}}` (adjective/noun):** This related term describes the individual who is "profane," "ungodly," or a "hypocrite." It characterizes the person embodying חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}`. Examples include [[Job 8:13]], [[Job 13:16]], [[Job 15:34]], [[Job 17:8]], [[Job 20:5]], [[Job 27:8]], [[Job 34:30]], [[Job 36:13]], [[Proverbs 11:9]], [[Isaiah 33:14]]. The strong semantic link emphasizes that חֹנֶף is not an abstract concept but a defining characteristic of a particular type of person.
* **רָשָׁע (rasha') `{{H7563}}`:** "Wicked" or "guilty." This is a broader term for unrighteousness, often contrasted with the righteous. חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` can be seen as a specific, perhaps more insidious, form of רָשָׁע `{{H7563}}`, particularly when it involves religious deception or deep-seated moral corruption.
* **תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah) `{{H8441}}`:** "Abomination." This term refers to practices or attitudes that are detestable to God. While חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` describes the internal state of moral defilement, תּוֹעֵבָה `{{H8441}}` often describes the actions that stem from such a state, which are an affront to divine holiness.
* **New Testament Parallels:** Concepts such as "hypocrisy" (ὑπόκρισις, *hypokrisis* `{{G5272}}`) and various terms for "evil" or "wickedness" (e.g., πονηρία, *ponēria* `{{G4189}}`) in the New Testament resonate with the multifaceted meaning of חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}`, particularly in their condemnation of religious pretense and profound moral corruption.
### Theological Significance
The concept of חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` is profoundly significant in biblical theology, underscoring the absolute importance of internal purity and integrity. It is not merely about external adherence to laws but about the genuine state of the heart and moral character. The term highlights the extreme severity of moral and spiritual defilement, especially when it originates from those in positions of religious authority, as seen with the prophets in Jeremiah. Such corruption is depicted as having a pervasive and destructive impact on an entire society.
חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` consistently represents a grave affront to God's holiness and righteousness, inevitably leading to divine judgment. It signifies a profound departure from the covenant relationship, where purity, faithfulness, and truthfulness are paramount. The term further emphasizes that true wickedness is often characterized by a deceptive facade, where outward appearances of piety or normalcy belie an inner state of deep moral decay. This resonates with the prophetic critique of superficial religiosity and ritualism without genuine righteousness. The presence of חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` in an individual or community necessitates a divine response, whether through righteous judgment or through a call to radical repentance and purification, indicating the need for a complete transformation rather than mere behavioral modification.
### Summary
חֹנֶף (chôneph) `{{H2612}}` denotes a profound state of "moral filth," "wickedness," and "hypocrisy," rooted in the concept of being "profaned" or "defiled." Its limited but impactful occurrences in [[Isaiah 9:17]] and [[Jeremiah 23:15]] reveal it as a severe spiritual and moral indictment, often associated with widespread societal corruption and the corrupting influence of false religious leadership. This term underscores the internal defilement that provokes divine judgment, linking closely with related concepts like the "profane" individual (חָנֵף `{{H2611}}`) and the broader idea of wickedness (רָשָׁע `{{H7563}}`). Theologically, חֹנֶף `{{H2612}}` emphasizes the critical importance of inner purity, the destructive nature of spiritual corruption, and the inevitability of God's response to such profound unrighteousness, particularly when it is masked by pretense. It serves as a stark reminder of God's demand for genuine holiness and integrity.
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