### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chănuphâh**, represented by `{{H2613}}`, denotes **impiety** or **profaneness**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage highly specific and significant. The term is a feminine noun that signifies a state of ungodliness or sacrilege that has a corrupting influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2613}}` is in [[Jeremiah 23:15]], where the LORD of hosts pronounces judgment against the prophets of Jerusalem. He declares that because **profaneness** has "gone forth" from them into all the land, He will feed them with wormwood and make them drink the water of gall. This context firmly places the origin of the land's corruption with its spiritual leaders, identifying their impiety as the source of a widespread problem.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of `{{H2613}}`:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or (generally) inspired man): This term identifies the source of the profaneness. The scripture is clear that the impiety originates "from the prophets of Jerusalem" [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go (causatively, bring) out): This word describes the action of the profaneness spreading from its source. The impiety is not contained but has "gone forth" to contaminate the entire land [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
* `{{H3389}}` **Yᵉrûwshâlaim** (Jerusalem, the capital city of Palestine): This specifies the geographic and spiritual heart from which the corruption originates, making the transgression particularly grievous [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
* `{{H3939}}` **laʻănâh** (wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed)): This represents the bitter consequence of the profaneness. The prophets who spread impiety are made to consume that which is poisonous and accursed as a direct judgment [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2613}}` is concentrated in its singular, powerful use.
* **Corruption of Leadership:** The word is used to issue a divine indictment against spiritual leaders. It shows that profaneness originating from the prophets of Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` is the cause of the land's spiritual decay [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
* **The Principle of Sowing and Reaping:** The judgment for spreading **profaneness** is directly proportional to the sin. The prophets are fed `{{H398}}` with wormwood `{{H3939}}` and made to drink `{{H8248}}` the water of gall `{{H7219}}`, a bitter harvest for their impious influence [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
* **Widespread Impact of Sin:** The use of **chănuphâh** illustrates how impiety, especially from a central source of authority, can pervasively spread "into all the land" `{{H776}}`, affecting an entire nation [[Jeremiah 23:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2613}}` **chănuphâh**, while rare, provides a potent definition of **profaneness** as a corrupting force. Its lone appearance in [[Jeremiah 23:15]] serves as a focused and severe warning about the immense responsibility of spiritual leaders and the devastating, widespread consequences that arise when they become the source of impiety rather than its remedy.
TRV