### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun chănuphâh (חֲנֻפָה), transliterated as chănuphâh and assigned Strong's number `{{H2613}}`, is a feminine form derived from the verb chāneph (חָנֵף) `{{H2610}}`. The root verb means "to be defiled," "to be polluted," or "to be profane." Consequently, chănuphâh denotes the state or act of "impiety" or "profaneness." It describes a deep moral and spiritual corruption, a defilement that stands in direct opposition to holiness and righteousness. Its semantic range encompasses the idea of spiritual uncleanness and a profound disrespect for divine law and covenant, leading to a pervasive state of ungodliness. It is more than a mere absence of piety; it signifies an active state of moral and spiritual pollution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chănuphâh (חֲנֻפָה) `{{H2613}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly impactful:
* **[[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 **impiety** (חֲנֻפָה) has gone out into all the land.'"
* In this context, chănuphâh refers to the severe moral and spiritual corruption originating from the false prophets in Jerusalem. These individuals, who were meant to be conduits of divine truth and righteousness, have instead become sources of profound ungodliness.
* The phrase "has gone out into all the land" vividly illustrates the pervasive and contagious nature of this chănuphâh. It is not confined to individuals but spreads throughout the entire society, poisoning the spiritual and moral fabric of the nation.
* The divine judgment pronounced against these prophets—being fed "wormwood" and "poisoned water"—underscores the gravity of their chănuphâh. It signifies bitter suffering and ultimately death as a consequence of their profaneness and their role in defiling the land. This verse highlights the destructive power of corrupt spiritual leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **chāneph (חָנֵף) `{{H2610}}`**: The verbal root of chănuphâh, meaning "to be defiled," "to be polluted," or "to be profane." This verb is frequently used to describe the defilement of the land through bloodshed, idolatry, or covenant breaking (e.g., [[Numbers 35:33]], [[Psalm 106:38]], [[Isaiah 24:5]]). The noun chănuphâh encapsulates the *state* or *result* of this defiling action.
* **tāmē' (טָמֵא) `{{H2930}}`**: Meaning "unclean" or "defiled," this term is broader, encompassing ritual and moral impurity. While chănuphâh specifically denotes active profaneness and impiety, tāmē' covers a wider range of defilement. Both terms, however, describe a state contrary to holiness.
* **qādash (קָדַשׁ) `{{H6942}}`**: Meaning "to be holy" or "to be set apart," this verb and its derivatives represent the direct antonym of chănuphâh. Chănuphâh signifies the antithesis of holiness and sacredness, representing an ungodly state that actively corrupts what is meant to be pure and dedicated to God.
* **Idolatry and Covenant Breaking**: The concept of chănuphâh is intrinsically linked to actions that violate the covenant with God, such as engaging in idolatry, perpetrating injustice, and, as seen in [[Jeremiah 23:15]], propagating false prophecy. These acts are consistently portrayed in the prophetic literature as defiling both the people and the land.
### Theological Significance
The concept of chănuphâh carries profound theological weight within the prophetic tradition, particularly regarding divine justice and the sanctity of the covenant.
* **The Gravity of Spiritual Corruption**: Chănuphâh underscores the severe nature of impiety and profaneness, especially when it originates from those in positions of religious authority. It is not merely a personal sin but a contagious spiritual disease that pollutes the entire community and the very land itself.
* **Defilement of the Land**: The biblical narrative frequently portrays the land of Israel as intrinsically linked to the moral and spiritual state of its inhabitants. Chănuphâh is a critical concept in understanding how human sin, particularly false worship and injustice, can "defile" the land, leading to divine judgment, including exile. It signifies a profound violation of the sacred space God has provided for His people.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment**: The explicit declaration of judgment in [[Jeremiah 23:15]] demonstrates God's unwavering opposition to chănuphâh. The Lord will not tolerate pervasive ungodliness, especially when it is propagated by those who claim to speak in His name. This highlights God's righteousness and His commitment to maintaining holiness among His people and within His covenant relationship.
* **The Call to Purity and Repentance**: Implicit in the condemnation of chănuphâh is a powerful call for purity, integrity, and genuine devotion to God. The prophetic denunciation serves as both a stern warning and an urgent invitation for the people to turn away from profane ways and return to faithful adherence to the covenant.
### Summary
Chănuphâh (חֲנֻפָה) `{{H2613}}` is a potent Hebrew term signifying "impiety" or "profaneness," derived from the verb chāneph `{{H2610}}`, meaning "to be defiled." Its singular, yet highly significant, occurrence in [[Jeremiah 23:15]] paints a stark picture of pervasive spiritual corruption emanating from false prophets, which contaminates the entire land. This term highlights a profound moral and spiritual pollution that stands in direct opposition to holiness and covenant faithfulness. Theologically, chănuphâh underscores the severe consequences of ungodliness, particularly when it originates from religious leadership, and emphasizes God's righteous judgment against such widespread defilement. It serves as a solemn reminder of the destructive nature of spiritual corruption and God's call for His people to live in purity and devotion.