### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H2936 (ṭânaph) is a primitive root, conveying the core meaning "to soil" or "to defile." This root carries both a literal and a metaphorical semantic range. At its most basic, it denotes the act of making something physically dirty, staining it, or rendering it unclean through contact with dirt or impurity. However, its usage in the biblical text extends beyond the purely physical to encompass moral and ritual defilement. The concept implies a marring of purity or an introduction of something corrupting. It suggests an indelible mark, a deep-seated impurity that is not easily removed, setting it apart from more superficial forms of uncleanness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H2936 (ṭânaph) is remarkably rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing only once. This singular occurrence is found in the book of Jeremiah:
* **[[Jeremiah 2:22]]**: "Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Lord GOD.
In this powerful prophetic declaration, H2936 is used in a highly metaphorical sense. The prophet Jeremiah speaks on behalf of God to Judah, whose idolatry and spiritual adultery have deeply defiled them. The "stain" (or "filth" in some translations) of their guilt (עָוֹן, `{{H5771}}`) is described as something so ingrained that even vigorous human efforts at cleansing—symbolized by washing with lye and much soap—are utterly ineffective. The verb here emphasizes the deep-seated, persistent nature of their moral corruption, which remains visible and offensive in God's sight despite any superficial attempts at self-justification or external ritual. The context underscores the futility of human endeavor to remove a spiritual defilement that only divine intervention can address.
### Related Words & Concepts
H2936 (ṭânaph) resonates with several other Hebrew terms related to purity, impurity, sin, and cleansing, yet it holds a distinct nuance.
* **Impurity/Uncleanness**: The most common word for ritual or moral uncleanness is `{{H2930}}` (ṭāmēʼ), often contrasted with `{{H2893}}` (ṭāhēr), meaning "clean" or "pure." While H2936 describes the *act* of soiling or the *state* of being stained, `{{H2930}}` refers to the general condition of being unclean, which might arise from various sources (e.g., contact with a corpse, certain skin diseases). H2936 specifically highlights the *indelible mark* or deep-seated nature of the defilement, often implying a moral stain.
* **Sin/Guilt**: Words like `{{H2398}}` (ḥāṭāʼ, "to miss the mark, sin") and `{{H5771}}` (ʻāwōn, "iniquity, guilt") describe the act or consequence of transgression. In [[Jeremiah 2:22]], H2936 is explicitly linked to `{{H5771}}` (guilt), portraying sin not merely as an act but as a persistent, defiling stain on one's character or record before God.
* **Washing/Cleansing**: Terms such as `{{H7364}}` (rāḥaṣ, "to wash") and `{{H3526}}` (kābaś, "to wash, tread down") describe the process of purification. The use of H2936 in [[Jeremiah 2:22]] in conjunction with these washing terms creates a powerful antithesis: human washing is inadequate to remove the "stain" of H2936, highlighting the depth of the defilement.
The unique impact of H2936 lies in its vivid imagery of an ingrained "stain," emphasizing the profound and persistent nature of moral defilement that resists conventional cleansing methods.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet potent, appearance of H2936 (ṭânaph) in [[Jeremiah 2:22]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark commentary on the nature of human sin and the divine standard of holiness.
1. **The Indelibility of Sin (Human Perspective)**: The use of H2936 implies that certain forms of defilement, particularly moral guilt (`{{H5771}}`), are not superficial. They are like a deep, stubborn stain that human effort—even the most rigorous attempts at self-purification or external ritual—cannot remove. This highlights the pervasive and corrupting power of sin, which permeates the very being and record of the sinner.
2. **Divine Purity and Judgment**: The fact that this "stain" remains "before me" (God) underscores God's absolute purity and His meticulous awareness of human moral condition. It speaks to a divine standard of holiness against which all human actions are measured, and any defilement is fully perceived. The persistence of the stain in God's sight implies an impending judgment for unaddressed sin.
3. **The Necessity of Divine Intervention**: By demonstrating the futility of human attempts to cleanse the H2936 defilement, the passage implicitly points to the need for a divine solution. Only God, who perceives the depth of the stain, can truly cleanse it. This sets the stage for the concept of divine grace, atonement, and the New Covenant, where God promises to cleanse His people from all their iniquities (e.g., [[Ezekiel 36:25]], [[Zechariah 13:1]]). The word thus underscores human helplessness in the face of deep-seated sin and the exclusive power of God to purify.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2936 (ṭânaph) is a primitive root meaning "to soil" or "to defile," specifically conveying the sense of an ingrained, persistent stain. Though it appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Jeremiah 2:22]], its impact is significant. In this verse, it metaphorically describes the deep, indelible "stain" of Judah's guilt and idolatry, which no amount of human effort or ritual washing could remove in the eyes of the Holy God. This rare but powerful word highlights the profound and pervasive nature of sin, emphasizing its resistance to human cleansing and implicitly pointing to the absolute necessity of divine intervention for true purification and restoration. It stands as a stark reminder of God's perfect holiness and humanity's utter inability to self-cleanse from deep moral defilement.
TRV