a primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize; adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock.
Transliteration:nâʼaph
Pronunciation:naw-af'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָאַף (nâʼaph, `{{H5003}}`) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental meaning "to commit adultery." At its most basic level, it denotes the act of sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse, thereby violating the sacred covenant of marriage. This act is understood as a profound breach of trust, a defilement of the marital bed, and a transgression against both the wronged spouse and, ultimately, against God.
Beyond its literal sense, נָאַף extends into a significant figurative meaning: "to apostatize" or "to be unfaithful to a covenant." In this metaphorical usage, the intimate and exclusive nature of the marriage bond serves as a powerful analogy for the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. Just as marital adultery breaks the vows of fidelity, spiritual adultery signifies Israel's unfaithfulness to their covenant with God, most often manifested through idolatry and the pursuit of foreign gods. This semantic range highlights the profound theological implications of fidelity, both human and divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָאַף (nâʼaph, `{{H5003}}`) appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illuminating its critical importance in Israelite law, wisdom literature, and prophetic discourse.
In its literal sense, nâʼaph is foundational to the moral code. It appears prominently in the Decalogue, where "You shall not commit adultery" is a direct command [[Exodus 20:14]], [[Deuteronomy 5:18]]. This prohibition underscores the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as the bedrock of society. Legal texts prescribe severe penalties for adultery, often death, for both parties involved [[Leviticus 20:10]], [[Deuteronomy 22:22-24]], emphasizing the gravity of the offense as a capital crime against the community and God's law. Wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, warns against the destructive consequences of adultery, portraying it as a path to ruin, disgrace, and the forfeiture of one's soul [[Proverbs 6:32-35]]. Job laments the secrecy and moral decay associated with the adulterer who seeks darkness for his deeds [[Job 24:15]].
The figurative sense of nâʼaph is most pronounced in the prophetic books, where Israel's unfaithfulness to Yahweh is powerfully depicted as spiritual adultery. Prophets like Jeremiah frequently employ this imagery to denounce Israel's idolatry and covenant breaking. For example, Jeremiah declares that Judah "has committed adultery with stones and with trees" [[Jeremiah 3:9]], referring to their worship of pagan deities and fertility cults. He laments that the land mourns because of the spiritual adultery of its inhabitants [[Jeremiah 23:10]], linking moral decay directly to their abandonment of God. Hosea also uses the imagery of harlotry and adultery to describe Israel's pursuit of foreign gods and alliances, depicting God as the faithful husband whose wife has gone astray [[Hosea 4:13-14]]. This prophetic usage elevates the concept of nâʼaph from a mere social transgression to a profound theological betrayal, a direct affront to God's exclusive claim on His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of נָאַף (nâʼaph, `{{H5003}}`) is enriched by understanding its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts.
* **זָנָה (zânâh, `{{H2181}}`):** While nâʼaph specifically denotes adultery (breaching a marital covenant), zânâh means "to commit harlotry" or "to prostitute oneself." zânâh is often broader, encompassing general promiscuity, but it is also extensively used figuratively for spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly in the context of Israel "playing the harlot" with other gods. The distinction lies in the explicit covenant violation implied by nâʼaph versus the broader unfaithfulness of zânâh, though both are used to describe Israel's apostasy.
* **נִאוּפִים (ni'ûpîm, `{{H5008}}`):** This is the masculine plural noun derived from nâʼaph, meaning "adulteries" or "acts of adultery." It refers to the specific acts themselves.
* **בְּרִית (bərît, `{{H1285}}`):** The concept of "covenant" is central to understanding the figurative use of nâʼaph. The relationship between God and Israel is framed as a bərît, a solemn agreement akin to a marriage, making Israel's turning to other gods a direct act of spiritual adultery.
* **חֶסֶד (ḥesed, `{{H2617}}`):** Often translated as "steadfast love" or "covenant loyalty," ḥesed stands in stark contrast to nâʼaph. It represents the faithfulness and devotion that God consistently shows to Israel, and what He expects in return, highlighting the depth of Israel's betrayal when they commit nâʼaph.
* **תּוֹעֵבָה (tôʿēḇāh, `{{H8457}}`):** This term means "abomination" or "detestable thing." Adultery is frequently categorized as a tôʿēḇāh in the Torah, signifying its offensive nature in God's eyes and its defiling effect.
These related terms illuminate the multifaceted nature of infidelity in the biblical worldview, both in human relationships and in the divine-human covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָאַף (nâʼaph, `{{H5003}}`) is profound, touching upon God's character, human morality, and the nature of the covenant.
Firstly, the prohibition against nâʼaph in the Decalogue reveals God's holiness and His design for human relationships. Marriage, as a divine institution, is meant to reflect the exclusive and faithful love of God. Adultery, therefore, is not merely a social transgression but a sin against God Himself [[Psalm 51:4]], a violation of His moral order, and a defilement of His creation. It undermines the foundational unit of society and introduces chaos and brokenness.
Secondly, the figurative use of nâʼaph as spiritual adultery is central to prophetic theology. It portrays God as the faithful and devoted Husband, and Israel as His beloved, yet often unfaithful, wife. This metaphor vividly communicates the depth of God's love, His jealousy for His people's exclusive devotion, and the pain caused by their betrayal. Israel's idolatry, their seeking after other gods, and their reliance on foreign powers are all depicted as acts of spiritual infidelity, breaking the covenant vows made at Sinai. This unfaithfulness is not merely a mistake but a profound act of rebellion and a rejection of God's covenant ḥesed (steadfast love).
Finally, the concept of nâʼaph underscores the consequences of sin. Both literal and spiritual adultery lead to judgment, broken relationships, and the forfeiture of blessings. Yet, the prophetic message often includes a call to repentance and a promise of restoration, indicating God's enduring desire for His people to return to faithfulness, even after profound betrayal. This mirrors the New Testament understanding of Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church as His bride, emphasizing the call to purity and singular devotion.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָאַף (nâʼaph, `{{H5003}}`) carries a dual yet interconnected meaning: "to commit adultery" in the literal sense and "to apostatize" or "to be unfaithful to a covenant" in the figurative sense. In its literal usage, nâʼaph highlights the sanctity of the marital covenant, protected by divine law and societal norms, with severe consequences for its violation. Theologically, it underscores God's character as holy and His design for faithful relationships.
More profoundly, nâʼaph serves as a powerful metaphor in the prophetic literature, depicting Israel's idolatry and covenant breaking as spiritual adultery. This imagery vividly portrays God as the faithful Husband and Israel as the unfaithful wife, emphasizing the depth of God's love, His demand for exclusive devotion, and the grievous nature of Israel's betrayal. The study of nâʼaph thus illuminates core biblical themes of fidelity, covenant, sin, judgment, and the enduring possibility of repentance and restoration in the divine-human relationship.
TRV