### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun נַאֲפוּף (naʼăphûwph), transliterated as *naʼăphûwph*, denotes the act of "adultery." It is derived directly from the verb נָאַף (naʼaph), `{{H5003}}`, meaning "to commit adultery." Fundamentally, *naʼăphûwph* refers to the sexual unfaithfulness of a married person, a profound violation of the marital covenant. In its literal sense, it describes the act of illicit sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse. Beyond this literal meaning, the term, particularly in prophetic literature, extends its semantic range to encompass spiritual infidelity. This metaphorical usage describes the breaking of the covenant relationship between God and His people, often manifested through idolatry or trust in foreign powers, thereby portraying Israel's turning away from YHWH as an act of spiritual "adultery."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun נַאֲפוּפוֹת (naʼăphûwphôt), the plural form of *naʼăphûwph*, appears exclusively twice in the book of Hosea:
* [[Hosea 2:2]] (MT 2:4): "Plead with your mother, plead; for she is not my wife, nor am I her husband; that she put away her whoring from her face, and her **adulteries** from between her breasts." Here, the term is used in parallel with "whoring" (זְנוּנִים, *zᵉnûnîm*), emphasizing the profound spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel, personified as an unfaithful wife. The imagery of removing "adulteries from between her breasts" vividly portrays the deeply ingrained nature of Israel's spiritual defilement.
* [[Hosea 2:4]] (MT 2:6): "For I will strip her naked, and set her as in the day she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and kill her with thirst. Upon her children also will I have no mercy; for they are the children of **adulteries**." This verse continues the indictment, linking the children's lack of mercy to their mother's persistent "adulteries." The plural form underscores the repeated and pervasive nature of Israel's unfaithfulness, justifying divine judgment and the withdrawal of blessing.
In both instances, *naʼăphûwphôt* serves as a powerful metaphor for Israel's systemic spiritual apostasy, particularly their worship of Baal and reliance on alliances with foreign nations, which were seen as betrayals of their covenant with YHWH. Hosea's use of this term highlights the gravity of their sin, equating it with the most egregious violation of human trust and fidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of *naʼăphûwph* is enriched by its relationship to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **נָאַף (naʼaph)** `{{H5003}}`: The verbal root from which *naʼăphûwph* is derived. This verb is foundational, appearing frequently in the Decalogue ([[Exodus 20:14]]; [[Deuteronomy 5:18]]) and throughout the prophetic books to describe both literal and spiritual adultery.
* **זָנָה (zanah)** `{{H2181}}`: To "play the h harlot" or "commit fornication." While often used for illicit sexual activity, *zanah* frequently carries the metaphorical sense of spiritual apostasy, particularly in the context of idolatry ([[Exodus 34:15-16]]; [[Leviticus 17:7]]). While *naʼaph* specifically implies a violation of a marriage covenant, *zanah* can be broader, encompassing any act of unfaithfulness or idolatry, even if a formal "marriage" covenant is not explicitly in view. However, in prophetic literature, both terms often describe Israel's faithlessness.
* **תַּזְנוּת (taznuth)** `{{H8457}}`: "Harlotry" or "prostitution," the noun form of *zanah*, similarly used for spiritual unfaithfulness ([[Ezekiel 16:15]]).
* **בֶּגֶד (beged)** `{{H898}}`: "Treachery" or "faithlessness." This term captures the essence of betrayal inherent in adultery, both literal and spiritual.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, berit)** `{{H1285}}`: The foundational concept of God's relationship with Israel, often portrayed as a marriage. Adultery, therefore, becomes the ultimate breaking of this sacred bond.
* **Idolatry:** The primary manifestation of spiritual adultery, where Israel turned from YHWH to worship other gods.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *naʼăphûwph* is profound, encompassing several critical aspects of biblical theology:
* **God's Holiness and Exclusivity:** Adultery, both physical and spiritual, is a direct affront to God's holy character and His demand for exclusive devotion. The command "You shall not commit adultery" ([[Exodus 20:14]]) underscores the sanctity of marriage as an institution ordained by God and reflects His own faithful nature.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The use of "adultery" as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness highlights the deeply personal and relational nature of the covenant between YHWH and His people. Just as infidelity destroys a human marriage, spiritual adultery devastates the divine-human relationship, severing the bond of trust and loyalty.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The prophetic indictment using *naʼăphûwph* vividly portrays the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion. It leads to divine judgment, withdrawal of blessings, and a state of spiritual barrenness, as depicted in Hosea's imagery of a wilderness.
* **God's Steadfast Love (חֶסֶד, hesed)** `{{H2617}}`: Paradoxically, even in the face of such egregious "adulteries," the book of Hosea ultimately reveals God's enduring *hesed*. While condemning the sin, God's ultimate purpose is redemptive, seeking to restore the relationship with His wayward "wife" through discipline and eventual reconciliation. This demonstrates the depth of divine love that pursues even the unfaithful.
* **The Marriage Metaphor:** The consistent use of marriage and adultery as a metaphor provides a powerful and accessible framework for understanding the intimate, exclusive, and demanding nature of God's relationship with His chosen people. It elevates the covenant to a personal, relational level, emphasizing love, loyalty, and fidelity.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun נַאֲפוּף (naʼăphûwph) signifies "adultery," stemming from the verb "to commit adultery" (נָאַף, `{{H5003}}`). While literally referring to sexual unfaithfulness within marriage, its most poignant biblical usage is found in the prophetic book of Hosea. There, in its plural form (נַאֲפוּפוֹת), it serves as a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual infidelity to YHWH, specifically their idolatry and reliance on foreign alliances, which constituted a profound breach of their covenant relationship. The rare but impactful occurrences of *naʼăphûwph* in [[Hosea 2:2]] and [[Hosea 2:4]] underscore the gravity of Israel's sin, equating it with the ultimate betrayal of trust in a marital bond. Theologically, this term illuminates God's demand for exclusive devotion, the sanctity of covenant fidelity, the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion, and ultimately, the steadfast love of God who seeks to restore His unfaithful people despite their "adulteries."
TRV