The Hebrew word nablûwth, represented by H5040, denotes lewdness. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term derives from a root meaning disgrace and specifically refers to lewdness, sometimes with the implication of the female pudenda, highlighting its association with deep shame and impropriety.
The single biblical use of H5040 is found in a context of judgment and exposure. In Hosea 2:10, God declares His intention to reveal this lewdness as a form of punishment: "And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand." Here, the word describes a state of moral corruption that will be made public, turning private sin into open disgrace.
Several words found in the same context illuminate the meaning of H5040:
- H1540 gâlâh (to denude... reveal... uncover): This verb describes the action taken upon the "lewdness." It signifies an uncovering or revealing, often in a disgraceful sense. The same word is used when God reveals his secrets to the prophets Amos 3:7 or when his glory is revealed Isaiah 40:5.
- H157 ʼâhab (to have affection for... love): This word identifies the audience of the exposure as the "lovers." This detail heightens the sense of humiliation, as the shame is revealed before those who participated in the transgression. The term is elsewhere used for the sacred command to love God Deuteronomy 6:5.
- H5869 ʻayin (an eye... sight): The exposure of lewdness happens "in the sight" of the lovers, emphasizing the public and visual nature of the disgrace. This word can mean a literal eye or, figuratively, an outward appearance, as when man looks on the "outward appearance" but God looks on the heart 1 Samuel 16:7.
The theological weight of H5040 is concentrated in its singular, powerful appearance.
- The Uncovering of Sin: The primary theme is the exposure of sin. The use of H1540 to "discover" the "lewdness" H5040 illustrates the principle that what is hidden will be brought to light as an act of divine judgment.
- Shame as Consequence: The lewdness is revealed specifically "in the sight of her lovers" Hosea 2:10. This indicates that a key consequence of sinful allegiances is not honor but public shame before one's accomplices.
- Divine Action: The verse explicitly states, "I will discover," framing the exposure of H5040 as a direct and deliberate act of God. It is not an accidental discovery but a righteous judgment enacted to reveal the true nature of unfaithfulness.
In summary, H5040 is a highly specific term for lewdness and disgrace. Though used only once, its context in Hosea 2:10 provides a stark theological lesson. It represents a profound moral failure that, under divine judgment, is stripped of its secrecy and subjected to public humiliation. The word powerfully illustrates the theme that sin, particularly unfaithfulness, ultimately leads to open and inescapable shame.
TRV