from נָבָל; properly, disgrace, i.e. the (female) pudenda; lewdness.
Transliteration:nablûwth
Pronunciation:nab-looth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5040 (נַבְלוּת, *nablûwth*) is derived from the root H5036 (נָבָל, *nabal*), which fundamentally signifies foolishness, senselessness, moral depravity, and disgrace. Consequently, H5040 carries the core meaning of "disgrace" or "lewdness," denoting a state or act of profound moral ignominy. While its base definition can extend to the literal "pudenda" as a symbol of ultimate shame and exposure, its primary semantic range pertains to the *nature* of an act or condition that is utterly disgraceful, morally repugnant, and foolish in the extreme. It encapsulates not merely a lapse in judgment but a deep-seated perversion or depravity that merits public condemnation and humiliation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5040 (נַבְלוּת) appears singularly in the Masoretic Text, found in [[Hosea 2:10]] (often 2:12 in English translations): "Now I will uncover her shame (נַבְלוּתָהּ) in the sight of her lovers, and no one will rescue her out of My hand."
In this profound prophetic context, God speaks concerning Israel's spiritual adultery, likening her unfaithfulness to a harlot abandoning her husband for other lovers (Baals). The "shame" or "lewdness" (נַבְלוּתָהּ) that God threatens to uncover is not merely a physical nakedness, but the full extent of her moral and spiritual depravity.
* **Context of Judgment:** The uncovering is an act of divine judgment. God will expose Israel's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness for all to see, stripping away any pretense of righteousness or dignity.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** The term here powerfully conveys the utter disgrace inherent in Israel's pursuit of false gods. Her "lewdness" is her spiritual promiscuity, her seeking provision and blessing from idols rather than from Yahweh, her true Husband.
* **Public Humiliation:** The phrase "in the sight of her lovers" underscores the public nature of this exposure. Israel's sin will be revealed to the very entities she trusted, leading to profound humiliation and a complete loss of honor. The use of H5040 intensifies the sense of utter degradation and moral bankruptcy resulting from her apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **H5036 (נָבָל, *nabal*):** This is the root from which H5040 is derived. It signifies "foolish, senseless, wicked, disgraceful." It frequently describes individuals (e.g., Nabal in [[1 Samuel 25]]) or actions characterized by moral depravity and a contempt for God or righteousness (e.g., [[Psalm 14:1]], "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'"). H5040 is the abstract noun form, emphasizing the *quality* or *state* of being thus disgraceful.
2. **H5039 (נְבָלָה, *nĕbālâ*):** This related noun means "folly, disgrace, outrage." It is often used to describe heinous acts, particularly sexual offenses or other grave moral transgressions that are an "outrage" in Israel (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 22:21]], [[Judges 19:24]], [[Judges 20:6]], [[Judges 20:10]]). While H5039 focuses on the *act* of folly or disgrace, H5040 (נַבְלוּת) seems to emphasize the *inherent nature* or *state* of being disgraceful, especially when exposed.
3. **H6172 (עֶרְוָה, *ʿerwâ*):** Meaning "nakedness, shame, indecency," this term often refers to literal nakedness, especially in a shameful or inappropriate context ([[Genesis 9:22-23]], [[Deuteronomy 23:14]]). In prophetic contexts, it can also describe the symbolic exposure of a nation's shame and humiliation ([[Lamentations 1:8]]). The use of H5040 in [[Hosea 2:10]] shares a semantic field with H6172 in its connotation of public exposure of moral impropriety.
4. **Concepts:** Idolatry, spiritual adultery, covenant unfaithfulness, moral depravity, public humiliation, divine judgment, shame.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5040 (נַבְלוּת) is profound, particularly as revealed in [[Hosea 2:10]]. It serves as a stark descriptor of the nature and consequences of unfaithfulness to God.
* **The Gravity of Covenant Violation:** The term underscores that Israel's idolatry was not merely a mistake or a minor transgression, but an act of profound "lewdness" and "disgrace." It violated the sacred covenant relationship, likened to a wife's infidelity against her husband, a betrayal of the deepest trust.
* **Divine Justice and Exposure:** God's promise to "uncover her shame" signifies His active justice. He does not merely punish sin but exposes its true, ugly nature. This exposure is not for human voyeurism but for divine vindication, revealing the inherent vileness of spiritual harlotry and the justness of His judgment.
* **The Nature of Idolatry:** H5040 paints idolatry as inherently disgraceful and morally corrupting. It is a turning away from the source of true life and honor to that which brings only shame and emptiness. The pursuit of false gods is portrayed as a senseless, debasing act that strips the worshiper of dignity.
* **God's Holiness and Jealousy:** The judgment expressed through the uncovering of H5040 affirms God's absolute holiness and His righteous jealousy for His covenant people. He cannot tolerate such profound unfaithfulness and will act to purify His relationship with them, even if it means public humiliation as a means to repentance.
### Summary
H5040 (נַבְלוּת, *nablûwth*) is a potent Hebrew term signifying deep disgrace, lewdness, and profound moral folly. Derived from the root H5036 (נָבָל), it encapsulates a state of moral depravity that is inherently shameful. Its singular, yet highly impactful, occurrence in [[Hosea 2:10]] powerfully illustrates God's judgment upon Israel for her spiritual adultery. Here, the "uncovering of her נַבְלוּתָהּ" represents the public exposure of Israel's profound unfaithfulness and idolatry, revealing the utter shame and moral degradation that results from abandoning the covenant with Yahweh. The term thus highlights the gravity of sin, the righteousness of divine judgment, and the inherent disgrace of spiritual harlotry in the eyes of a holy God.
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