from נָדָה in the sense of freely flinging money; a bounty (for prostitution); gifts.
Transliteration:nêdeh
Pronunciation:nay'-deh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5078 (נֵדֶה, nêdeh) is derived from the root H5077 (nâdâh), which conveys the sense of "to give freely," "to bestow," or "to impel." Consequently, H5078 refers to something that is freely given or bestowed. Its primary semantic range, as indicated by its usage, points to a "bounty" or "gifts," but with a specific and often pejorative connotation. While it can broadly mean "gifts," its most prominent biblical occurrences link it directly to payments or offerings made in the context of prostitution. This suggests a nuance of illicit or unholy giving, distinct from general benevolent gifts (e.g., H4979 mattânâ). The root's implication of "flinging money" further emphasizes a lavish, perhaps indiscriminate, or even desperate act of giving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5078 appears exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, specifically within the prophetic indictment of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry. Its limited but powerful usage underscores a profound theological point:
* **[[Ezekiel 16:33]]**: "They give gifts (H5078) to all harlots, but you give your gifts (H5078) to all your lovers, and bribe them to come to you from all around for your harlotry." Here, Ezekiel employs a striking reversal of the typical harlot-client relationship. Ordinarily, a harlot receives payment for her services. However, Jerusalem (representing Israel) is depicted as a harlot who *gives* gifts (H5078) to her "lovers" (foreign nations and their idols) to solicit their favor and engage in spiritual adultery. This highlights the extreme degradation and active pursuit of unfaithfulness.
* **[[Ezekiel 16:34]]**: "So in your harlotry you are different from other women, in that you give gifts (H5078) and no gifts are given to you; thus you are different." This verse further emphasizes the unique and perverse nature of Jerusalem's actions. Her spiritual prostitution is not merely passive succumbing to temptation, but an aggressive, self-sacrificing pursuit of idolatry and foreign alliances, costing her dearly. The "gifts" here represent the national resources, tribute, and perhaps even covenant blessings that Israel squandered on idolatrous practices and unreliable political alliances, rather than trusting in Yahweh.
In both instances, H5078 vividly portrays the depth of Israel's spiritual depravity and covenant unfaithfulness, presenting it as a grotesque parody of true devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H5078 is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key terms and concepts:
* **H5077 (nâdâh)**: The verbal root from which H5078 is derived. It signifies "to give, bestow, incite." The noun H5078 represents the object or outcome of this giving, specifically in an illicit or debased context.
* **H2181 (zônâ)**: "Harlot" or "prostitute." This term is central to the metaphorical framework in Ezekiel, directly linking H5078 to the act of prostitution.
* **H8457 (taznût)**: "Harlotry" or "prostitution." This noun describes the spiritual unfaithfulness that H5078 serves to illustrate, highlighting the nature of the "service" for which these "gifts" are given.
* **H4979 (mattânâ)**: A general word for "gift." Contrasting H5078 with H4979 illuminates the specific negative connotation of H5078. While H4979 can denote a legitimate or even divine gift, H5078 is almost exclusively used in a context of moral or spiritual corruption.
* **Spiritual Adultery/Idolatry**: The overarching theological concept illuminated by the use of H5078. It represents Israel's unfaithfulness to Yahweh, their divine "husband," by pursuing other gods and relying on foreign powers.
* **Covenant Unfaithfulness**: The "giving of gifts" (H5078) signifies the breaking of the covenant between God and Israel, where Israel actively sought favor and security from sources other than their covenant Lord.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5078 lies in its stark portrayal of Israel's spiritual apostasy and the depth of their rebellion against God.
1. **Metaphor of Profound Unfaithfulness**: Ezekiel's use of H5078 is a powerful and shocking metaphor. By depicting Jerusalem as a harlot who *gives* gifts to her lovers, rather than receiving them, the prophet emphasizes the active, costly, and perverse nature of Israel's idolatry and political alliances. It signifies not merely a passive falling away, but an aggressive pursuit of sin that defies natural order and divine expectation.
2. **Highlighting God's Grief and Indignation**: The imagery underscores the gravity of Israel's sin in God's eyes. It suggests that Israel's unfaithfulness was not a minor transgression but a deep betrayal, an active squandering of divine blessings and a pursuit of illicit relationships at great personal cost.
3. **Covenant Violation**: The "gifts" (H5078) are symbols of Israel's resources and allegiance diverted from Yahweh to false gods and unreliable human powers. This directly violates the covenant, where Israel was called to exclusive devotion to God.
4. **Justification for Judgment**: The extreme nature of the sin, as depicted by H5078, serves to justify the severe judgment that would befall Jerusalem. Her actions were not merely regrettable but an active, self-debasing pursuit of spiritual harlotry.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5078 (נֵדֶה, nêdeh) denotes a "bounty" or "gifts," derived from a root meaning "to give freely." Its singular biblical usage in Ezekiel's prophetic indictment of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry provides its crucial theological weight. In [[Ezekiel 16:33]] and [[Ezekiel 16:34]], H5078 describes Israel's perverse act of *giving* gifts to her "lovers" (idols and foreign nations), reversing the typical role of a harlot. This unique and shocking imagery vividly portrays the depths of Israel's active unfaithfulness, their costly pursuit of idolatry, and their profound betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh. The term serves as a potent theological metaphor, underscoring the severity of Israel's sin and the divine justification for the ensuing judgment.
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