### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **taznûwth**, represented by `{{H8457}}`, primarily means **harlotry** or **whoredom**. It appears 20 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the verb "to commit adultery," this term is used almost exclusively in a figurative sense to describe idolatry and Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H8457}}` is concentrated in the book of Ezekiel, where it serves as a powerful metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It describes Israel's pursuit of foreign alliances and pagan worship as acts of spiritual adultery. For instance, the nation is accused of having "playedst the harlot" and poured out its **fornications** `{{H8457}}` on everyone who passed by [[Ezekiel 16:15]]. This spiritual betrayal extended to committing **whoredoms** `{{H8457}}` with foreign powers like Egypt and Assyria, defiling itself with their idols ([[Ezekiel 16:26]], [[Ezekiel 23:7]]). The term is also linked to the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, described as part of their **whoredoms** [[Ezekiel 16:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the concept of spiritual unfaithfulness:
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to commit fornication): This is the primitive root from which `{{H8457}}` is derived. It describes the act of being a **harlot** or going **a whoring**, often in the context of departing from the Lord to follow idols ([[Hosea 1:2]], [[Ezekiel 6:9]]).
* `{{H2183}}` **zânûwn** (whoredom): This noun, also from the same root, is used synonymously with `{{H8457}}`. It describes both physical and spiritual infidelity, such as the "spirit of **whoredoms**" that causes people to err from God [[Hosea 4:12]] and the **whoredoms** of Jezebel [[2 Kings 9:22]].
* `{{H1544}}` **gillûwl** (idol): This term for **idol** represents the object of Israel's spiritual harlotry. The nation's **whoredoms** `{{H8457}}` are directly committed with these **idols** [[Ezekiel 23:7]], which God promises to cleanse His people from [[Ezekiel 37:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8457}}` is centered on the gravity of breaking the divine covenant.
* **Covenant Unfaithfulness:** The word frames sin not just as disobedience, but as a deep personal betrayal. Israel is portrayed as an unfaithful spouse who has forgotten God and cast Him behind her back, and must therefore bear her **whoredoms** [[Ezekiel 23:35]].
* **Idolatry as Betrayal:** `{{H8457}}` vividly portrays idolatry as spiritual adultery. The act of turning to idols is not merely a mistake but a deliberate act of **whoredom** that defiles the relationship with God [[Ezekiel 16:36]].
* **Source of Abomination:** These acts of **whoredom** lead to further abominations, including the shedding of innocent blood through child sacrifice ([[Ezekiel 16:20]], [[Ezekiel 16:36]]). This demonstrates how spiritual infidelity inevitably leads to moral and societal corruption.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8457}}` is a potent and visceral term used to depict the profound nature of Israel's sin. Far from being a simple word for fornication, it functions as a central metaphor in prophetic literature for covenant-breaking, idolatry, and spiritual rebellion against God. It powerfully communicates the pain of divine betrayal and the destructive consequences of turning away from the Lord.
TRV