### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼethnan**, represented by `{{H868}}`, refers to a gift given as the price of harlotry or idolatry, meaning **hire** or **reward**. It appears 11 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible, consistently linking profane payment with spiritual or physical unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H868}}` is most often a metaphor for the perceived benefits of idolatry. The prophet Micah describes the gains of a sinful nation as "the **hires** of an harlot" `{{H2181}}`, which will be destroyed along with their graven images [[Micah 1:7]]. Similarly, Hosea rebukes Israel for having "loved a **reward**" `{{H868}}` upon every cornfloor, signifying their choice to credit false gods for their agricultural blessings [[Hosea 9:1]]. The law in Deuteronomy explicitly forbids bringing the **hire** of a whore into the house of the LORD, calling such a gift an "abomination" `{{H8441}}` [[Deuteronomy 23:18]]. In a striking reversal, Ezekiel portrays Israel's spiritual rebellion as so perverse that, unlike other harlots, she *gives* a **reward** `{{H868}}` instead of receiving one [[Ezekiel 16:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of illicit payment and spiritual adultery:
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (play the harlot): This is the action for which `{{H868}}` is the payment. It describes both physical prostitution and, more often, Israel's idolatrous unfaithfulness to God [[Micah 1:7]].
* `{{H4242}}` **mᵉchîyr** (price, payment, wages): Used in parallel with `{{H868}}`, this term refers to the payment for a male prostitute (`dog`), which is likewise forbidden as an offering [[Deuteronomy 23:18]].
* `{{H6091}}` **ʻâtsâb** (idol, image): The physical objects of worship that are acquired or associated with the "hires" of idolatry. Micah foretells that these idols will be made desolate along with their profane rewards [[Micah 1:7]].
* `{{H8441}}` **tôwʻêbah** (abomination): This term describes God's view of offerings derived from profane sources, such as the hire of a whore. It establishes a divine standard for what is acceptable in worship [[Deuteronomy 23:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H868}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of worship and divine judgment.
* **The Illegitimacy of Idolatrous Gain:** The term establishes that rewards gained from turning away from God are fundamentally corrupt. The "hire" is the fruit of spiritual adultery and is therefore subject to divine judgment [[Micah 1:7]].
* **The Source of Offerings Matters:** God explicitly rejects gifts derived from sin. The prohibition in [[Deuteronomy 23:18]] demonstrates that the moral purity of an offering's origin is as important as the act of giving itself.
* **A Symbol of Perverse Rebellion:** In Ezekiel's prophecy, Israel's sin is so profound that she pays a "hire" to her lovers, inverting the normal transaction. This illustrates a desperate and unnatural pursuit of sin that goes beyond mere temptation [[Ezekiel 16:34]].
* **God's Redeeming Sovereignty:** In a powerful display of sovereignty, God can consecrate what is profane. The hire and merchandise of Tyre, gained through worldly fornication, are ultimately designated as "holiness to the LORD" `{{H6944}}` to provide for His people [[Isaiah 23:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H868}}` is far more than a simple term for payment. It is a potent biblical symbol for the wages of sin, specifically the rewards sought through idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. It serves as a stark reminder that God judges the source of wealth and rejects offerings tainted by abomination, yet it also points to His ultimate power to redeem and repurpose all things for His holy will.
TRV