Lexical Summary choneph: ungodliness Original Word: חֹנֶף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hypocrisy From chaneph; moral filth, i.e. Wickedness -- hypocrisy. see HEBREW chaneph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chaneph Definition profaneness NASB Translation ungodliness (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֹ֫נֶף noun [masculine] profaneness — ׳לִעֲשׂוֺת ח Isaiah 32:6 to practise profaneness (+ נְבָלָה, אָוֶַן, תּוֺעָה). Topical Lexicon General Meaning and Concept חֹנֶף (chōneph) denotes a disposition of godlessness that expresses itself in speech and deed. It portrays a heart already turned from covenant loyalty, resulting in conduct that pollutes the community and provokes divine displeasure. Whereas holiness separates unto God, חֹנֶף profanes what is sacred, masking moral corruption beneath superficial respectability. Old Testament Usage: Isaiah 32:6 Isaiah exposes the inner workings of the “fool” (nabal) whose words and plans are driven by חֹנֶף. “For a fool speaks foolishness, and his heart inclines toward evil: he practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD. He leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.” (Isaiah 32:6) Key observations: Relation to Broader Biblical Theology While חֹנֶף appears only here, its themes resonate with: Thus חֹנֶף serves as an Old Testament seed of the wider biblical warning against empty religion divorced from authentic righteousness. Historical Setting in Isaiah Isaiah delivered this oracle during a period of political upheaval. Judah’s leaders flirted with foreign alliances, relying on human schemes rather than covenant faithfulness. Their pious rhetoric masked moral decay, epitomizing חֹנֶף. The coming reign of the Messianic king (Isaiah 32:1) exposes their charade and pledges a future in which such ungodliness will be purged. Moral and Ministry Implications 1. Diagnostic tool—Isaiah links godless speech, social injustice, and distorted theology, enabling pastors to identify contemporary manifestations of חֹנֶף. Christological Contrast Jesus Christ is the antithesis of חֹנֶף. He is “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26) and “no deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). The prophet’s portrayal of a society cleansed from hypocrisy finds its fulfillment in the Messiah who both exposes and atones for ungodliness, creating a people zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Practical Applications for Today • Examine speech: words about God reveal the heart’s posture. Forms and Transliterations חֹ֗נֶף חנף Chonef ḥō·nep̄ ḥōnep̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 32:6 HEB: אָ֑וֶן לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת חֹ֗נֶף וּלְדַבֵּ֤ר אֶל־ NAS: To practice ungodliness and to speak KJV: to practise hypocrisy, and to utter INT: wickedness to practice ungodliness speak against 1 Occurrence |
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