חֹ֫נֶף (cho.neph)
cho.neph
profaneness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun cho.neph appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Isaiah 32:6. It describes a specific kind of moral corruption associated with the "fool" or scoundrel. The word points to a state of being profane or godless, characterized by speech and action that are shallow and destructive.
In its single occurrence, it contrasts sharply with the wisdom and integrity expected of God’s people. The text links this profaneness to foolish talk that promotes wickedness. It is not merely a lack of knowledge but an active engagement in behavior that violates sacred boundaries.
Translators often render cho.neph as "profaneness" or "godlessness." This captures the essence of someone who treats holy things with contempt. The word serves as a stark warning against the character that undermines community and faith through careless, harmful words.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cho.neph appears only once in Scripture, inside Isaiah 32:6. It describes a deep kind of profaneness that lives in the heart of a fool. This is not just ignorance or simple mistake. It is an active choice to treat holy things with contempt and to speak words that hurt others.
When we face people who use their words to tear down community, this word reminds us that such behavior comes from a place far removed from God’s wisdom. Isaiah contrasts this shallow, destructive speech with the integrity expected of God’s people. It shows how careless talk can make empty the souls of those who are hungry and thirsty.
This single occurrence serves as a quiet warning for our own lives. We are called to guard our hearts against such profaneness. By choosing words that build up rather than tear down, we reflect the character of Christ. May your speech bring life and honor to God in every situation you face today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- godlessness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֹ֗נֶף1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 32:6
For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
This verse uniquely links profaneness with the fool's heart working iniquity and uttering error against Yahweh, showing how speech violates sacred boundaries.