"Chaneph" (חָנֵף) -- defiling the heavenly pattern (part 1 of 3)

This three-part series of posts will hopefully accomplish three things:

1. Unfold the meaning of "chaneph," an important covenant-related Old Testament root. (this post)
2. Demonstrate how a deeper understanding of biblical Hebrew can unlock meaning and connections between all books of holy scripture. This can be done with many different root words and concepts, but I'll illustrate the principle with "chaneph." We'll discuss how the concept contained within "chaneph" allows us to find direct connections between the following scriptures (among many): Numbers 35:33-34, Isaiah 24:5, Jeremiah 3:1, Psalm 106:38-39, Matthew 6:9-13, D&C 1:15-16, D&C 52:14-18, 3 Nephi 9, Mormon 8:31,38, Moses 5:16-25, 35
3. Introduce some new ideas I'm studying: (a) how our worldview affects our relationship with God and (b) what the temple teaches us about the heavenly pattern or sacred order.

"Chaneph" (חָנֵף) -- corrupt, defile, pollute, profane

Let's begin by learning about the meaning of this root. It connotes corruption and pollution. Related ancient roots refer to hypocrisy and haughtiness. About a dozen uses in the Old Testament center on the idea of defiling the land through wickedness and idolatry (specifically covenant rebellion). 

Like many Hebrew words, "chaneph" is often poetically paired with "tame" which has a similar meaning (to be or become unclean including through idolatry). Though the terms overlap in meaning, the pairing rounds out the specific sin being condemned.  We are not talking about innocent mistakes when we see these terms used.  Rather, we are talking about intentional corruption of God's ordinances and commandments. A prostitution metaphor is often employed to underscore the serious nature of this type of covenant infidelity.

Here are a few examples, with the English words translated from "chaneph" and the closely related term "tame" also indicated:

33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. 34 Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel. (Numbers 35)

38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (Psalm 106)

1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 3)

Why is this sin so serious?

Our modern worldview might cause us to have a hard time understanding why there is such a severe punishment connected to "chaneph." What's the big deal?

As I've studied, two answers to this question have become clear to me: 

1. The punishment is intended to be a reminder of the spiritual cost of covenant rebellion.  In other words, physical death as a punishment for idolatry or murder, for example, makes it clear that without the everlasting covenant, a permanent separation from God is inevitable.
2. "Chaneph" leads the covenant people away from the covenant path. In that sense the punishment is severe because the cost of "chaneph" is so high -- it could lead a whole people astray. To illustrate that, let's look at a closely related term.

"Chanak" as the antonym of "chaneph"

Interestingly, "chaneph" bears a close resemblance to the root from which the name Enoch is derived: 

"Chanak" (חָנַךְ) -- to train up, dedicate

This root has a set of meaning almost exactly opposite to "chaneph." "Chanak" implies a willingness to submit to God's will ("make experienced, submissive, etc. as one does a horse by a rope in its mouth"), whereas "chaneph" indicates a desire to subvert God's will in favor of manmade wisdom.

A "chanak" mindset leads one to Zion. It is the essence of the humility and submissiveness spoken of in Mosiah 3:19.  

"Chaneph," on the other hand, leads to "[falling] away" and "forbidden paths" (see 1 Nephi 8:28), which leads to spiritual death (separation from God).

Whether this contrast between two roots with a very similar sound was intentional or not, I have no idea.  But it certainly makes it easy to see the pattern and learn the importance of this pattern as outlined over and over again in the scriptures. 

What do other books of scripture have to say about this concept?

Interestingly, this same understanding is readily apparent in other parts of the Bible as well as in restored scripture.  The ancient Hebrew covenant worldview deeply impacted the writers of the Book of Mormon.  We can also find clear parallels in the Doctrine & Covenants (which largely consists of the words of Christ Himself). This will be the topic of the next post.