Hebrew Word Study

The meaning of זָנָה

Understanding zânâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.

Definition

(cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) who...

Explore Ezekiel Quizzes

Test your knowledge of the book where this word appears most

Explore

Full Lexicon Index

Browse all Hebrew word studies

Browse
H2181
Hebrew Text
Strong's Concordance

זָנָה

Phoneticzaw-naw'
Transliterationzânâh
Grammar Code
H:V
Hebrew Verb
Strong's Definition
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

(cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. - to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment) - figuratively, to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah) 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication

Scripture References

Occurrences in the Bible

80 total references
ReferenceText
Genesis 38:15

When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.

Word: זָנָה (zânâh)
Deuteronomy 23:18

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

Word: זָנָה (zânâh)
1 Chronicles 5:25

And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

Word: זָנָה (zânâh)
Isaiah 23:16

Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

Word: זָנָה (zânâh)
Joel 3:3

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

Word: זָנָה (zânâh)

Related Resources