my peopleעַם
'am · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word for "people" (am) often refers to a group of people related by blood, but in a covenantal context, it denotes a group bound together by a formal relationship with God, particularly God's chosen people Israel. It signifies belonging, covenant identity, and divine possession.
received mercyרֻחָ֑ם
rucham · Hebrew Verb
Derived from the root 'rchm', which refers to the deep, compassionate love of a parent for a child or God for His covenant people. It describes the act of showing favor, compassion, or pity, often in the context of undeserved grace granted to those who have failed or suffered.
Pleadרִֽיבוּ׃
ribu · Hebrew Verb
A legal or prophetic term signifying the bringing of a charge, case, or controversy against someone. It is used here to call for accountability, legal action, or a formal appeal in the face of covenant violation.
whoringזְנוּנֶיהָ֙
zenuneha · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the prophetic metaphor, this term refers to spiritual infidelity or apostasy, where the people of God abandon their covenant faithfulness to Yahweh to seek after, worship, or serve other gods or worldly sources of security.
adulteryנַאֲפוּפֶ֔יהָ
na'afufeha · Hebrew Noun
A formal, legal term denoting sexual unfaithfulness within a marriage covenant. In scripture, it frequently serves as a potent metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God, who is described as the husband of His people, emphasizing the breach of a consecrated and exclusive bond.
wildernessמִדְבָּר֙
midbar · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor representing the state of desolation, emptiness, and lack of divine presence or blessing. It is the opposite of the Promised Land (a land flowing with milk and honey) and represents judgment, judgment’s aftermath, and spiritual barrenness.
loversמְאַהֲבַי֙
me'ahavay · Hebrew Noun
In the prophetic context, "lovers" refers to the false gods or foreign political powers (like Baal or Assyria) that Israel turned to in hope of finding prosperity, security, and material provision, instead of trusting in Yahweh. It symbolizes the objects of the heart's idolatrous affections.
hedge upשׂוּךְ
suk · Hebrew Verb
A hedge or barrier, often implying divine discipline or restraint intended to prevent someone from continuing on a destructive path.
did not knowיָדַע
yada · Hebrew Verb
A state of spiritual ignorance or failure to acknowledge God's providence, sovereignty, and covenantal relationship, often leading to idolatry.
Baalבַּעַל
Ba'al · Hebrew Noun
A Canaanite storm god; in biblical theology, 'Baal' represents the chief rival to Yahweh, symbolizing false worship, spiritual adultery, and reliance on created things rather than the Creator.
lewdnessנְבִלָה
nebalah · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'shame' or 'lewdness'; used prophetically to describe the moral and spiritual degradation resulting from covenant unfaithfulness or infidelity to God.
returnשׁוּב
shub · Hebrew Verb
The act of returning to God in repentance; a fundamental concept in the Old Testament involving a turning away from sin and a change of heart toward covenant faithfulness.
husbandאִישׁ
ish · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word often translated as 'husband,' signifying the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people, characterized by protection, provision, and exclusive devotion.
mirthשִׂמְחָה
simchah · Hebrew Noun
A state of joyful celebration or festivity, often associated with harvest or religious observance. In a negative context, it refers to misplaced human joy that ignores God.
feastsחַג
chag · Hebrew Noun
Public religious gatherings or holy times ordained by God for corporate worship and remembrance of His saving acts.
new moonsחֹדֶשׁ
chodesh · Hebrew Noun
Specifically, the celebration of the beginning of the month, which was a time of religious sacrifice and rest in the Old Testament.
Sabbathsשַׁבָּת
shabbath · Hebrew Noun
The seventh day of the week, set apart by God as a holy day of rest and commemoration of Creation and the Covenant.
punishפָּקַד
paqad · Hebrew Verb
To bring judgment or recompense upon someone for their sins or transgressions. It signifies God's active justice in response to covenant breaking.
Baalsבַּעַל
ba'al · Hebrew Noun
The name of the primary fertility gods of the Canaanites, used in the Bible as the definitive example of idolatry and spiritual adultery against the true God.
went after her loversתָּעָה / הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי
halakh achare me'ahavim · Hebrew Verb phrase
To be morally unfaithful to God by placing one's trust, love, or devotion in idols or false systems. It is the core metaphor for apostasy in Israel's history.
the LORDיְהוָה
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper, covenant-keeping Name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His people.
