Original Word: טָנַף
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: tanaph
Pronunciation: tah-NAHF
Phonetic Spelling: (taw-naf')
Definition: to soil
Meaning: To soil, defile, or pollute

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3435: μολύνω (molunō) • This Greek verb carries a similar meaning of defiling or polluting, often used in the New Testament to describe moral or spiritual contamination. It reflects the continuation of the theme of purity and defilement from the Hebrew Scriptures into the Greek New Testament context.

Usage: The verb טָנַף (tanaph) is used in the context of making something unclean or impure, often in a ceremonial or moral sense. It conveys the act of defiling or polluting, typically in relation to objects, places, or people.

Context: • The Hebrew verb טָנַף (tanaph) appears in the context of defilement, often associated with ritual impurity or moral corruption. The act of soiling or polluting is significant in the Hebrew Bible, as it often denotes a departure from holiness or purity, which are central themes in the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
• In the Old Testament, the concept of defilement is frequently linked to the laws of cleanliness and uncleanliness, which are detailed in the Torah. These laws were given to the Israelites to maintain a state of purity, both physically and spiritually, as a reflection of God's holiness.
• The act of defiling, as expressed by טָנַף, can occur through various means, such as contact with unclean objects, immoral actions, or idolatrous practices. The consequences of defilement often required specific rituals or sacrifices to restore purity and re-establish a right relationship with God.
• The use of טָנַף underscores the importance of maintaining purity and the serious implications of defilement in the religious and communal life of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in upholding the standards of holiness prescribed by God.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to soil, defile
NASB Translation
dirty (1).

[טָנַף] verb soil, defile (Late Hebrew Pi`el id.; Aramaic Pa`el טַנֵּף, ; Assyrian ‰anâpu II, I, Dl^{Pr 33}; HWB 302; Arabic is be suspicious, be intrinsically corrupt) —

Pi`el Imperfect אֲטַנְּפֵם Songs 5:3 how should I soil them, i.e. my feet (poetic Aramaism).

defile

A primitive root; to soil -- defile.

אֲטַנְּפֵֽם׃ אטנפם׃ ’ă·ṭan·nə·p̄êm ’ăṭannəp̄êm atanneFemInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts