Question:
What is the literal translation and definition of the words zenus and ervah according to halacha?
Please provide me with all the sources.
Answer:
Zana means to stray, (See Deuteronomy 1-16, V’zana acharei elohei neichar ha’aretz”), and it is also used as terminology for an immoral woman called a zona. It is also used as term for the actual immoral acts, ( See Hoshea 4-11). Ervah on the other hand means embarrassment, see Bereshis 42-12 “Ervas ha’aretz”, it also reffersto a person’s private parts. Zenus involves uncovering ervah.
Sources:
Sefer Hashoroshim – Radak “Zana” and “Erah”.
