כָּזַב

kâzab /kaw-zab'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively
KJV usagefail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word kâzab, represented by H3576, is a primitive root used to describe the act of lying or deceiving. It appears 16 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from literal falsehood to the figurative concept of failure or being in vain, establishing a clear contrast between truth and deception.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H3576 is most powerfully used to define the nature of God as one who cannot lie. The declaration in Numbers states, "God is not a man, that he should lie" Numbers 23:19, a promise reinforced by God's oath that he will not lie to David Psalms 89:35. In contrast, the term is frequently applied to human speech and action. Job challenges his friends, asking who will make him a liar Job 24:25, and the Psalmist exclaims in haste, "All men are liars" Psalms 116:11. The word is also used figuratively, as in the description of a spring whose waters fail not Isaiah 58:11, connecting the idea of lying with unreliability.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concepts of deception and falsehood:

  • H3577 kâzâb (falsehood): This derivative noun signifies the lie itself. It is used to describe the lies that caused Judah to err Amos 2:4 and the leasing (falsehood) sought after by the sons of men Psalms 4:2.
  • H6601 pâthâh (deceive): This root refers to the act of deluding or enticing someone. It is used when a lying spirit is sent to persuade the prophets 1 Kings 22:22 and when sinners entice the innocent Proverbs 1:10, highlighting the manipulative aspect of deception.
  • H8267 sheqer (an untruth): This word denotes a sham or falsehood, often in the context of idolatry or false witness. It describes a "lying tongue" as something God hates Proverbs 6:17 and the falsehood of molten images that have no life in them Jeremiah 10:14.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3576 is significant, establishing a core biblical principle regarding truth and untruth.

  • The Veracity of God: The word is used to establish God's absolute faithfulness. His prophetic vision will not lie Habakkuk 2:3, and His very character is defined by His inability to lie Numbers 23:19. This makes truth a divine attribute.
  • Human Fallibility: In direct contrast to God, humanity is characterized by deceit. Israel lied to God with their tongues Psalms 78:36, and false prophets deliver messages by lying to the people Ezekiel 13:19. One is warned not to add to God's words, lest they be found a liar Proverbs 30:6.
  • Lying as Failure: The term's figurative use connects deception with a failure to be reliable or fruitful. A hope can be in vain Job 41:9, and a spring that is true to its nature is one that does not fail Isaiah 58:11. This equates falsehood with emptiness and unreliability.

Summary

In summary, H3576 is a crucial term that moves beyond a simple definition of untruth. It serves as a theological benchmark, sharply contrasting the perfect truthfulness of God with the capacity for deceit found in humanity. By encompassing both literal deception and figurative failure, kâzab illustrates that in the biblical worldview, to lie is to fail in one's purpose and to stand in opposition to the very nature of God.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb and a noun across 18 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Piel Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 3×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Plural Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Piel Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Piel Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 16 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Job (4 verses).

1
Numbers
1
2 Kings
4
Job
3
Psalms
2
Proverbs
2
Isaiah
1
Ezekiel
1
Micah
1
Habakkuk

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