a primitive root; to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively; fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain.
Transliteration:kâzab
Pronunciation:kaw-zab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3576 (כָּזַב, *kâzab*) is a primitive root carrying a significant semantic range centered on the concept of falsehood and unreliability. Its primary meaning is "to lie" or "to deceive," encompassing both the literal act of uttering an untruth and the broader notion of misrepresentation or misleading. This deception can be intentional and malicious, as when one "makes a liar" of another or is "found a liar." Beyond direct falsehood, kâzab also extends to the idea of "failing" or being "in vain." In this sense, something that "lies" or "deceives" is something that proves unreliable, disappoints expectations, or does not materialize as promised. It speaks to a fundamental breach of trust, whether through spoken word, action, or inherent nature. Thus, kâzab describes a departure from truth, faithfulness, and dependability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H3576 appears in various forms and contexts throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its multifaceted meaning:
* **Direct Lying and Deception:** In [[Leviticus 19:11]], the prohibition "You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another" directly links kâzab with other forms of dishonesty, underscoring its ethical gravity within the community. [[Psalm 116:11]] reflects human frailty, with the Psalmist declaring in his haste, "All men are liars," highlighting the pervasive nature of human untrustworthiness. [[Proverbs 30:6]] warns against altering divine words: "Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar," emphasizing the danger of misrepresenting truth, especially God's truth. In [[Isaiah 57:4]], the wicked are described as "children of transgression, a seed of falsehood," where "falsehood" (a derivative of kâzab) characterizes their very nature.
* **Failure, Unreliability, and Vanity:** This aspect of kâzab speaks to things that do not hold up to scrutiny or expectation. In [[Job 41:9]] (some translations [[Job 40:28]]), concerning Leviathan, it is stated, "Behold, the hope of him is in vain," meaning any hope of subduing it is false or futile. Perhaps one of the clearest examples of kâzab meaning "to not fail" or "to not disappoint" is found in [[Isaiah 58:11]], which describes a blessed person as being "like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." Here, the negation of kâzab emphasizes the constant, reliable flow of water, contrasting with a deceptive or unreliable source that might dry up. Similarly, false prophets are condemned for speaking "lies" (כָזָב) in [[Micah 2:11]] and [[Jeremiah 14:14]], not merely uttering untruths, but delivering messages that ultimately prove empty and deceptive, failing to guide the people correctly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H3576 intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms:
* **Antonyms of Truth and Faithfulness:** kâzab stands in direct opposition to אֱמֶת (emet, `{{H571}}`, truth, faithfulness) and אֱמוּנָה (emunah, `{{H530}}`, faithfulness, reliability, steadfastness). God's character is consistently defined by emet and emunah, making kâzab inherently antithetical to Him.
* **Synonyms for Deception and Falsehood:**
* שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`, falsehood, lie, deception): Often used in parallel with kâzab or its derivatives, particularly in contexts of false witness or false prophecy ([[Proverbs 6:17]]). While kâzab often implies a failure of expectation or a fundamental unreliability, sheqer more frequently points to the content of the lie itself.
* מִרְמָה (mirmah, `{{H4820}}`, deceit, treachery): This term emphasizes the cunning and treacherous nature of deception.
* **Concepts of Reliability and Trust:** Words like בָּטַח (batach, `{{H982}}`, to trust, rely on) and אָמַן (aman, `{{H539}}`, to be firm, trustworthy) highlight the positive qualities that kâzab negates.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of H3576 are profound and far-reaching:
* **God's Infallibility vs. Human Fallibility:** kâzab serves as a stark contrast between the divine and the human. God is inherently truthful and cannot lie ([[Numbers 23:19]], [[Titus 1:2]]). His promises are emet and never kâzab. Humanity, however, particularly in its fallen state, is prone to kâzab, both in speech and in its inherent unreliability and tendency to break covenant ([[Romans 3:4]]). This distinction underscores God's perfect character and the need for divine grace to overcome human sin.
* **Sin and the Disruption of Order:** Lying is a direct violation of God's character and His revealed law, exemplified in the Ninth Commandment against bearing false witness ([[Exodus 20:16]]). It introduces disorder, distrust, and injustice into human relationships, corroding the fabric of community and covenant.
* **False Prophecy and Idolatry:** kâzab is intrinsically linked to false prophecy, where individuals speak their own words rather than God's, leading the people astray with deceptive promises ([[Jeremiah 14:14]], [[Jeremiah 23:25-26]]). Similarly, idolatry is a form of kâzab because idols are "nothing" and "vanity," offering false hope and ultimately failing their worshippers ([[Isaiah 44:20]]). Worship of idols is a reliance on that which will ultimately prove to be kâzab, disappointing all who trust in it.
* **Divine Judgment and God's Steadfastness:** Because God does not lie, those who practice kâzab will ultimately face His judgment. Their lies will be exposed, and their false hopes will prove to be in vain. Conversely, the negation of kâzab when applied to God's attributes or provisions (e.g., waters that "do not fail" in [[Isaiah 58:11]]) powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His promises and provision, offering profound comfort and assurance to His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H3576 (כָּזַב, *kâzab*) is a versatile term that primarily signifies "to lie" or "to deceive," encompassing both intentional falsehood and the broader concept of unreliability or failure. It describes anything that proves to be false, vain, or disappointing, failing to meet expectations or deliver on its promise. Biblically, kâzab serves as a sharp contrast to the nature of God, who is inherently truthful and unfailing, and highlights the human propensity for sin, deception, and unreliability. It is frequently associated with false prophecy, idolatry, and the general breakdown of truth in human society. Conversely, when negated, kâzab powerfully affirms God's steadfast faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His word and provision, which never "lie" or disappoint, providing a foundational assurance for all who trust in Him.
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