### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâzâb**, represented by `{{H3577}}`, signifies **falsehood**, a **lie**, or **lying**. Derived from a root meaning "to lie," it appears 31 times in 31 unique verses. The term encompasses both literal untruths and figurative falsehoods, such as idols, and is used to describe things that are deceitful or false.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H3577}}` appears in several critical contexts. It is frequently used to condemn false prophets who "speak lies" in God's name, claiming divine authority they do not possess ([[Hosea 7:13]], [[Ezekiel 13:6]]). People are described as making lies their "refuge," a false security that will ultimately be swept away by God's judgment ([[Isaiah 28:15]], [[Isaiah 28:17]]). The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against the consequences of falsehood, stating that a false witness who speaks lies will perish ([[Proverbs 19:9]], [[Proverbs 21:28]]). The term is also used in direct personal accusations, as when Delilah tells Samson, "thou hast mocked me, and told me lies" [[Judges 16:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the full meaning of `{{H3577}}`:
* `{{H3576}}` **kâzab**: As the primitive root, this verb means **to lie** or **deceive**. It establishes the fundamental action behind the noun `{{H3577}}`. Scripture uses it to declare that God is not a man that He should lie `{{H3576}}` [[Numbers 23:19]].
* `{{H8267}}` **sheqer**: This word means **an untruth** or **a sham**. It is often used to describe falsehood and is paired with `{{H3577}}` in the declaration of those who hide themselves under falsehood `{{H8267}}` after making lies `{{H3577}}` their refuge [[Isaiah 28:15]].
* `{{H7723}}` **shâvᵉʼ**: This term for **vanity** or **uselessness** is frequently associated with `{{H3577}}`. The connection highlights that lies are not only false but also empty and destructive. Prophets are condemned for seeing "vanity `{{H7723}}`" and divining "lies `{{H3577}}`" [[Ezekiel 13:9]], and a prayer in Proverbs asks God to remove both "vanity `{{H7723}}` and lies `{{H3577}}`" [[Proverbs 30:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3577}}` is significant, highlighting the conflict between divine truth and human deceit.
* **A Source of Spiritual Ruin:** Lies are depicted as a direct cause of spiritual error and destruction. Judah is condemned because they despised the Lord's law, and "their lies `{{H3577}}` caused them to err `{{H8582}}`" [[Amos 2:4]].
* **The Mark of Wickedness:** The act of lying characterizes the unrighteous. The wicked are described as those who go astray from birth, "speaking lies `{{H3577}}`" [[Psalms 58:3]], while the future remnant of Israel will be a people who do not "speak lies `{{H3577}}`" [[Zephaniah 3:13]].
* **Opposition to God's Word:** Falsehood stands in direct opposition to God's nature and communication. God's judgment is set against those who speak lies `{{H3577}}` against Him and to His people, creating a clear distinction between the false words of man and the true word of the Lord ([[Ezekiel 13:8]], [[Hosea 7:13]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3577}}` is more than a simple term for an untruth. It is a foundational concept in scripture representing active opposition to God's law, character, and reality. It is identified as the tool of false prophets, a characteristic of the wicked, and a false refuge that leads to ruin. The use of **kâzâb** consistently illustrates the profound biblical theme of the conflict between the destructive emptiness of falsehood and the life-giving nature of divine truth.
TRV