from כָּזַב; falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol); deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying.
Transliteration:kâzâb
Pronunciation:kaw-zawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun כָּזָב (kâzâb, `{{H3577}}`), derived from the verbal root כָּזַב (kâzav, "to lie, deceive"), fundamentally denotes "falsehood." Its semantic range extends from literal untruth and deception to the figurative representation of that which is empty, unreal, or inherently without substance. At its core, *kâzâb* signifies a departure from truth, reality, or faithfulness. It encapsulates not only the act of speaking a lie but also the state or nature of being false, deceitful, or illusory. This can manifest as a "lie" in speech, "deceit" in action, or the intrinsic "falsity" of an idol or a vain hope. The term often carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting the antithesis to divine truth and integrity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כָּזָב (kâzâb, `{{H3577}}`) appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, illuminating various facets of falsehood:
1. **False Prophecy and Words:** A prominent usage of *kâzâb* concerns false prophets and their deceptive messages. Prophets who speak *kâzâb* are condemned for attributing their own lies to God, thereby misleading the people and undermining divine authority. For instance, [[Jeremiah 14:14]] declares, "The prophets are prophesying lies (כָּזָב) in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds." Similarly, [[Jeremiah 23:32]] refers to those who "prophesy false dreams and lead my people astray with their lies (כָּזָב) and their recklessness." This highlights the grave danger of religious deception.
2. **Idolatry and False Gods:** *Kâzâb* is frequently applied to idols and false gods, emphasizing their inherent emptiness and lack of divine power. Idols are "a lie" because they are not true deities and offer no genuine salvation or help. [[Psalm 40:4]] speaks of the blessedness of the one "who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie (כָּזָב)." [[Isaiah 44:20]] describes the idolater as one who feeds "on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray; he cannot save himself or say, 'Is not this thing in my right hand a lie (כָּזָב)?'" [[Habakkuk 2:18]] asks, "What good is an idol, since a craftsman has carved it? Or an image, a teacher of lies (כָּזָב)?" Here, *kâzâb* underscores the fundamental deceit and futility inherent in worshiping anything other than the true God.
3. **Deceitful Actions and Vain Hopes:** The term also describes general acts of deception or things that prove to be empty and unreliable. [[Psalm 33:17]] states, "A horse is a vain hope (שֶׁקֶר, often associated with *kâzâb*) for deliverance; despite all its great strength, it cannot save." The strength of a horse, though seemingly reliable, is a "lie" when it comes to true salvation. [[Proverbs 21:6]] warns that "getting treasures by a lying (כָּזָב) tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death." This illustrates how ill-gotten gains, based on deception, are ultimately empty and destructive. In [[Psalm 62:9]], men of low degree are a "lie" (כָּזָב) and men of high degree are a "delusion" (מִרְמָה, `{{H4820}}`), signifying their collective insignificance and unreliability compared to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of falsehood in the Hebrew Bible is rich and multifaceted, with כָּזָב (kâzâb, `{{H3577}}`) interacting with several key terms:
* **אֱמֶת (emet, `{{H571}}`):** This is the direct antonym of *kâzâb*, signifying "truth," "faithfulness," "stability," and "reliability." Where *kâzâb* denotes deception and unreality, *emet* represents divine integrity and enduring reality. God is characterized by *emet*, while *kâzâb* is antithetical to His nature.
* **שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`):** Often used synonymously or in parallel with *kâzâb*, *sheqer* also means "lie," "falsehood," or "deception." While there's significant overlap, *kâzâb* sometimes emphasizes the inherent emptiness or unreality of the false thing (e.g., an idol as a *kâzâb*), whereas *sheqer* can more broadly refer to any spoken or acted lie. They are frequently paired to intensify the meaning of utter falsehood, as in "falsehood and lies" ([[Psalm 52:3]]).
* **מִרְמָה (mirmah, `{{H4820}}`):** Meaning "deceit," "treachery," or "fraud." While *kâzâb* can describe the state of being false, *mirmah* often focuses on the deceptive act or plot itself.
* **תֹּהוּ (tohu, `{{H8414}}`):** Meaning "formlessness," "emptiness," or "chaos." This word is sometimes used in contexts related to the futility of idols, echoing the "emptiness" aspect of *kâzâb* when applied to false gods.
* **אָוֶן (aven, `{{H205}}`):** Signifying "iniquity," "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." It can also be associated with false worship or idolatry, as these are seen as "vanity" or "nothingness" in contrast to the true God.
The interplay of these terms highlights the comprehensive biblical condemnation of all forms of untruth, particularly when they pertain to spiritual matters or undermine trust in God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כָּזָב (kâzâb, `{{H3577}}`) is profound and pervasive:
1. **Antithesis to God's Nature:** God is inherently truthful and faithful. He is utterly devoid of *kâzâb*. As [[Numbers 23:19]] declares, "God is not a man, that he should lie (כָּזָב)." This divine attribute establishes truth as a foundational aspect of reality and righteousness. Any form of *kâzâb* is therefore an affront to God's character.
2. **The Nature of Sin:** *Kâzâb* is a fundamental manifestation of sin. Lying, deception, and the pursuit of what is false are expressions of humanity's fallen state, contrasting sharply with the divine call to integrity and truthfulness. The ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness" ([[Exodus 20:16]]), directly addresses a form of *kâzâb* in communal life, emphasizing its destructive impact on justice and trust.
3. **Idolatry as the Ultimate Lie:** The application of *kâzâb* to idols is perhaps its most significant theological use. Idolatry is not merely a mistake; it is a profound *lie* about the nature of ultimate reality. It attributes divine power and worth to that which has none, diverting worship from the Creator to the created, which is inherently empty and powerless. This makes idolatry a primary spiritual offense, as it fundamentally misrepresents God.
4. **The Danger of False Prophecy:** Prophecy given in *kâzâb* is a severe theological transgression. It involves claiming divine endorsement for human deception, thereby corrupting the very channel through which God communicates His truth. Such false messages lead people away from God, undermine their faith, and invite divine judgment.
5. **Spiritual Warfare:** The biblical emphasis on *kâzâb* underscores the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood. God's people are called to discern truth from lies, especially in religious and ethical matters, and to live lives characterized by honesty and integrity, reflecting the character of their truthful God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כָּזָב (kâzâb, `{{H3577}}`) comprehensively describes "falsehood" in its various manifestations: untruthful speech, deceptive actions, and the inherent emptiness of idols and vain hopes. Rooted in the verb "to lie," *kâzâb* signifies a fundamental departure from truth and reality. Its frequent application to false prophets highlights the grave danger of religious deception, while its use concerning idols emphasizes their intrinsic unreality and the futility of worshiping them. Theologically, *kâzâb* stands in stark opposition to the character of God, who is absolute truth and faithfulness. It is a pervasive aspect of human sin, particularly evident in idolatry and false witness, and represents a core element of the spiritual conflict between divine truth and human or demonic deception. The biblical witness consistently condemns *kâzâb* as destructive and calls for a life rooted in God's unchanging truth.
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