from כָּזַב; fallacious; Cozeba, a place in Palestine; Choseba.
Transliteration:Kôzᵉbâʼ
Pronunciation:ko-zeb-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כֹּזְבָא (Kôzᵉbâʼ), Strong's number `{{H3578}}`, is a proper noun referring to a geographical location. Its etymology is crucial for understanding its core meaning. It is derived from the root כָּזַב (kâzab), Strong's number `{{H3576}}`, which carries the primary meaning "to lie," "to deceive," or "to disappoint." Therefore, כֹּזְבָא (Kôzᵉbâʼ) literally translates to "place of lying" or "deception." This suggests a place perhaps known for falsehood, unfaithfulness, or a history of disappointment. Unlike many place names that describe physical features (e.g., "valley," "mountain") or historical events, Cozeba's name points directly to a moral or spiritual characteristic, albeit one attributed to a place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כֹּזְבָא (Kôzᵉbâʼ), `{{H3578}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]: "And Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient things."
This sole occurrence places Cozeba within a genealogical list of the descendants of Judah, specifically highlighting individuals and their associations with certain places. The verse lists "the men of Cozeba" alongside other individuals and locations, suggesting it was a recognized settlement or region within the tribal territory of Judah. The phrase "ancient things" at the end of the verse indicates that these are records of past times, perhaps referring to the early settlement or significant events in the history of these families and places. The text provides no further narrative details about Cozeba itself, nor does it explain *why* it bore a name meaning "deception" or "lying." This lack of narrative context means that any significance of the name must be inferred from its etymology rather than from specific events recounted at the location. It simply serves as a geographical marker associated with a particular lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to כֹּזְבָא (Kôzᵉbâʼ), `{{H3578}}`, is its root, כָּזַב (kâzab), `{{H3576}}`. This root is found frequently in the Hebrew Bible and is used to describe:
* **Falsehood and Deception:** As in `{{H3577}}` (kâzâb), "a lie" or "falsehood" (e.g., [[Proverbs 6:19]], [[Jeremiah 13:25]]).
* **Disappointment or Failure:** When expectations are not met, often in the context of unreliable sources or promises (e.g., [[Job 6:15]] where streams "fail" or "deceive" in drought).
* **Idolatry:** False gods are often described as "lies" because they are powerless and cannot deliver (e.g., [[Amos 2:4]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Truth (אֱמֶת, 'emet, `{{H571}}`):** The antithesis of כָּזַב. God's character is consistently described as truth, providing a stark contrast to human or worldly deception.
* **Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, 'emûnâ, `{{H529}}`):** The opposite of the unreliability implied by "deception."
* **Place Names with Meaning:** Many biblical place names carry significant meanings, often reflecting historical events, geographical features, or the character of their inhabitants (e.g., Bethel "House of God," Babel "Confusion"). Cozeba fits this pattern, but with a negative connotation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Cozeba, a place named "lying" or "deception," is subtle but profound, especially given its lone occurrence in a genealogical record. While the text does not elaborate on the specific reason for its name, its etymology serves as a quiet, yet potent, reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and falsehood within the human sphere, even within the chosen lineage of Judah.
1. **A Reminder of Human Fallibility:** The very existence of a place named "Deception" within Israel's territory, specifically among the descendants of Judah, underscores the reality of human sin and unfaithfulness. Even in the midst of God's covenant people, the propensity for falsehood, idolatry, and moral failure was present.
2. **Contrast with Divine Truth:** The name Cozeba stands in stark contrast to the character of God, who is consistently portrayed as absolute Truth (e.g., [[Psalm 31:5]], [[John 14:6]]). The presence of such a place name in the sacred text serves as an implicit theological statement about the difference between the fallen human condition and the steadfast, truthful nature of the Almighty.
3. **Potential Historical Echo:** Though unstated, the name might have commemorated a specific historical event of deception, unfaithfulness, or a broken covenant that occurred there. Even if the details are lost to us, the name itself preserves a memory of something contrary to God's will.
4. **Theological Geography:** The Bible often uses geography to convey theological truths. A place named "Deception" within the land promised by God could serve as a perpetual, if silent, warning against the dangers of turning away from truth and embracing falsehood.
### Summary
כֹּזְבָא (Kôzᵉbâʼ), `{{H3578}}`, is a unique Hebrew proper noun referring to a place, literally meaning "place of lying" or "deception," derived from the root כָּזַב (kâzab), `{{H3576}}`. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]], as a location associated with the men of Judah in an ancient genealogical record. While the Bible provides no narrative context for its name, its etymology carries significant theological weight. It serves as a subtle yet potent reminder of human fallibility and the prevalence of sin, particularly falsehood and unfaithfulness, even within the lineage of God's chosen people. The name Cozeba stands as an implicit contrast to the divine nature of truth and faithfulness, underscoring the constant need for adherence to God's ways rather than the deceptive paths of the world.
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