The Hebrew word Kᵉzîyb, represented by H3580, identifies Chezib, a place in Palestine. The name is derived from a root meaning "falsified." It appears only 1 time in 1 verse, marking it as a specific geographical location within a single biblical narrative.
The sole appearance of H3580 is in Genesis, where it marks the location of a significant birth. The verse states that after Judah's daughter-in-law conceived again and bore a son named Shelah, "he was at Chezib when she bare him" Genesis 38:5. This places the event of Shelah's birth at this specific location, grounding the narrative in a real-world setting.
The narrative context of H3580 connects it to several key actions and figures:
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young): This primitive root signifies the act of birth. In the account, it is stated that Judah's daughter-in-law bare a son at Chezib, directly linking the location to this event Genesis 38:5. The word is also used prophetically, as in "unto us a child is born" Isaiah 9:6.
- H1121 bên (son): This word, meaning a builder of the family name, identifies the child born at Chezib as a son Genesis 38:5. It is a crucial term for lineage and inheritance throughout the scriptures, as seen in the command to teach God's law to "thy sons, and thy sons' sons" Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H7956 Shêlâh (Shelah): This is the proper name given to the son who was born at Chezib Genesis 38:5. He is later listed among the sons of Judah, cementing his place in the genealogy of Israel Genesis 46:12.
While H3580 is a geographical marker, its root meaning, "falsified," adds a layer of significance to the surrounding narrative.
- A Place of Unfulfilled Promise: The birth of Shelah at Chezib occurs within a story involving a broken promise. Judah had failed to give his son Shelah to Tamar as a husband, a fact he later acknowledges Genesis 38:26. The name of the location subtly reflects the theme of falsification in the events that transpired there.
- Context for Lineage: The event at Chezib is pivotal for establishing the lineage of Shelah. Despite the turmoil, he is officially recorded as one of Judah's sons, and his descendants become the family of the Shelanites Numbers 26:20.
- Geographical Anchor: The mention of Chezib serves to anchor a key moment in the history of Judah's family line to a specific place, giving the account historical and geographical weight Genesis 38:5.
In summary, Kᵉzîyb H3580 is a specific place name, Chezib, that appears once in scripture. Its significance is derived entirely from its context in Genesis 38, where it marks the birthplace of Shelah, a son of Judah. While a minor detail, its root meaning of "falsified" resonates with the broken promises within the narrative. Ultimately, H3580 functions as a geographical pin, grounding a key event in the genealogy of one of Israel's most important tribes.
TRV