כָּחַשׁ

kâchash /kaw-khash'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)
KJV usagedeceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word kâchash, represented by H3584, is a primitive root that signifies being untrue. It appears 22 times in 22 unique verses. Its meaning is broad, covering untruthfulness in word, such as to lie, feign, or disown, as well as in deed, where it can mean to disappoint, fail, or cringe. The word is translated variously as to deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, and to submit.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H3584 is used to describe various forms of falsehood and failure. It describes Sarah's denial of her laughter out of fear Genesis 18:15 and is included in the legal prohibition to "neither deal falsely" with one another Leviticus 19:11. The term can describe a profound spiritual denial, such as when one is full and might deny God Proverbs 30:9. It is also used in a physical sense to depict failure, as when the labor of the olive shall fail Habakkuk 3:17. A different sense of the word is to "cringe" or "feign submission," as when enemies submit themselves to God due to His great power Psalms 66:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller picture of the biblical concept of untruth and sin:

  • H8266 shâqar (to cheat, i.e. be untrue (usually in words); fail, deal falsely, lie): This word is often used in parallel with H3584, emphasizing verbal falsehood. It appears alongside it in the command, "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another" Leviticus 19:11.
  • H1589 gânab (to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive): This term for stealing is frequently listed with H3584 in catalogs of sins, showing the close relationship between deception and theft (Joshua 7:11, Hosea 4:2).
  • H6586 pâshaʻ (to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel; offend, rebel, revolt): This word broadens the scope from a single act of lying to a state of rebellion. It is used to describe the act of transgressing and lying against the LORD, linking falsehood with apostasy Isaiah 59:13.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3584 is significant, highlighting the gravity of untruthfulness in one's relationship with God and others.

  • Covenantal Unfaithfulness: The act of dealing falsely is a breach of covenant. It is listed as a trespass against both God and neighbor Leviticus 6:2 and is part of the sin that led to Israel's defeat at Ai when they dissembled about the accursed thing Joshua 7:11.
  • Denial of God: The word is used to describe the ultimate falsehood: denying God's existence, power, or authority. This can stem from pride Proverbs 30:9, self-preservation Genesis 18:15, or outright rebellion, as when the people belied the LORD by claiming He would not bring disaster upon them Jeremiah 5:12.
  • Failure and Disappointment: The use of H3584 to describe failing crops Habakkuk 3:17 or physical weakness Psalms 109:24 theologically links the concept of untruth to emptiness and lack of fruitfulness. It suggests that a state of falsehood corresponds to a state of failure and disappointment.

Summary

In summary, H3584 is a multifaceted term that moves beyond a simple definition of lying. It encompasses deception in word and deed, the disowning of divine authority, and the tangible results of failure and disappointment. From a prophet's lie 1 Kings 13:18 to the feigned submission of enemies Psalms 81:15, kâchash illustrates the biblical view that being untrue is a fundamental violation of divine order, impacting one's relationship with God, community, and even the created world.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 3×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 3×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Piel Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Piel Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 22 verses across 14 books. Most frequent in Psalms (4 verses).

1
Genesis
3
Leviticus
1
Deuteronomy
2
Joshua
1
2 Samuel
1
1 Kings
2
Job
4
Psalms
1
Proverbs
1
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah
2
Hosea
1
Habakkuk
1
Zechariah

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