### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh, `{{H3586}}`) is derived from the verbal root כָּחַשׁ (kâchash, `{{H3584}}`), which primarily means "to lie," "to deny," "to deceive," or "to deal falsely." As a noun, כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) encapsulates the essence of this root, denoting a state or act of untruthfulness, deception, or faithlessness. Its semantic range thus encompasses both the act of "lying" (verbal falsehood) and the characteristic of being "faithless" (a breach of trust or denial of reality). It can describe something that is inherently unreliable, insubstantial, or illusory, suggesting an emptiness or futility associated with deceit. The word points to a fundamental lack of integrity or substance in what it describes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh, `{{H3586}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice, both within the book of Job. Its limited occurrences, however, are highly significant in their respective contexts, shedding light on the nature of false confidence and human presumption.
1. **[[Job 8:14]]**: "whose confidence is fragile, and whose trust is a spider's web." Here, Bildad, in his discourse with Job, uses כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) to describe the "confidence" or "hope" of the godless. The parallelism with "spider's web" (בֵּית עַכָּבִישׁ) underscores the extreme fragility, insubstantiality, and ultimate futility of such a trust. It is a hope built on a lie, a deception, or something inherently unreliable, destined to collapse. The word emphasizes the deceptive nature of a hope that is not grounded in truth or righteousness.
2. **[[Job 15:31]]**: "Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself, for vanity shall be his recompense." In this passage, Eliphaz, another of Job's friends, employs כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) to warn against trusting in "vanity" or "deception." The context again pertains to the wicked man's reliance on falsehood or illusion, which is presented as a form of self-deception. The consequence of such reliance is that "vanity shall be his recompense," indicating that the very deception he trusts in will ultimately be his undoing. This usage reinforces the idea of a destructive futility inherent in reliance upon anything that is not true or substantial.
In both instances, כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) functions as a descriptor of a foundation—whether confidence or trust—that is inherently false, deceptive, and ultimately leads to disappointment and ruin. It highlights the precariousness of human wisdom and self-reliance when divorced from divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh, `{{H3586}}`) is its root verb, כָּחַשׁ (kâchash, `{{H3584}}`), which denotes the act of lying, denying, or failing. This root also gives rise to כָּחָשׁ (kâchâsh, `{{H3585}}`), meaning "leanness" or "wasting away," which, while semantically distinct, can metaphorically connect to the idea of something insubstantial, fading, or lacking true substance, much like a lie or false hope.
Other Hebrew terms that share conceptual overlap with כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) include:
* **שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`)**: A common and broad term for "lie," "falsehood," or "deceit." While כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) often implies a *lying thing* or *lying confidence*, שֶׁקֶר (sheqer) is more frequently used for a direct verbal lie or false witness.
* **שָׁוְא (shav', `{{H7723}}`)**: Meaning "vanity," "emptiness," "falsehood," or "worthlessness." This term is often used in contexts of idolatry or futile endeavors, resonating with the emptiness and lack of substance implied by כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh).
* **מִרְמָה (mirmah, `{{H4820}}`)**: Signifying "deceit," "treachery," or "fraud." This word often emphasizes the deceptive action or intent.
The concepts intertwined with כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) include deception, untruth, unreliability, futility, vanity, betrayal, and a fundamental lack of integrity. It stands in stark contrast to concepts of truth (אֱמֶת, 'emeth, `{{H571}}`) and faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, 'emunah, `{{H539}}`), which are core attributes of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh, `{{H3586}}`) lies in its powerful indictment of misplaced confidence and the futility of human-centered wisdom. In the book of Job, the term underscores a profound theological truth: any hope, trust, or foundation built on falsehood or human illusion, rather than on the unwavering truth and faithfulness of God, is inherently unstable and destined for collapse.
The use of כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) by Job's friends, though their overall theology is flawed, correctly identifies a critical spiritual principle: true security and lasting hope cannot be found in deception, self-righteousness, or any form of "lying confidence." This word serves as a stark warning against self-deception and the illusion of security derived from anything other than God's sure foundation. It highlights the destructive consequences of building one's life or understanding of reality on untruths. By extension, it implicitly affirms the absolute necessity of grounding faith and life in the divine character, which is utterly devoid of כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh). God's nature is truth, reliability, and faithfulness, making any trust placed in Him the antithesis of a "lying confidence."
### Summary
The Hebrew term כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh, `{{H3586}}`), derived from the root כָּחַשׁ (kâchash, `{{H3584}}`), signifies "faithless" or "lying." Its rare but potent occurrences are exclusively found in the book of Job ([[Job 8:14]], [[Job 15:31]]). In these contexts, כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) describes a deceptive or unreliable foundation of confidence or trust, often leading to futility, disappointment, and ruin. It is closely related to concepts of falsehood, vanity, and the absence of true substance, contrasting sharply with divine truth and faithfulness. Theologically, כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) underscores the profound danger of building one's hope or life on anything other than God's unwavering character, highlighting the ultimate emptiness and destructive nature of reliance on deceit or human-centered illusions.
TRV