### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3891, *lᵉzûwth* (לְזוּת), is a feminine noun derived from the verb לוּז (*lûz*), meaning "to turn aside," "to deviate," or "to be perverse." As a noun, *lᵉzûwth* therefore encapsulates the concept of "perverseness" or "crookedness." Its semantic range specifically points to a moral or ethical deviation, a twisting or distortion of what is right, true, or straightforward. It implies a deliberate turning away from the path of integrity, often manifesting in speech or action that is deceitful, froward, or morally corrupt. Unlike a simple mistake, *lᵉzûwth* suggests an intentional bending or perversion of truth and righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *lᵉzûwth* (H3891) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Proverbs:
* **[[Proverbs 4:24]]**: "Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you." (הָסֵר מִמְּךָ עִקְּשׁוּת פֶּה וּלְזוּת שְׂפָתַיִם הַרְחֵק מִמֶּךָּ)
In this solitary occurrence, *lᵉzûwth* is used in a poetic parallel with עִקְּשׁוּת פֶּה (*ʿiqqᵉšût peh*), meaning "crookedness of mouth" or "perversity of mouth." The phrase וּלְזוּת שְׂפָתַיִם (*ûlᵉzûwth śᵉfātayim*) translates to "perverseness of lips" or "devious talk." The context is a father's instruction to his son, urging him to guard his heart and his speech. The verse immediately precedes an exhortation to keep one's "mouth free from perversity" and "lips from deceitful talk," emphasizing the direct connection between internal moral disposition and outward verbal expression. The presence of *lᵉzûwth* here underscores the danger of speech that twists truth, misleads, or deviates from integrity, placing it among the undesirable characteristics that wisdom seeks to avoid.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **לוּז (*lûz*)**: The verbal root from which *lᵉzûwth* is derived, meaning "to turn aside," "to deviate," or "to be perverse." This root emphasizes the active turning or twisting motion inherent in the concept.
* **`{{H6141}}` (*ʿiqqᵉšût*)**: "Crookedness," "perversity." This noun appears in parallel with *lᵉzûwth* in [[Proverbs 4:24]], reinforcing the idea of speech that is not straight or true.
* **`{{H6143}}` (*ʿiqqēš*)**: An adjective meaning "crooked," "perverse," often describing a person or a path.
* **`{{H8419}}` (*tahpûkôt*)**: "Perverseness," "frowardness," "deceit." This word frequently appears in Proverbs, often describing the speech or ways of the wicked (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:12]], [[Proverbs 6:14]]). It shares a strong semantic overlap with *lᵉzûwth* in conveying a sense of moral distortion.
* **`{{H5493}}` (*sûr*)**: "To turn aside," "to depart." While a broader term, it captures the general concept of deviation from a prescribed path, which is central to the meaning of *lᵉzûwth*.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of moral and verbal deviation from the path of righteousness and wisdom, a central theme in sapiential literature.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of *lᵉzûwth* in [[Proverbs 4:24]] is highly significant within the theological framework of the wisdom tradition. It highlights the profound importance of speech as a reflection of one's inner character and moral alignment. For the biblical sage, "perverseness of lips" is not merely a social faux pas but a symptom of a heart that has turned away from God's wisdom and instruction.
Theologically, *lᵉzûwth* represents a deliberate rejection of the "straight paths" ([[Proverbs 3:6]]) and "paths of righteousness" ([[Proverbs 8:20]]) that God desires for His people. It stands in stark contrast to truthfulness, integrity, and the fear of the Lord, which are foundational virtues in Proverbs. Such perverse speech is antithetical to the divine nature and is often associated with the wicked, those who walk in darkness and whose ways are an abomination to Yahweh. The exhortation to "put away" and "put far from you" *lᵉzûwth* is therefore a call to moral purity and spiritual discipline, recognizing that words have immense power to build up or tear down, to lead astray or guide towards life. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of speech and its role in reflecting one's covenant fidelity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3891, *lᵉzûwth* (לְזוּת), denotes "perverseness" or "crookedness," derived from the root לוּז meaning "to turn aside." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Proverbs 4:24]] links it directly to "perverseness of lips" (וּלְזוּת שְׂפָתַיִם), paralleling "crooked speech." This singular usage powerfully emphasizes the danger and moral repugnance of communication that is twisted, deceptive, or deviates from truth. Theologically, *lᵉzûwth* represents a profound moral deviation, a manifestation of a heart turned away from divine wisdom and righteousness. It stands as a stark warning against speech that distorts reality, misleads others, or reflects an inner departure from God's straight and righteous path.
TRV