### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâshâʼ**, represented by `{{H5377}}`, is a primitive root that means **to lead astray, i.e. (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce**. It appears **16 times** across **15 unique verses**. The term’s core meaning revolves around beguilement and deception, whether instigated by an external force, a misguided leader, or one's own pride.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its most foundational use, `{{H5377}}` describes the serpent's action in the Garden of Eden, where Eve explains, "The serpent **beguiled** me" [[Genesis 3:13]]. The term is frequently used in prophetic warnings. The Lord cautions Israel not to be **deceived** by false prophets and diviners [[Jeremiah 29:8]]. This deception is often rooted in arrogance, as seen in the prophecy against Edom: "The pride of thine heart hath **deceived** thee" ([[Obadiah 1:3]]; [[Jeremiah 49:16]]). The word is also used in the context of political and military intimidation, where foreign kings warn the people of Judah, "Let not Hezekiah **deceive** you" into thinking they can be delivered ([[2 Kings 18:29]]; [[Isaiah 36:14]]). In some cases, it functions as an idiom for emphasis, such as when Jeremiah laments that God has "**greatly** deceived" the people [[Jeremiah 4:10]] or promises to "**utterly** forget" them [[Jeremiah 23:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context and consequences of deception:
* `{{H2087}}` **zâdôwn** (arrogance; presumptuously, pride, proud (man)): This word is often the source of the self-delusion described by `{{H5377}}`. Pride is explicitly named as the cause of deception in the pronouncements against Edom [[Obadiah 1:3]].
* `{{H8582}}` **tâʻâh** (to go astray, deceive, seduce): This term is used in parallel with `{{H5377}}` to show the outcome of deception. In Isaiah, the princes of Egypt are **deceived** `{{H5377}}` and in turn have **seduced** `{{H8582}}` the nation [[Isaiah 19:13]].
* `{{H5496}}` **çûwth** (to entice, move, persuade, provoke): This word highlights a method of deception. In the warning against trusting Hezekiah, the people are told not to let him **deceive** `{{H5377}}` them or **persuade** `{{H5496}}` them [[2 Chronicles 32:15]].
* `{{H982}}` **bâṭach** (to trust, be confident or sure): Deception often targets trust. Hezekiah is warned not to let his **trust** in God become a vector for deception by his enemies [[Isaiah 37:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5377}}` is centered on the constant battle between truth and falsehood.
* **The Foundation of Sin:** The use of `{{H5377}}` in Genesis establishes that beguilement is a primary instrument of evil, leading humanity away from God's commands from the very beginning [[Genesis 3:13]].
* **Pride as a Gateway to Deception:** Scripture repeatedly connects pride with being deceived. A proud heart leads to a false sense of security and an inability to perceive reality, making one vulnerable to ruin [[Obadiah 1:3]].
* **The Danger of False Spiritual Guidance:** A major theme is the warning against false prophets who **deceive** God's people with lies and false dreams, causing them to err [[Jeremiah 29:8]]. God holds these deceivers accountable for leading His people astray.
* **Self-Deception:** The Bible warns against deceiving oneself. The Lord commands His people, "**Deceive** not yourselves," regarding the departure of their enemies, urging them to face reality rather than a comforting lie [[Jeremiah 37:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5377}}` is a potent term that defines the act of being mentally or morally led astray. It appears in contexts ranging from the original sin in Eden to the political machinations of kings and the spiritual failures of false prophets. It illustrates that deception can come from an external enemy, a trusted leader, or from within one's own prideful heart. The concept serves as a recurring biblical warning about the critical importance of discerning truth from falsehood.
TRV