### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rᵉmîyâh**, represented by `{{H7423}}`, carries a dual meaning of both active treachery and passive remissness. It appears 15 times in 15 unique verses. Its definition encompasses a range of negative traits, including deceit, guile, falsehood, and being idle, slack, or slothful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7423}}` is frequently used to describe dishonest communication. The prophets condemn a "deceitful tongue" [[Micah 6:12]] and the Psalmist prays for deliverance from the same [[Psalms 120:2]]. The term is also used metaphorically to describe unreliability, such as in the image of a "deceitful bow" that fails to shoot straight ([[Hosea 7:16]], [[Psalms 78:57]]). In a different context, the word describes negligence and laziness. A "slack hand" is shown to lead to poverty [[Proverbs 10:4]], and a person who is "slothful" will end up under tribute [[Proverbs 12:24]] or suffer hunger as an "idle soul" [[Proverbs 19:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H7423}}`:
* `{{H3956}}` **lâshôwn** (the tongue): This word is often the subject of deceit. The destructive power of speech is highlighted when a tongue is described as **deceitful** [[Micah 6:12]] or **false** [[Psalms 120:3]].
* `{{H8267}}` **sheqer** (an untruth; falsehood): This term for a lie or falsehood is a close parallel. In [[Psalms 101:7]], the one who works **deceit** (`{{H7423}}`) is condemned alongside the one who tells **lies** (`{{H8267}}`).
* `{{H6103}}` **ʻatslâh** (indolence; slothfulness): This word is directly linked to the idleness aspect of `{{H7423}}`. [[Proverbs 19:15]] states that **slothfulness** (`{{H6103}}`) leads to a deep sleep, while an **idle** (`{{H7423}}`) soul will go hungry.
* `{{H5766}}` **ʻevel** ((moral) evil; iniquity): This highlights the moral dimension of deceit. Job challenges his friends, asking if they will speak wickedly (`{{H5766}}`) for God and talk **deceitfully** (`{{H7423}}`) for Him [[Job 13:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7423}}` is significant, serving as a strong condemnation of both dishonesty and indolence.
* **The Character of the Righteous:** A key mark of a blessed man is one in whose spirit there is no **guile** (`{{H7423}}`) [[Psalms 32:2]]. Conversely, those who work **deceit** are not permitted to dwell in God's house [[Psalms 101:7]].
* **The Consequence of Sloth:** The wisdom literature consistently warns that a "slack" or "slothful" approach to life and work leads directly to negative physical consequences, such as poverty and hunger ([[Proverbs 10:4]], [[Proverbs 12:27]]).
* **Unfaithfulness in Service:** The concept extends to spiritual matters. A curse is pronounced on anyone who does the work of the LORD **deceitfully**, or with slackness [[Jeremiah 48:10]]. This connects negligence with a form of treachery against God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7423}}` is a multifaceted term that addresses failures in both character and action. It warns against the active harm of a treacherous and deceitful tongue as well as the passive harm of a slack and slothful hand. Whether describing a failing bow, a false tongue, or an idle person, **rᵉmîyâh** points to a state of unreliability and unrighteousness that stands in opposition to a life of integrity and diligence.