### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tiphlâh**, represented by `{{H8604}}`, is a term for **folly** or **frivolity**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its root, it conveys the idea of something that is unseemly or foolish. The word is used to describe a grave error in judgment or an improper charge, especially one directed toward God or made by those claiming to represent Him.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8604}}` is used to describe serious spiritual failings. In the book of Job, the word frames the contrast between a righteous and a wrongful response to suffering. Even after losing everything, Job did not sin or charge God **foolishly** [[Job 1:22]]. In another context, it is noted that while men groan from the city and the wounded cry out, "God layeth not **folly** to them," indicating He does not misjudge their plight [[Job 24:12]]. The term is also used to condemn false spiritual leadership, as God declares, "I have seen **folly** in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err" [[Jeremiah 23:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of folly:
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin): This word is closely associated with folly. In Job's trial, he "sinned{H2398} not, nor charged God foolishly" [[Job 1:22]], suggesting that attributing folly to God is a form of sin.
* `{{H8582}}` **tâʻâh** (to err): Folly can lead to widespread error. The prophets of Samaria committed folly, which in turn "caused my people Israel to err" [[Jeremiah 23:13]], demonstrating the damaging influence of unseemly spiritual guidance.
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (prophet): The concept of folly is directly applied to prophets who corrupt their sacred office. God sees **folly** in the prophets of Samaria [[Jeremiah 23:13]], marking a clear distinction between them and true prophets whom God ordains [[Jeremiah 1:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8604}}` centers on proper reverence for God and the integrity of His word.
* **Righteous Response to Suffering:** The word defines the line between faith and irreverence in hardship. Job’s refusal to charge God **foolishly** sets a standard for trusting God's sovereignty without accusing Him of wrongdoing [[Job 1:22]].
* **Condemnation of False Prophecy:** Folly is the label for the corrupting influence of false teachers. The **folly** of the prophets of Samaria was not a simple mistake but a destructive act that led people to **err** by prophesying in Baal [[Jeremiah 23:13]].
* **Divine Justice:** The term affirms God's perfect perception. The statement that God does not lay **folly** to the suffering [[Job 24:12]] underscores His righteous judgment and compassionate understanding, contrasting with the flawed and foolish judgments of humanity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8604}}` is far more than a simple term for a mistake. It is a potent descriptor for grave spiritual impropriety, whether it is wrongly accusing God or corrupting His divine message. From Job's steadfastness in not charging God **foolishly** [[Job 1:22]] to the severe condemnation of the prophets' misleading **folly** [[Jeremiah 23:13]], the word highlights the critical difference between faithful reverence and offensive error. It establishes that true wisdom involves correctly perceiving God’s character and respecting the authority of His word.
TRV