### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tormâh**, represented by `{{H8649}}`, is a term for **fraud** or **deceit**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its usage, the word signifies not only deceptive actions and speech but also the internal, fraudulent state of the human heart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8649}}` is frequently used by the prophet Jeremiah to condemn false prophets who speak not from God, but from "the **deceit** of their heart" [[Jeremiah 14:14]]. This theme is repeated to emphasize that their prophecies are rooted in their own fraudulent minds [[Jeremiah 23:26]]. The word also describes the moral condition of a people in rebellion, who "hold fast **deceit**" as part of their "perpetual backsliding" [[Jeremiah 8:5]]. In contrast, the righteous remnant of Israel is defined by the absence of a "**deceitful** tongue" [[Zephaniah 3:13]]. The term is also used adverbially to mean **privily**, describing a secret or fraudulent action [[Judges 9:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of deceit and error:
* `{{H8267}}` **sheqer** (an untruth): This word for falsehood is explicitly equated with `tormâh`. For those who stray from God's law, "their **deceit** `{{H8649}}` is **falsehood** `{{H8267}}`" [[Psalms 119:118]].
* `{{H3577}}` **kâzâb** (falsehood): This term for lies is used in parallel with `tormâh` to describe the speech that God's faithful remnant will avoid, as they will not "speak **lies** `{{H3577}}`," nor will a "**deceitful** `{{H8649}}` tongue" be found among them [[Zephaniah 3:13]].
* `{{H4878}}` **mᵉshûwbâh** (apostasy): This word for backsliding is presented as the context for deceit. The people of Jerusalem's "perpetual **backsliding** `{{H4878}}`" is demonstrated by the fact that they "hold fast **deceit** `{{H8649}}`" [[Jeremiah 8:5]].
* `{{H7686}}` **shâgâh** (to stray): This term describes the action of those whose character is defined by deceit. God judges those who "**err** `{{H7686}}` from thy statutes," identifying their core problem: "for their **deceit** `{{H8649}}` is falsehood" [[Psalms 119:118]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8649}}` is significant in understanding sin and righteousness.
* **Source of False Prophecy:** Deceit is presented as the origin of false teaching. God clarifies that prophecies not from Him come from "the **deceit** of their own heart," making it a matter of internal corruption [[Jeremiah 23:26]].
* **Essence of Rebellion:** To "hold fast **deceit**" is to persist in a state of apostasy and refuse to return to God, making it a key element of willful disobedience [[Jeremiah 8:5]].
* **Basis for Divine Judgment:** God's judgment is directed at those characterized by deceit. He is said to have "trodden down" those who err because their very nature is fraudulent and false [[Psalms 119:118]].
* **Absence in the Remnant:** A defining mark of God's purified people is the removal of deceit. The promise for the remnant of Israel is that a "**deceitful** tongue" will no longer be found in their mouth [[Zephaniah 3:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8649}}` provides a specific focus on fraud and deceit as both an internal state and an external action. It is more than just a simple lie; it is a condition of the heart that gives rise to false prophecy, fuels apostasy, and incurs divine judgment. The contrast between the deceitful heart of the false prophet and the guileless tongue of the righteous remnant highlights integrity as a cornerstone of a life that is pleasing to God.
TRV