### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun tormâh (תׇּרְמָה), along with its related forms tarmut (תַּרְמוּת) and tarmit (תַּרְמִית), derives from the verbal root `{{H7411}}` (rāmâh), which signifies "to deceive," "to betray," or "to mislead." Consequently, tormâh inherently denotes actions or states characterized by intentional misrepresentation, trickery, or treachery. Its semantic range encompasses "fraud," "deceit," "deceitful act," and "treachery." The nuance of acting "privily" suggests a hidden or stealthy dimension to the deceptive practice, implying a calculated effort to conceal the true intent or nature of an action. This word points to a deliberate moral failing, where truth is distorted or withheld to manipulate or harm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is noteworthy that H8649 (tormâh, tarmut, or tarmit) does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. While the Strong's entry provides a definition and links it to a common root, the specific forms listed under this number are not attested in the extant biblical corpus. This absence means there are no direct biblical contexts to analyze for this precise lemma.
However, the meaning of H8649 is firmly established by its root `{{H7411}}` (rāmâh) and its numerous and widely attested derivatives, which carry the exact semantic load of "deceit" and "treachery." Therefore, while tormâh itself is not found, the concept it represents is pervasive in biblical thought, described through closely related terms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual space of H8649 is richly populated by other Hebrew terms derived from the same root or conveying similar meanings of deception and treachery. Understanding these related words is crucial for grasping the full scope of "deceit" in the biblical worldview:
* `{{H7411}}` (rāmâh): The verbal root from which tormâh is derived. It means "to deceive," "to betray," or "to mislead." This verb is used to describe acts of intentional trickery, such as Laban deceiving Jacob ([[Genesis 29:25]]) or the Gibeonites deceiving Joshua ([[Joshua 9:22]]).
* `{{H7423}}` (remîyâh): A frequently occurring noun, also derived from `{{H7411}}`, meaning "deceit," "treachery," or "fraud." This term often describes a deceitful spirit or character, as in "blessed is the man...in whose spirit there is no deceit" ([[Psalm 32:2]]), or a "deceitful tongue" ([[Psalm 120:2]]). It is also used in the context of dishonest weights ([[Proverbs 11:1]]).
* `{{H4820}}` (mirmâh): Another common noun meaning "deceit," "treachery," or "fraud." This word frequently appears in connection with the wicked and their schemes, as in "his mouth is full of cursing and deceit" ([[Psalm 10:7]]) or describing the false prophecies of the prophets ([[Jeremiah 14:14]]). It can also refer to the act of deception itself, such as Jacob's deceit of Esau ([[Genesis 27:35]]).
* `{{H8267}}` (sheqer): This term refers to "falsehood," "lie," or "deception," often in the context of false testimony or idolatry ([[Exodus 23:7]], [[Jeremiah 13:25]]).
* `{{H3585}}` (kāzāḇ): Meaning "lie," "deception," or "falsehood," often used in a moral or theological sense, contrasting with truth ([[Psalm 40:4]]).
These related terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of how deceit, in its various forms, is understood and condemned throughout the Hebrew Bible.
### Theological Significance
Although H8649 itself does not appear in the biblical text, the concept of "deceit" (as embodied by its root `{{H7411}}` and close relatives like `{{H7423}}` and `{{H4820}}`) carries profound theological significance. Deceit stands in direct opposition to the character of God, who is truth and faithfulness ([[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 33:4]]). God's covenant relationship with His people is founded on truth and integrity, making deceit a fundamental breach of that relationship.
Biblically, deceit is consistently portrayed as a characteristic of the wicked, the ungodly, and those who oppose God's righteous standards. It is a tool of oppression, injustice, and spiritual rebellion, leading to destruction and separation from God ([[Psalm 5:6]], [[Proverbs 12:20]]). The prophets frequently denounce the deceit and treachery prevalent in society, linking it to social injustice and a departure from divine law ([[Micah 6:12]], [[Hosea 4:1-2]]).
Conversely, righteousness and integrity are characterized by an absence of deceit. The blessed individual is one "in whose spirit there is no deceit" ([[Psalm 32:2]]). The pursuit of truth and honesty is a hallmark of those who walk in God's ways, reflecting His own nature. Ultimately, the biblical narrative highlights deceit as a manifestation of sin, disrupting human relationships and severing the bond with a truthful God, while calling believers to integrity and transparency.
### Summary
H8649 (tormâh, tarmut, tarmit) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root `{{H7411}}` (rāmâh), conveying the meaning of "fraud," "deceit," or "treachery." While the specific forms covered by H8649 are not attested in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, the concept of deceit is a pervasive and significant theme. Its meaning is clearly understood through its verbal root `{{H7411}}` and numerous related nouns such as `{{H7423}}` (remîyâh) and `{{H4820}}` (mirmâh), which appear frequently throughout Scripture. These cognate terms consistently portray deceit as a grave moral failing, characteristic of the wicked, antithetical to God's nature, and destructive to human relationships and covenant fidelity. The biblical witness strongly condemns deceit, advocating instead for truthfulness and integrity as essential virtues for those who seek to walk in God's ways.
TRV