The Hebrew word tᵉsûwmeth, represented by H8667, refers to a deposit or pledging. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Derived from a word meaning to set or place, it specifically denotes something put in another's care, and is also translated in the context of fellowship, implying a pledge made in a partnership or business dealing.
The single appearance of H8667 is found in Leviticus 6:2, where it is listed among several sins a person (soul, H5315) can commit against their neighbour H5997. These actions are described as a trespass H4604 against the LORD. The verse specifies offenses such as lying about something delivered him to keep H6487, taking something by violence H1498, or deceiving a neighbor. In this context, H8667 is used with the word for hand H3027 and is translated as "fellowship," indicating a pledge or a business partnership that has been betrayed.
Several related words in Leviticus 6:2 help clarify the meaning of H8667:
- H6487 piqqâdôwn (a deposit; that which was delivered (to keep), store): This term for a deposit appears immediately before H8667 in the list of offenses, highlighting the theme of items entrusted to another's care Leviticus 6:2.
- H5997 ʻâmîyth (companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man; another, fellow, neighbour): This word identifies the victim of the offense as a neighbor or comrade, emphasizing that the sin is a breach of trust within a community relationship Leviticus 6:2.
- H4603 mâʻal (to act covertly, i.e. treacherously; transgress, (commit, do a) trespass(-ing)): This verb describes the action of committing the trespass. It signifies a treacherous and covert act, which is how the violation of a deposit or pledge is characterized Leviticus 6:2.
The theological weight of H8667 is derived entirely from its singular context, which frames interpersonal dishonesty as a spiritual matter.
- A Sin Against God and Man: The trespass described in Leviticus 6:2 is committed against a neighbour H5997, but it is explicitly defined as a trespass H4604 "against the LORD." This establishes a key principle that fraudulent dealings and broken pledges in human relationships are also offenses against God.
- The Sanctity of a Pledge: By including the violation of a deposit or "fellowship" H8667 in a list with robbery and deception, the law underscores the seriousness of breaking one's word or mishandling what is entrusted to them. This applies to both physical deposits and partnership agreements.
- Integrity in Community: The law highlights that faithfulness in dealings, whether involving a formal deposit (piqqâdôwn, H6487) or a less formal pledge (tᵉsûwmeth, H8667), is foundational to the covenant community. Betraying this trust is a covert act (mâʻal, H4603) that damages social fabric and one's relationship with God.
In summary, tᵉsûwmeth H8667 is a highly specific and rare term for a deposit or pledge. Its sole use in Scripture places it within the legal framework of Leviticus, where a breach of trust in a financial or partnership agreement is treated not merely as a social wrong but as a direct trespass against the LORD. It illustrates the biblical standard that honesty and integrity in our dealings with others are inseparable from our duty to God.
TRV