### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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