The Hebrew word bâgôwd, represented by H901, means treacherous. It is derived from the word בָּגַד and appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, both within the book of Jeremiah. Its specific usage describes a deep and deceptive unfaithfulness.
In the biblical narrative, H901 is used by the prophet Jeremiah to characterize the kingdom of Judah. It describes Judah as a treacherous sister who witnessed the consequences of another's actions but refused to genuinely turn back to God Jeremiah 3:7. This treachery is defined not by a failure to act, but by the insincerity of the action. The LORD states that "her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly" Jeremiah 3:10, highlighting a betrayal that is rooted in pretense.
Several related words from the context of its use clarify the meaning of treacherous:
- H269 ʼâchôwth (a sister): This term frames the betrayal in relational terms. Judah is not just a disobedient nation but a treacherous sister, implying a violation of a close, covenantal bond Jeremiah 3:7.
- H3063 Yᵉhûwdâh (Judah): This is the specific entity labeled as treacherous. The term is a direct indictment of the nation and its people for their actions Jeremiah 3:10.
- H7725 shûwb (to turn back): Judah's failure to truly turn back is the core of the issue. The word describes repentance, and Judah's was incomplete and insincere Jeremiah 3:10.
- H8267 sheqer (an untruth; feignedly): This word explicitly defines the nature of Judah's repentance. It was done feignedly, revealing that the outward act of turning was a lie, making it treacherous Jeremiah 3:10.
The theological weight of H901 is focused on the nature of authentic repentance and relationship with God.
- Covenant Betrayal: The term is used in the context of a familial relationship (sister) to describe a breach of covenant. The betrayal is not against a distant king, but against God, who is in a close relationship with His people.
- Insincere Repentance: It powerfully distinguishes between outward religious performance and genuine heart-change. Judah is called treacherous precisely because she went through the motions of returning to God without the genuine intent of the heart Jeremiah 3:10.
- A Deliberate Deception: The word implies a conscious and deceitful act. Judah "saw" what happened to her sister, yet still chose a path of feigned loyalty rather than true submission Jeremiah 3:7.
In summary, H901 is a highly specific and potent term for treacherous conduct. Though rare, its use in Jeremiah provides a critical lesson on the nature of sin as a relational betrayal. It emphasizes that God judges the heart's intent, and an outward return without inner sincerity is not seen as repentance, but as a deep and offensive treachery.
TRV