כָּזַב
to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively
Definition
The Hebrew verb כָּזַב (kâzab) fundamentally means to deceive or to lie, but it encompasses a range of related senses. Primarily, it denotes speaking falsehoods or acting deceptively, as seen when Samson accuses Delilah of lying to him (Judges 16:13). It can also describe something that proves false or fails to materialize, such as a promise or hope that disappoints, which is a key theme in the book of Job (e.g., Job 6:28, 24:25). In a powerful theological assertion, it is used to declare that God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind, emphasizing divine truthfulness (Numbers 23:19).
Biblical Usage
כָּזַב is used 17 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. Its usage is concentrated in wisdom literature (Job) and the Psalms, often exploring themes of human deceit and the failure of human plans. In historical books like Judges and 2 Kings, it describes interpersonal deception (Judges 16:13, 2 Kings 4:16). In the Psalms, it describes the flattering but insincere praise offered to God by unfaithful people (Psalm 78:36). The word consistently carries a negative connotation of unreliability or falsehood.
Etymology
כָּזַב is a primitive root. Its basic meaning relates to falseness or deception. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'kazābu' (to lie) and Arabic 'kadhiba' (to lie), pointing to a common ancient root for the concept of falsehood. The Hebrew noun for 'lie,' כָּזָב (kazab, H3577), is directly derived from this verb.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it starkly contrasts human deceit with God's inherent truthfulness. The declaration in Numbers 23:19 that 'God is not a man, that he should lie (kâzab)' is a cornerstone for the doctrine of God's veracity and faithfulness. Understanding כָּזַב enriches reading by highlighting the gravity of deception in the biblical worldview and the supreme reliability of God's promises, making human failures and divine constancy all the more poignant.
In ancient Israelite culture, truth-telling was deeply tied to social stability and covenant faithfulness. A lie (כָּזַב) was not merely a factual error but a breach of trust that could damage community relationships and one's standing before God. This contrasts with some modern, more relativistic views of truth. Deception was seen as a fundamental moral failure with serious consequences.
שָׁקַר (shāqar, H8266) — Often a closer synonym for 'to lie' or 'deal falsely,' with a strong emphasis on deliberate deceit and betrayal. שָׁוְא (shāw', H7723) — Denotes 'emptiness,' 'vanity,' or 'falsehood,' often in the context of idolatry or worthless speech, focusing on the lack of substance rather than the act of deceiving.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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