כֶּחָשׁ
faithless
Definition
The Hebrew noun כֶּחָשׁ (kechâsh) refers to a state or quality of being 'faithless' or 'deceitful,' describing a person who is untrustworthy and breaks commitments. It specifically denotes a deep-seated dishonesty that violates relational trust, often in a covenant context. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 30:9, it characterizes rebellious Israel as a 'faithless people' who refuse to listen to God's instruction. The term implies more than a simple lie; it conveys a persistent, willful rejection of truth and fidelity.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 30:9, where the prophet Isaiah confronts the people of Judah. The context is a prophetic rebuke, labeling the nation as 'a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD.' Here, 'faithless' (כֶּחָשׁ) is paired with 'rebellious,' highlighting their active, deceitful refusal to obey God's covenant commands. The usage is entirely within a prophetic condemnation of covenant betrayal.
Etymology
The noun כֶּחָשׁ derives from the root verb כָּחַשׁ (kāchash, H3584), which means 'to deny,' 'to lie,' or 'to fail.' This root conveys the idea of proving false or deceptive. The noun form intensifies this concept into a characterizing trait—a settled condition of faithlessness. Cognate words in related Semitic languages also carry meanings of denial and falsehood, reinforcing the core idea of deceptive speech or action that breaks trust.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures a central biblical theme: covenant faithfulness versus betrayal. In Isaiah 30:9, it diagnoses Israel's spiritual condition not merely as occasional sin but as a fundamental character of faithlessness toward God. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing that biblical 'lying' is often relational treachery against God, breaking the trust inherent in His covenant. It underscores that truthfulness is a core requirement for a right relationship with God.
In ancient Israel's covenant-based society, faithfulness (אֱמֶת, emet) was paramount for social and religious stability. To be labeled 'faithless' (כֶּחָשׁ) was a severe accusation, implying a breakdown in one's most sacred relational commitments, especially to God. This cultural understanding goes beyond modern notions of telling a lie to encompass a complete failure of loyalty and integrity within a bonded relationship, making it a charge of ultimate disloyalty.
שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, H8267) — a more general term for a 'lie' or 'falsehood,' often referring to deceptive speech. כָּזָב (kazav, H3577) — denotes a 'lie' or 'deception,' frequently in prophetic contexts against false visions. עָוֺל (ʿavol, H5766) — conveys 'injustice' or 'perversity,' a broader moral wrong that can include deceit.
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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