שֶׁקֶר

שֶׁקֶר

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

Definition

The Hebrew noun שֶׁקֶר (sheqer) fundamentally denotes 'an untruth' or 'a lie.' It encompasses a wide range of falsehood, from simple deceitful speech (Proverbs 12:22) to the broader concept of anything that is false, vain, or without substance, such as idols (Jeremiah 10:14) or worthless advice (Job 21:34). In legal contexts, it specifically refers to false testimony, a direct violation of the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16). The word can also function adverbially, meaning 'falsely' or 'in vain,' describing actions done with deceptive intent.

Biblical Usage

שֶׁקֶר appears 107 times across the Old Testament, with significant clusters in the wisdom literature (Proverbs, Psalms) and the Prophets (especially Jeremiah). It is used in legal prohibitions against false witness (Exodus 23:1, Deuteronomy 19:18), in descriptions of deceitful character (Psalm 101:7), and in prophetic condemnations of societal corruption built on lies (Jeremiah 7:9, Hosea 7:1). A key pattern is its frequent contrast with words for truth (אֱמֶת, emet) and faithfulness, highlighting the moral conflict between deception and integrity.

Etymology

Derived from the root verb שָׁקַר (shaqar, H8266), which means 'to do or deal falsely, to lie.' This root conveys the act of deceiving or proving to be a liar. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian, carry similar meanings of lying or being false, indicating a long-standing conceptual association of the root with deception and unreliability.

Semantic Range

שֶׁקֶר is theologically significant as it describes a fundamental breach in relationship, both human and divine. God is a 'God of truth' (אֵל אֱמֶת, Psalm 31:5) who detests falsehood (Proverbs 6:16-19). Lying opposes God's nature and disrupts the covenant community, making it a serious sin. In the Prophets, societal reliance on שֶׁקֶר is cited as a primary reason for God's judgment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing that biblical 'falsehood' is not merely an incorrect statement but a pervasive moral and spiritual corruption that destroys trust and separates people from God. In ancient Israelite culture, truth-telling was a cornerstone of social stability and justice, deeply tied to the covenant with Yahweh. A person's word was a binding commitment. שֶׁקֶר, therefore, was not just a personal fault but a communal threat—undermining courts (via false witness), commerce (via deceit), and religious practice (via idolatry or false prophecy). Its strong association with legal testimony (Exodus 20:16) shows it was understood as an active weapon that could destroy lives, making its prohibition a matter of public welfare, not just private morality. כָּזָב (kazav, H3577) — a lie or falsehood, often with a connotation of something disappointing or failing; closely paired with שֶׁקֶר in some verses (Psalm 62:9). מִרְמָה (mirmah, H4820) — deceit, treachery, or guile, emphasizing cunning or trickery (Genesis 34:13). שָׁוְא (shav, H7723) — emptiness, vanity, falsehood; often used for idolatry or taking God's name in vain, focusing on worthlessness (Exodus 20:7).

Word Details