כְּדַב (ke.dav)
ke.dav
false
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective kədab means "false" or "lying." It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 2:9, where King Nebuchadnezzar threatens his wise men with death if they cannot reveal both his dream and its interpretation. In this context, the word describes a report that is not true.
Its root sense relates to speaking what is not real. The term carries a strong negative weight, marking something as deceptive or fraudulent. By using kədab, the text emphasizes the danger of presenting a lie when the truth is required.
This single occurrence highlights the high stakes of honesty in Daniel’s narrative. The king’s demand for the impossible dream makes any false answer fatal. The word stands as a stark warning against deception in matters of great importance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kədab describes something that is false or deceptive. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 2:9. King Nebuchadnezzar uses it to warn his wise men that a fabricated report would cost them their lives. This single occurrence highlights the serious danger of dishonesty when truth is required.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God values honesty above all else. In Daniel’s story, the king’s demand for the impossible dream made any lie fatal. Similarly, we are called to speak truthfully in our own lives, knowing that deception harms relationships and distances us from God’s light.
When you face pressure to compromise, remember that integrity is a gift. Trusting God with the truth brings peace, even when circumstances feel uncertain. This passage invites you to rely on God’s wisdom rather than your own cleverness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a lie1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִדְבָ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:9
But if you don’t make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until the situation changes. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can show me its interpretation.”
The word kədab describes the fabricated report Nebuchadnezzar threatens to punish with death, emphasizing the high stakes of honesty in Daniel’s narrative.