כָּזַב (ka.zav)
ka.zav
to lie
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb kazav describes the act of lying or being false. It appears thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible, with significant occurrences in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs. The word covers both the active telling of a falsehood and the state of being proven false or deceptive.
In its basic form, it simply means to lie. However, derived forms add nuance: the Niphal stem indicates being shown to be a liar, while the Piel can mean to deceive or disappoint. This range shows that falsehood is not just a spoken error but a failure of truthfulness that leads others astrust.
Translators often render kazav as "lie" or "false," capturing its straightforward moral weight. In Proverbs, it frequently contrasts with truth, highlighting the integrity expected in wise living. The word’s presence in Job and Psalms underscores the pain caused by deception among people who claim to know God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that God does not lie, we find a foundation for trust in an uncertain world. Numbers 23:19 reminds us that His word is reliable, unlike human promises which often falter under pressure. This contrast highlights the weight of honesty in our own lives. To lie is to break the bond of trust that holds relationships together.
The Bible does not shy away from the pain deception causes. In Psalms 78:36, we see how flattery and falsehood wound those who seek God’s truth. Yet, even when we feel misunderstood or accused, as Job did in Job 6:28, we can bring our raw honesty before Him. He values integrity over a polished but false appearance.
Living with truth means accepting that mistakes happen, but hiding them only deepens the damage. Proverbs 14:5 warns that a false witness pours out lies, damaging the community. By choosing to speak plainly and avoid deception, we reflect the character of a God who keeps His promises. This path brings peace and clarity to our daily interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will lie1×
- you tell a lie1×
- will he prove a liar/ me1×
- will I lie?1×
- they will fail1×
- they lied1×
- so/ he may lie1×
- it will lie1×
- he told a lie1×
- he tells lies1×
- and/ you will be proved a liar1×
- [is] a liar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְכַזֵּ֑ב2×
- תְּכַזֵּ֖ב1×
- תְכַזֵּ֔בִי1×
- כֹּזֵֽב\׃1×
- כִּזֵּ֔ב1×
- יַכְזִיבֵ֑/נִי1×
- יְכַזְּבוּ\־1×
- יְכַזְּב֖וּ1×
- וִֽ/יכַזֵּ֔ב1×
- וְ/נִכְזָֽבְתָּ\׃\ \פ1×
- אֲכַזֵּֽב\׃1×
- אֲכַזֵּ֑ב1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and he won’t do it? Or has he spoken, and he won’t make it good?
This verse establishes God's absolute reliability by contrasting His nature with human tendency to lie, providing a secure anchor for faith.
-
Job 6:28
Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I will not lie to your face.
Here Job uses the word to defend his integrity, showing that honesty is crucial even when facing unjust accusations from friends.
-
Psalms 78:36
But they flattered him with their mouth, and lied to him with their tongue.
The psalmist highlights how lying with the tongue is a form of flattery that deceives God's people and damages spiritual sincerity.
-
Proverbs 14:5
A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
This proverb contrasts the truthful witness who remains silent with the false one who actively spreads lies, linking speech to moral character.