כָּזָב (ka.zav)
ka.zav
lie
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun kâzâb denotes a lie or falsehood, serving as the general Hebrew term for an untruth. It appears seventeen times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Proverbs, Judges, and Isaiah. The word refers to any statement or thing that is deceptive or contrary to reality.
Its meaning extends beyond simple verbal dishonesty to encompass anything that misrepresents the truth. In Proverbs, it is often linked to destructive speech and corrupt behavior, highlighting how falsehood damages relationships and community trust. The text treats it as a serious moral failure rather than a minor social slip.
This term carries substantial theological weight, particularly in Isaiah where it describes the deceptive nature of idols. These false gods are portrayed as kâzâb because they cannot save or reveal divine truth, contrasting sharply with the reliability of God’s word. Translators typically render it as "lie" or "lying," capturing its essence as a fundamental breach of integrity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kâzâb describes more than just a verbal untruth; it points to anything that misrepresents reality. In Proverbs, this term highlights how falsehood damages relationships and community trust. It is treated as a serious moral failure because lies erode the integrity needed for healthy fellowship.
Isaiah uses this word with deep theological weight, describing idols as kâzâb because they cannot save or reveal divine truth. This contrasts sharply with the reliability of God’s word. When we face uncertainty, it is comforting to know that while human promises may fail, God remains steadfast.
In your daily life, this word invites you to value honesty above convenience. It encourages a community where trust is preserved through transparency. Rather than hiding behind deceptive words, we are called to speak what is true, reflecting the character of a faithful Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lies10×
- falsehood6×
- lies/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּזָבִֽים\׃2×
- כְּזָבִ֣ים2×
- כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים2×
- כָזָ֔ב2×
- כָּזָֽב\׃1×
- כָּזָ֣ב1×
- כָּזָ֡ב1×
- כִּזְבֵי/הֶ֔ם1×
- כְּזָבִ֥ים1×
- כְּזָבִ֔ים1×
- כְּזָבִ֑ים1×
- כְּ֭זָבִים1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 19:22
That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.
This verse contrasts kindness with being a liar, showing that integrity is more valuable than wealth or status.
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Isaiah 28:15
“Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death, and we are in agreement with Sheol. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it won’t come to us; for we have made lies our refuge, and we have hidden ourselves under falsehood.’”
Here the word describes idols as a 'refuge of lies,' highlighting their inability to provide true security compared to God.
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Proverbs 6:19
a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.
The term is linked to destructive speech that sows discord, illustrating how falsehood harms social bonds.
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Zephaniah 3:13
The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.”
This promise describes the remnant of Israel as those who will not speak lies, pointing to a future state of pure integrity.