לָזוּת (le.zut)
le.zut
perversity
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun lezut denotes a state of moral deviation or crookedness, appearing exclusively in Proverbs 4:24. It describes speech that has strayed from what is straight and honest, suggesting words that are twisted or perverse rather than direct and truthful.
Its root imagery relates to physical curvature or bending, which the text applies metaphorically to human conduct. When the wisdom literature warns against letting lezut depart from one’s lips, it calls for a rejection of deceitful language in favor of integrity. The word captures the idea of speech that is fundamentally misaligned with truth.
Translators typically render this term as "perverse talk" or "crooked speech," highlighting the ethical dimension of honesty. This single occurrence emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s words with moral uprightness, treating dishonesty not just as a social faux pas but as a structural flaw in character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we speak, our words often reveal the shape of our hearts. The word lezut describes speech that is twisted or crooked, moving away from straight and honest communication. It suggests a moral deviation where language becomes a tool for deception rather than truth. In Proverbs 4:24, this concept is presented not merely as a social error but as a structural flaw in character that must be actively rejected.
Living with integrity means keeping our words aligned with reality. It requires us to examine our conversations and ensure they do not bend the truth for personal gain or convenience. By putting away perverse talk, we create space for clarity and trust in our relationships. This simple act of guarding our speech reflects a deeper commitment to honesty before God.
May you find peace in the freedom that comes from truthful communication. Let your words be a source of light and stability for those around you, reflecting the uprightness that God desires in your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ deviousness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/לְז֥וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 4:24
Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you.
This verse explicitly commands the removal of lezut from one's mouth, highlighting it as a specific moral danger to be actively avoided in daily speech.