שָׁקַר (sha.qar)
sha.qar
to deal
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaqar means to act with deceit or to deal falsely. It describes active dishonesty rather than a static state of being false. The sources indicate it appears in both the Qal and Piel stems, consistently pointing to actions that trick, cheat, or mislead others.
This word carries significant weight in legal and covenantal contexts. It is found in Leviticus, where it likely addresses fraud in commercial dealings or testimony, and in Samuel, where it describes political or personal betrayal. Isaiah uses it to condemn hollow rituals or empty promises that lack integrity.
Its root connects directly to the noun sheqer (falsehood), but the verb emphasizes the human agency behind the lie. It is not merely telling an untruth; it is engaging in a pattern of deceptive conduct that harms trust. Translators often render it as "deal falsely" or "act deceitfully" to capture this active, relational breach.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Abraham asks Abimelech to swear an oath, he uses this word to demand integrity in a relationship built on mutual respect. It reminds us that honesty is not just about avoiding lies, but actively choosing to be trustworthy in how we treat others. This active commitment to truth builds the safety and peace necessary for community life.
In Leviticus, the command against dealing falsely sits alongside prohibitions against theft, showing that deceit is a violation of our neighbor’s rights. It challenges us to examine our own dealings, whether in business or personal interactions, ensuring they are marked by fairness and transparency rather than hidden agendas.
Isaiah offers a beautiful picture of God’s people as those who do not deal falsely, reflecting the character of their Savior. This word invites us to align our actions with God’s truth, creating a life where our words and deeds match, fostering trust and reflecting His faithful nature in a world that often values cunning over integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will deal falsely2×
- they will deal falsely1×
- he will deal falsely1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר1×
- תְשַׁקְּר֖וּ1×
- יְשַׁקֵּ֖ר1×
- יְשַׁקֵּ֑רוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 21:23
Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.”
Abraham uses this term to establish a covenant of mutual honesty with Abimelech, highlighting its role in securing peaceful relations between strangers.
-
Leviticus 19:11
“‘You shall not steal. “‘You shall not lie. “‘You shall not deceive one another.
Placed directly after commands against stealing and lying, this occurrence frames deceit as an active violation of a neighbor’s property and dignity.
-
Isaiah 63:8
For he said, “Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely;” so he became their Savior.
God describes His people as those who will not deal falsely, linking their moral integrity directly to their identity as His chosen children and Savior.