Lexical Summary lazuth: Scorn, Mockery Original Word: לְזוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perverse From luwz; perverseness -- perverse. see HEBREW luwz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom luz Definition deviation, crookedness NASB Translation devious (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [לָזוּת] noun feminine deviation, crookedness (figurative); — only construct לְזוּת שְׂפָתַיִם Proverbs 4:24 (on form compare Ol§ 219a Köii. 166, 474). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Lezuth denotes speech that deviates from the straight path of truth—crooked, deceitful, or perverse language. Although the word appears only once (Proverbs 4:24), its conceptual field is broad, encompassing any form of verbal distortion that undermines covenant faithfulness. Biblical Usage Proverbs 4:24 commands: “Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.” Here lezuth is set in parallel with “perverse” lips, underscoring a deliberate twisting of truth. The verse falls within a parental exhortation (Proverbs 4:1-27) urging the next generation to pursue wisdom’s “straight path” (verse 11). Lezuth therefore represents the antithesis of wisdom’s clarity and righteousness. Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Near Eastern society, oral communication carried legal, economic, and relational weight. A man’s word could seal contracts, secure alliances, and attest in court. Deceptive speech threatened communal stability and violated the covenant ideal of “truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). Israel’s wisdom literature exposes this peril, warning that communal life unravels wherever lezuth prevails. Theological Insights 1. Moral Orientation: Crooked speech is linked to a crooked heart (Proverbs 6:12-14). Lezuth is thus not merely a social faux pas but evidence of internal rebellion. Intertextual Connections • “A devious (iqqesh) mouth” (Proverbs 8:13) parallels the concept of lezuth, highlighting the synergy of twisted speech and pride. Practical Ministry Implications • Discipleship: Faith communities should train believers to discern and reject deceitful rhetoric—whether gossip, manipulation, or doctrinal error. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), embodies the opposite of lezuth. His flawless speech fulfills wisdom’s ideal and empowers believers, through the indwelling Spirit, to walk in truthful conversation (Colossians 3:9-10). Summary Lezuth stands as a concise yet potent warning against any speech that veers from God’s straight path. Guarding the tongue against such deviation safeguards personal integrity, strengthens community trust, and reflects the character of the One who is Himself “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Forms and Transliterations וּלְז֥וּת ולזות ū·lə·zūṯ uleZut ūləzūṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 4:24 HEB: עִקְּשׁ֣וּת פֶּ֑ה וּלְז֥וּת שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם הַרְחֵ֥ק NAS: mouth And put devious speech far KJV: mouth, and perverse lips INT: A deceitful mouth devious speech and put 1 Occurrence |
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