Overview
The Bible addresses lying across 15 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Joshua, Proverbs and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Micaiah, Vision, Amorites, the and Gibeonites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Sihon and Og.
Key Bible verses about lying
Old Testament
Joshua
And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,
And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. with you: Heb. in your hand
This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:
And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
1 Kings
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.
And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.
2 Chronicles
Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?
And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.
Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.
Proverbs
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: unto: Heb. of his soul
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A proud: Heb. Haughty eyes
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
People in the Bible and lying
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying lying for yourself
- Begin with Joshua 9:9, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Joshua, Proverbs and 1 Kings each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Sihon and Og and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Micaiah, Vision, Amorites, the and Gibeonites.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about lying?
The Bible addresses lying across 15 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Joshua, Proverbs and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Micaiah, Vision, Amorites, the and Gibeonites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Sihon and Og.
How many Bible verses are about lying?
The Bible references lying in 15 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention lying?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Joshua 9:9: “And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,”
Which people in the Bible are associated with lying?
Sihon and Og.
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