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H901 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בָּגוֹד
bagod
Adjective
Treacherous / Faithless

Definition

The Hebrew adjective bagod describes one who is treacherous or faithless — a person who breaks covenant, betrays trust, or acts deceitfully. It derives from the root bagad (H898), meaning to deal treacherously, cover, or act covertly against another.

Usage & Theological Significance

Treachery is one of the great covenant violations in Scripture. The prophets repeatedly accuse Israel of being bagod — treacherously unfaithful to God, their covenant husband. Jeremiah calls Judah 'faithless Judah' (Jeremiah 3:7–11), and Isaiah describes how 'the treacherous betray' (Isaiah 33:1). The concept is relational at its core: treachery is only possible where trust existed first. God Himself is never bagod — He is the covenant keeper who remains faithful even when His people are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). His steadfast love (hesed) is the antidote to human treachery.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 33:1 Woe to you, destroyer, you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, betrayer, you who have not been betrayed!
Jeremiah 3:11 The Lord said to me, 'Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.'
Hosea 6:7 As at Adam, they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there.
Malachi 2:14 You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Related Words

External Resources

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