deceit
mir.mah names dishonest speech, schemes, and practices that mislead or exploit.
The term most often marks dishonesty expressed through speech, lies, or concealed intent; it also describes deceptive conduct and dishonest commercial practices involving false measures.
Senses in use
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Deceptive speech and concealed intent · dominant
The term marks speech that deceives or masks hostile intent: in Jeremiah 9:5 the APB renders a setting where everyone deceives a neighbor and tongues are taught to speak lies. In Psalm 10:7 the mouth is filled with cursing, deceit, and oppression, while Psalm 35:20 describes words of deceit devised against the restful land. Proverbs 26:24 places it in the heart of an enemy who disguises himself with his lips.
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Deceptive action or plotting · common
The singular absolute noun occurs in accounts and descriptions of conduct carried out by guile. In Genesis 27:35 the APB renders Isaac's report that a brother came and took away a blessing; Genesis 34:13 places the reply to Shechem and Hamor in the context of deceitful speech. Daniel 11:23 describes a figure who will act deceitfully after an alliance, and Job 15:35 says that those who conceive trouble prepare deceit.
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Dishonest dealing with measures · occasional
The singular absolute noun is associated with corrupt buying and selling. In Amos 8:5 the APB renders sellers making the ephah small, the shekel large, and using false balances; Micah 6:11 likewise joins it to a purse of deceptive stones. Proverbs 11:1 and Proverbs 20:23 place it with deceitful balances and diverse weights.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly uses "deceit" and related wording such as "deceitfully," "deception," and "treachery" in these verses. These renderings indicate the clauses' overall presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent in every occurrence.