Question 1

What does "Leasing" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Leasing" means "lies." The Psalms' passionate hatred of lying. 'Seek after leasing' meant pursuing falsehood as a way of life -- making lies your treasure, your goal, your addiction. God destroys those who 'speak leasing' -- who make lying their native language. The word carried the weight of habitual, life-defining dishonesty that 'telling lies' cannot match.

Question 2

Why did the word "Leasing" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Completely displaced by the commercial real estate meaning. 'Leasing' as 'lying/falsehood' (from Old English leasung 'a lie') died when the word was captured by property rental contracts. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1700.

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Leasing"?

Accepted Answer

"Leasing" was replaced by: "lies" (though this generic; leasing specifically meant deliberate, habitual falsehood -- a lifestyle of deception); "falsehood" (though this abstract; leasing was concrete and active -- the practice of lying); "deception" (though this strategic; leasing was broader -- any form of untruth, from self-deception to public lying).

What Does “Leasing” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost