Bible Dictionary
TREASON
Treason is conspiracy or rebellion against a ruler or authority. In the Old Testament, it translates a word meaning a binding together in conspiracy.
Definition
Treason is conspiracy or rebellion against a ruler or established authority. In the biblical terminology discussed here, it is the activity of binding people together in a plot or conspiracy.
Biblical Usage
The term is used in accounts of conspiracies against kings and rulers, including the events recorded in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. It translates a word also used more broadly for conspiracy.
Historical Background
The underlying Hebrew word comes from a root meaning “to bind.” The rendering “treason” reflects the King James Version’s variation in translating a word whose basic sense is conspiracy.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tre'-z'-n: The translation of qesher, in English Versions of the Bible 1Ki 16:20; 2Ki 11:14 parallel 2Ch 23:13. Qesher (from qashar, "to bind") means "a conspiracy" (2Sa 15:12; 2Ki 12:20, etc.), and the translation "treason" is due to the King James Versions' love of variety.</p>