from a compound of σῦκον and a derivative of φαίνω; to be a fig-informer (reporter of the law forbidding the exportation of figs from Greece), "sycophant", i.e. (genitive and by extension) to defraud (exact unlawfully, extort):--accuse falsely, take by false accusation.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sykophantéō**, represented by `{{G4811}}`, means to defraud or extort through false accusation. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term derives from a compound of words for "fig" and "to show," historically referring to an informer who reported on the illegal exportation of figs, thus a "sycophant." By extension, it came to signify one who uses false charges to unlawfully exact money or property.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4811}}` is used to describe a specific type of exploitative sin. In the account of Zacchaeus, he declares his repentance by vowing, "if I have **taken** any thing from any man **by false accusation**, I restore him fourfold" [[Luke 19:8]]. This connects the word directly to financial extortion and the subsequent need for restitution. The term also appears in the teachings of John the Baptist, who instructs soldiers, "Do violence to no man, neither **accuse any falsely**; and be content with your wages" [[Luke 3:14]], placing the act alongside physical violence as a forbidden abuse of power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which `{{G4811}}` appears:
* `{{G1286}}` **diaseíō** (do violence to): This term for intimidation is paired directly with falsely accusing, forming a dual prohibition against physical and financial coercion for those in authority [[Luke 3:14]].
* `{{G1905}}` **eperōtáō** (ask... demand): This verb is used when the soldiers **demanded** of John what they should do, prompting his specific instructions that included the command not to accuse anyone falsely [[Luke 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The ethical weight of `{{G4811}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of justice and righteousness.
* **Repentance and Restitution:** The word is central to Zacchaeus’s transformation, showing that genuine repentance for extortion involves not just ceasing the act but making tangible amends for the harm caused [[Luke 19:8]].
* **Abuse of Power:** Its use in John the Baptist's address to soldiers frames false accusation as a specific sin of those in authority, who might otherwise use their position to intimidate and extort from the public [[Luke 3:14]].
* **Greed and Contentment:** The command to not accuse falsely is immediately followed by the instruction to "be content with your wages," linking the sin of extortion directly to a root cause of discontentment and greed [[Luke 3:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4811}}` is more than a simple term for lying; it specifically denotes the act of using false accusations for the purpose of unlawful gain. Its limited but powerful usage in the Gospel of Luke provides a clear ethical framework against the abuse of power, underscoring the importance of restitution for past wrongs and contentment as an antidote to greed. The word serves as a pointed reminder of the need for integrity, especially for those in positions of authority.
TRV