### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συνυποκρίνομαι (synypokrínomai, `{{G4942}}`) is a compound word formed from the prefix σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrínomai), which signifies "to act a part," "to pretend," or "to dissemble." Thus, the core meaning of συνυποκρίνομαι is "to act hypocritically in concert with," "to dissemble together," or "to feign along with others." It describes a shared or collective act of pretense, where individuals participate jointly in a deceptive display, often to conceal their true beliefs or intentions, or to conform to external pressures rather than internal conviction. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the collaborative nature of hypocrisy, distinguishing it from mere individual pretense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This particular verb occurs only once in the New Testament, in [[Galatians 2:13]]. The context is crucial for understanding its precise nuance and gravity. Paul is recounting his confrontation with Peter (Cephas) in Antioch. Peter had initially been eating freely with Gentile believers, demonstrating the breaking down of traditional Jewish dietary and social barriers in Christ. However, when certain Jewish believers, described as "from James," arrived, Peter "drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision" ([[Galatians 2:12]]).
It is in this immediate aftermath that Paul states, "And the rest of the Jews συνυποκρίνομαι with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy" ([[Galatians 2:13]], emphasis added). The use of συνυποκρίνομαι here is highly significant. It implies that Peter's withdrawal was not an isolated act but initiated a collective pretense. The other Jewish believers, seeing Peter's actions, joined him in this dissimulation, creating a unified front of separation from the Gentiles. Even Barnabas, Paul's companion in ministry, was "carried away" (συναπαχθῆναι, `{{G4879}}`) by their joint hypocrisy (ὑποκρίσει, `{{G5272}}`).
The essence of their συνυποκρίνομαι was a public act of feigning adherence to Jewish legalistic distinctions, contradicting the gospel truth that Jew and Gentile are one in Christ and justified by faith alone. This collective pretense, motivated by fear of human judgment rather than fidelity to the gospel, threatened to undermine the unity of the church and the very message of salvation by grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of συνυποκρίνομαι is enriched by examining its etymological components and related terms:
* ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrínomai): The root verb, meaning "to play a part," "to pretend," or "to dissemble." This is the foundation of the compound, emphasizing the act of feigning.
* ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs, `{{G5273}}`): The noun, meaning "hypocrite." Often used by Jesus to condemn the religious leaders who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly were full of corruption and self-interest (e.g., [[Matthew 23:13]]).
* ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis, `{{G5272}}`): The noun, meaning "hypocrisy" or "pretense." It refers to the act or state of being a hypocrite (e.g., [[1 Timothy 4:2]]).
* σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`): The prefix that transforms individual pretense into collective action. It highlights the "togetherness" or "joint participation" in the act of dissembling.
* Concepts: The word is intrinsically linked to concepts such as dissembling, insincerity, compromise of truth, fear of man, peer pressure, and theological inconsistency. It speaks to the danger of outward conformity without inward conviction, especially when such conformity leads others astray or compromises the integrity of the gospel.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of συνυποκρίνομαι in [[Galatians 2:13]] carries profound theological weight, underscoring several critical points:
1. **The Gravity of Corporate Hypocrisy:** This word reveals that hypocrisy is not merely an individual failing but can become a collective, contagious phenomenon. When leaders or influential members engage in συνυποκρίνομαι, it can lead others astray, as seen with Barnabas. This highlights the immense responsibility of those in leadership to maintain integrity and consistency in their actions.
2. **Compromise of Gospel Truth:** Peter's συνυποκρίνομαι directly threatened the purity of the gospel message concerning justification by faith and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ. His actions, though perhaps motivated by fear, effectively denied the practical implications of the gospel he preached. This demonstrates how even subtle acts of pretense can have far-reaching theological consequences, undermining foundational Christian doctrines.
3. **Undermining of Christian Fellowship:** The act of συνυποκρίνομαι creates divisions and undermines genuine fellowship. Instead of unity based on shared faith in Christ, it introduces distinctions based on external appearances or legalistic adherence, fostering an environment of mistrust and inauthenticity.
4. **The Call for Authentic Living:** The confrontation in Galatians, and the use of this strong term, serves as a powerful call for authenticity and consistency in Christian living. Believers are called to "walk in step with the truth of the gospel" ([[Galatians 2:14]]), free from pretense or fear of human judgment, upholding the truth regardless of social pressures.
### Summary
συνυποκρίνομαι (synypokrínomai, `{{G4942}}`) precisely describes the act of "acting hypocritically in concert with" others, emphasizing a shared or collective dissimulation. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Galatians 2:13]] is highly illustrative, detailing how Peter's fear-driven withdrawal from Gentile believers led other Jewish Christians, including Barnabas, to join him in a public act of pretense. This "joint hypocrisy" directly compromised the truth of the gospel concerning the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ and undermined the integrity of Christian fellowship. The word serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of collective insincerity, the imperative for leaders to exhibit unwavering integrity, and the church's constant need to walk authentically in the light of the gospel, unswayed by the fear of man.
TRV