### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G5271}}` (hypokrínomai) is a compound word derived from ὑπό (hypó), meaning "under," and κρίνω (krínō), meaning "to judge, decide, or separate." In its classical Greek usage, hypokrínomai originally referred to an actor on a stage, one who "answers" (to the chorus) or "interprets" a role. From this theatrical context, the meaning evolved to signify the act of "playing a part," "feigning," or "pretending."
The prefix ὑπό suggests an underlying or hidden reality that is contrary to the outward presentation. Thus, the verb denotes a deliberate act of dissimulation, where one's words or actions do not align with their true intentions, beliefs, or character. It describes the adoption of a false persona or the presentation of an insincere front. The semantic range therefore includes to feign, to pretend, to dissemble, or to act hypocritically.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G5271}}` appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, always conveying a negative connotation of deceit or insincerity.
1. **Luke 20:20**: "And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor." [[Luke 20:20]]
In this passage, hypokrínomai describes the treacherous actions of the chief priests and scribes. They dispatched agents who were instructed to "feign themselves just men," or literally, "to act as if they were righteous." Their intention was not genuine inquiry but malicious entrapment. They adopted a façade of piety and sincerity to elicit a statement from Jesus that could be used against Him, thereby exposing their profound hypocrisy and the deceptive nature of their spiritual authority.
2. **Galatians 2:13**: "And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation." [[Galatians 2:13]]
Here, hypokrínomai describes the actions of Peter and other Jewish believers in Antioch. When certain individuals from James arrived, Peter, who had previously eaten with Gentiles, withdrew and separated himself, fearing those "of the circumcision." The verb "dissembled" (or "acted hypocritically") captures the essence of Peter's behavior. He was not acting from a genuine change of conviction but from a fear of man and a desire to avoid criticism, thus presenting a false front that contradicted his earlier practice and the truth of the gospel. Paul strongly rebukes this action as it compromised the fundamental principle of justification by faith and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ. Even Barnabas, a respected leader, was "carried away" by this dissimulation, highlighting the potent and contagious nature of hypocrisy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of hypocrisy is further illuminated by related Greek terms:
* `{{G5272}}` (hypokrisis): This is the noun form, meaning "hypocrisy," "dissimulation," or "pretense." It is frequently used in the Gospels, particularly by Jesus, to denounce the religious leaders (e.g., [[Matthew 23:28]], [[Mark 12:15]]).
* `{{G5273}}` (hypokritēs): This is the noun for the "hypocrite" – the one who practices hypokrisis and performs hypokrínomai. Jesus often labels the scribes and Pharisees as "hypocrites" (e.g., [[Matthew 6:2]], [[Matthew 23:13-29]]).
* `{{G1389}}` (dolos): Meaning "deceit" or "guile," this term often accompanies or underlies the act of feigning, as hypocrisy is inherently deceptive.
* `{{G5087}}` (tithēmi): In [[Luke 20:20]], the phrase "feign themselves just men" literally translates to "put themselves as just men," highlighting the deliberate act of assuming a role or identity.
These terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of spiritual insincerity, contrasting sharply with the biblical emphasis on truth, integrity, and genuine faith.
### Theological Significance
The act of hypokrínomai carries profound theological weight, consistently condemned throughout Scripture. It represents a fundamental opposition to the nature of God, who is truth and light, and who desires sincerity in the inner being ([[Psalm 51:6]]).
1. **Deception of Self and Others**: Hypocrisy involves a deliberate attempt to deceive others about one's true spiritual state or intentions. More dangerously, it can lead to self-deception, where one becomes blind to their own spiritual failings while maintaining an outward show of piety.
2. **Compromise of Truth**: As seen in Galatians, hypokrínomai directly undermines the truth of the gospel. When believers act in ways that contradict their professed faith, they obscure the clarity and power of God's grace.
3. **Spiritual Barrenness**: Jesus' most scathing rebukes were reserved for hypocrites, whom He described as whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but full of dead men's bones and uncleanness within ([[Matthew 23:27]]). This illustrates that outward religious performance without inward transformation leads to spiritual barrenness and ultimately divine judgment.
4. **Lack of Fear of God**: The motivation behind hypokrínomai is often the fear of man or the desire for human praise, rather than a reverent fear of God. This indicates a misplaced allegiance and a failure to recognize God's omniscient gaze into the heart.
5. **Opposition to Authenticity**: The biblical call is for authenticity and integrity in one's walk with God. hypokrínomai stands in stark contrast to the genuine faith characterized by transparency, humility, and a consistent pursuit of righteousness.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G5271}}` (hypokrínomai) precisely describes the act of feigning, pretending, or dissembling, derived from the concept of an actor playing a part. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in negative contexts to denote a deliberate and deceptive presentation of a false persona, whether for malicious entrapment as seen in [[Luke 20:20]] or for compromising the truth of the gospel due to fear of man as illustrated in [[Galatians 2:13]]. Theologically, hypokrínomai represents a grave spiritual danger, signifying a lack of integrity before God, a compromise of divine truth, and a substitution of outward show for genuine inward transformation. It stands as a powerful biblical indictment against all forms of spiritual insincerity.
TRV