The Greek word hypokrínomai, represented by G5271, means to feign, dissemble, or act under a false part. According to its base definition, it comes from a combination of words meaning to decide or act from a hidden position. This term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its context particularly important.
The single use of G5271 is found in a moment of confrontation with Jesus. In Luke 20:20, his opponents sent forth spies who were instructed to feign that they were just men. The purpose of this deception was to catch Jesus in his own words G3056 so that they would have a reason to deliver him to the Roman governor. The act of feigning was a calculated trap, a pretense of sincerity designed to lead to his downfall.
Several related words from its use in scripture help clarify the context of this deception:
- G1455 enkáthetos (spy): This term describes the individuals who were sent out to perform the act of feigning. They were suborned and sent to lie in wait for Jesus Luke 20:20.
- G1342 díkaios (just): This is the characteristic the spies pretended to have. The word means equitable or righteous, a quality they falsely adopted to appear genuine Luke 20:20.
- G1949 epilambánomai (take hold of): This verb reveals the immediate goal of the deception: to seize or take hold of his words as evidence against him Luke 20:20.
- G3860 paradídōmi (deliver up): This was the ultimate objective. The spies feigned sincerity in order to deliver Jesus to the power G746 and authority G1849 of the governor Luke 20:20.
The theological weight of G5271 is centered on the theme of insincere and malicious opposition to Christ.
- Deceptive Opposition: The word highlights a key tactic used by Jesus's enemies. Rather than engaging honestly, they resorted to pretense and entrapment.
- The Facade of Righteousness: The spies' decision to feign being just men G1342 underscores the conflict between outward appearances and inward corruption. They used the language of righteousness to conceal a destructive agenda.
- The Rejection of Truth: This act of feigning demonstrates a deliberate rejection of genuine inquiry. The goal was not to understand Jesus's teaching but to condemn him by turning his own words G3056 against him before the authorities.
In summary, G5271 is a highly specific term that, while appearing only once, captures a crucial element of the hostility Jesus faced. It defines an act of calculated deception, where individuals pretended to be sincere seekers of truth in order to entrap and deliver Jesus to his enemies. The word powerfully illustrates the concept of hypocrisy as a weapon used against Christ.
TRV