### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ὑποκριτής (`{{G5273}}`, *hypokritḗs*) is derived from the verb ὑποκρίνομαι (`{{G5271}}`, *hypokrinomai*), which originally meant "to decide" or "to answer." In classical Greek, it evolved to signify "to play a part on a stage," referring to an actor who wore a mask (ὑπό, *hypo* - "under" or "behind," and κρίνω, *krinō* - "to judge" or "to decide," implying a performance or judgment made from behind a mask). This etymological root highlights the primary sense of assuming a character or role that is not one's true self.
In the New Testament, hypokritḗs consistently moves beyond its theatrical origins to denote a moral and spiritual state: a dissembler, a pretender, or one whose outward actions and religious observances are a facade, contradicting their inner motives or true character. The core meaning thus centers on the profound discrepancy between appearance and reality, outward show and inward disposition, a fundamental lack of sincerity and authenticity before God and humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hypokritḗs appears frequently in the Gospels, predominantly on the lips of Jesus, who uses it to condemn the religious leaders of His day, particularly the Pharisees and scribes.
In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus employs hypokritḗs to expose the insincerity of those who perform religious acts for human recognition rather than for God's glory. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against performing alms, prayers, and fasting "to be seen by others" ([[Matthew 6:2]], [[Matthew 6:5]], [[Matthew 6:16]]), explicitly labeling such individuals as "hypocrites." He also uses it to challenge their judgmentalism, urging them to remove the "plank" from their own eye before attempting to remove the "speck" from a brother's eye ([[Matthew 7:5]]). Perhaps the most pointed use is found in the "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees" in [[Matthew 23]], where Jesus repeatedly denounces them as "hypocrites" ([[Matthew 23:13]], [[Matthew 23:15]], [[Matthew 23:23]], [[Matthew 23:25]], [[Matthew 23:27]], [[Matthew 23:29]]). Here, their hypocrisy is characterized by outward conformity to the Law (e.g., tithing mint and dill) while neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" ([[Matthew 23:23]]). They are likened to "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" ([[Matthew 23:27]]).
Luke's Gospel presents similar condemnations. Jesus warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" ([[Luke 12:1]]), linking it to their desire for hidden things to be revealed. He also challenges their inability to discern the "signs of the times" while being able to interpret the weather, calling them "hypocrites" ([[Luke 12:56]]).
The consistent contextual use reveals that Jesus' condemnation of hypokritḗs is not merely for imperfection or human weakness, but for deliberate and deceptive performance of righteousness, a calculated effort to maintain a façade of piety while the heart is far from God, lacking genuine love, justice, and humility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term hypokritḗs is intrinsically linked to its cognates:
* ὑποκρίνομαι (`{{G5271}}`, *hypokrinomai*): The verb "to act a part, to pretend, to dissemble." This verb describes the action of the hypocrite.
* ὑπόκρισις (`{{G5272}}`, *hypokrisis*): The noun "hypocrisy, pretense, play-acting." This noun denotes the state or quality of being a hypocrite.
Concepts that stand in stark contrast to hypokritḗs include:
* ἀλήθεια (`{{G225}}`, *alētheia*): Truth, sincerity, genuineness.
* καρδία (`{{G2588}}`, *kardia*): The heart, representing the inner being, motives, and true disposition, often contrasted with outward appearance.
* ἁπλότης (`{{G572}}`, *haplotēs*): Simplicity, sincerity, singleness of heart, often signifying generosity and integrity.
While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for hypokritḗs in the Old Testament, the spirit of hypocrisy is frequently condemned. The prophets often denounce outward ritualism and religious performance that lacks inner devotion, justice, and righteousness (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:10-17]], [[Amos 5:21-24]]). The concept of a "double heart" or "divided heart" (e.g., [[Psalm 12:2]], [[Hosea 10:2]]) also captures the essence of insincerity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hypokritḗs is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the essence of true piety, and the demands of Kingdom ethics.
Firstly, the condemnation of hypocrisy underscores God's omniscient nature. God "looks at the heart" ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]) and knows all things ([[Hebrews 4:13]]). Hypocrisy, therefore, is not merely deceiving fellow humans but is an attempt, however futile, to deceive the all-knowing God. It is a direct affront to God's demand for truth "in the inward being" ([[Psalm 51:6]]).
Secondly, hypokritḗs sharply distinguishes between genuine, heart-felt devotion to God and superficial, performative religiosity. Jesus consistently teaches that true righteousness must flow from an internal transformation, a pure heart, rather than being mere external conformity or a show for human approval. The Sermon on the Mount, in particular, lays out an ethic where the inner disposition is paramount, challenging any religious act performed for outward display.
Thirdly, hypocrisy stands in direct opposition to the ethics of the Kingdom of God, which call for humility, sincerity, love, and righteousness that emanates from a renewed spirit. It reveals a deep spiritual sickness, a prioritizing of self-glory and human praise over God's glory and true obedience.
Finally, Jesus' strong denunciations of hypocrites highlight the severe judgment awaiting those who practice such deception. Hypocrisy acts as a barrier to genuine repentance and faith, leading to spiritual blindness and exclusion from the Kingdom. It serves as a perennial warning to all believers to continually examine their own motives, ensuring that their faith is authentic and their actions are driven by a sincere desire to honor God alone.
### Summary
The Greek term ὑποκριτής (`{{G5273}}`, *hypokritḗs*) originally referred to a stage actor who performed under a mask. In the New Testament, especially in the teachings of Jesus, it acquired a profound moral and spiritual meaning, denoting a dissembler or pretender whose outward religious actions contradict their inward motives and true character. Jesus frequently used this term to condemn the religious leaders of His day, exposing their superficial piety that sought human applause rather than genuine devotion to God. This word highlights the critical distinction between authentic faith, characterized by sincerity and an inner transformation of the heart, and a false, performative religiosity. The concept underscores God's demand for truth in the inward parts, the futility of attempting to deceive an omniscient God, and the severe judgment reserved for those who practice such spiritual dishonesty. It serves as a timeless call for believers to cultivate genuine humility and integrity in their walk with God, ensuring their faith is real and their worship sincere.
TRV