### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ψεύδομαι (pseúdomai - `{{G5574}}`) is a deponent verb, meaning it takes a middle or passive form but carries an active sense. Its core meaning encompasses the act of speaking falsely, uttering an untruth, or attempting to deceive by means of falsehood. The definition provided, "to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood," accurately captures its essence. Crucially, ψεύδομαι implies a deliberate intention to mislead or misrepresent the truth, distinguishing it from an unintentional error or mistake. It speaks to a conscious act of deception, often with a specific purpose or outcome in mind. The semantic range extends from a direct, verbal lie to a broader sense of acting deceitfully or living a life that contradicts professed truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ψεύδομαι appears in several significant New Testament contexts, often highlighting the gravity of falsehood in the divine economy and human relationships:
* **[[Acts 5:3-4]]:** This passage provides one of the most striking examples. Peter confronts Ananias, stating, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?" (ψεύδομαι here). The lie is not merely to human beings but is explicitly stated as being "to God." This underscores the profound spiritual dimension of falsehood, revealing it as an offense against the divine presence and truth. The immediate and severe consequences for Ananias and Sapphira emphasize the seriousness with which God views such deception within the community of believers.
* **[[Romans 9:1]]:** Paul emphatically declares, "I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying" (οὐ ψεύδομαι). Here, the negation of ψεύδομαι serves to underscore the absolute veracity and solemnity of Paul's statement, particularly concerning his deep anguish over Israel's unbelief. It functions as a powerful rhetorical device to affirm the integrity and divine origin of his testimony.
* **[[1 Timothy 2:7]]:** Similar to [[Romans 9:1]], Paul asserts his apostolic commission: "For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying)" (οὐ ψεύδομαι). This repetition reinforces the divine authorization and trustworthiness of his ministry and the gospel message he proclaims.
* **[[James 3:14]]:** James warns, "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth" (ψεύδεσθε κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας). Here, ψεύδομαι is linked to internal attitudes of envy and self-seeking. Such dispositions lead to a distortion of truth, a practical falsehood that contradicts the wisdom from above. It suggests that one's internal state can manifest as a lie against the very nature of truth.
* **[[1 John 1:6]]:** John states, "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie" (ψεύδομαι). This passage presents ψεύδομαι as a performative contradiction. Professing to be in fellowship with God (who is light) while living a life of moral darkness is a fundamental falsehood, a living lie that betrays the very nature of genuine spiritual communion.
* **[[Revelation 3:9]]:** The Lord addresses the church in Philadelphia, stating, "Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie" (ψεύδομαι). This refers to those who claim a spiritual or religious identity but whose actions, beliefs, or lack of genuine faith betray that claim, thus living a lie or perpetuating a false identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ψεύδομαι is enriched by examining its semantic field and related terms:
* **ψεύδος (pseúdos - `{{G5579}}`):** This is the noun form, meaning "a lie" or "falsehood." ψεύδομαι is the verbal act of producing ψεύδος.
* **ψεύστης (pseústēs - `{{G5583}}`):** The agent noun, meaning "a liar." This term is famously applied to Satan in [[John 8:44]].
* **ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō - `{{G5576}}`):** To bear false witness. This is a more specific application of ψεύδομαι within a legal or testimonial context, directly violating the Ninth Commandment.
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia - `{{G225}}`):** Truth. ψεύδομαι stands in direct antonymous relationship to ἀλήθεια, representing the antithesis of truth and reality.
* **ἀψευδής (apseudēs - `{{G889}}`):** An adjective meaning "incapable of lying," "truthful." This term is used exclusively of God in [[Titus 1:2]] and implicitly in [[Hebrews 6:18]], establishing God's nature as fundamentally truthful.
* **ἀπάτη (apatē - `{{G558}}`):** Deception, deceit. While ψεύδομαι is the act of lying, ἀπάτη is the broader concept of misleading or deluding, of which lying is a primary means.
* **ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis - `{{G5272}}`):** Hypocrisy. This concept often involves ψεύδομαι, as it entails pretending to be something one is not, thereby living a lie.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ψεύδομαι is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the character of Satan, the integrity of the believer, and eschatological judgment:
* **God's Nature and Truth:** A foundational theological truth is that God "cannot lie" (ἀψευδής - `{{G889}}`, [[Titus 1:2]]; [[Hebrews 6:18]]). Truth is an intrinsic and immutable attribute of the divine character. God's word is truth, and His promises are utterly reliable. This divine veracity sets the ultimate standard against which all human speech and action are measured.
* **Satan's Nature and Falsehood:** In stark contrast to God, Satan is explicitly identified as "a liar and the father of lies" (ψεύστης - `{{G5583}}`) in [[John 8:44]]. Lying is not merely an occasional act for Satan but is intrinsic to his very being and his primary modus operandi in opposing God's truth and deceiving humanity. This establishes a cosmic dichotomy between the realm of divine truth and the realm of satanic falsehood.
* **Sin and Relationship with God:** The account of Ananias and Sapphira in [[Acts 5]] powerfully demonstrates that ψεύδομαι is a grave offense against God and His Holy Spirit. It impedes or severs genuine fellowship with God, as darkness (falsehood) cannot coexist with light (truth) ([[1 John 1:6]]). Lying undermines the very basis of trust and communion with a truthful God.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** As those created in God's image and redeemed by Christ, believers are called to embody truth. The command to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" ([[Ephesians 4:25]]) is a foundational ethical imperative. ψεύδομαι is incompatible with the new life in Christ, which is characterized by integrity, transparency, and conformity to the truth. Lying destroys trust within the community of faith and distorts the reality of God's presence.
* **Eschatological Judgment:** The New Testament reveals that those who persistently practice falsehood will face severe eschatological consequences. Liars are explicitly listed among those who will not inherit the New Jerusalem but will have their part in the lake of fire ([[Revelation 21:8]]; [[Revelation 22:15]]). This highlights the ultimate and eternal separation of those who embrace falsehood from the presence of the truthful God.
### Summary
The Greek verb ψεύδομαι (pseúdomai - `{{G5574}}`) denotes the deliberate act of uttering an untruth or attempting to deceive by falsehood. It carries significant moral and theological weight, representing an intentional departure from truth. Biblically, it stands in stark opposition to the nature of God, who cannot lie, and is instead characteristic of Satan, the "father of lies." Key New Testament passages, such as the severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira in [[Acts 5]], profoundly illustrate that ψεύδομαι is not merely a social transgression but a direct offense against the Holy Spirit and God Himself. The Apostle Paul's frequent use of "I am not lying" underscores the absolute veracity and divine authority of his apostolic message ([[Romans 9:1]], [[1 Timothy 2:7]]). Ethically, ψεύδομαι is incompatible with genuine Christian living and true fellowship with God ([[1 John 1:6]]), as believers are called to embody truth in their words and actions. Ultimately, the practice of falsehood has profound eschatological implications, marking those who are excluded from God's eternal kingdom.
TRV