### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ψευδομάρτυρ (pseudomártyr, `{{G5575}}`) is a compound word derived from ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`), meaning "false" or "lying," and μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`), meaning "witness." Thus, its core meaning is "a false witness" or "one who bears untrue testimony." It denotes an individual who deliberately fabricates or distorts facts when giving evidence, particularly in a legal or public setting. The term carries a strong negative connotation, emphasizing the moral culpability of one who perverts truth for malicious ends or personal gain. It stands in direct opposition to the concept of a true and faithful witness, whose testimony aligns with reality and upholds justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ψευδομάρτυρ appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in contexts related to the perversion of truth and justice:
* **[[Matthew 15:19]]**: Here, ψευδομάρτυρ is listed among a catalog of evils that proceed from the heart of man, defiling him. Jesus states, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." This inclusion highlights that bearing false witness is not merely a legal transgression but a deep moral failing rooted in a corrupted inner being.
* **[[Matthew 26:59-60]]**: In the account of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, it is stated, "Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward." This passage dramatically illustrates the malicious intent behind seeking and providing false witness, as it was directly aimed at condemning an innocent man, the Son of God. The phrase "many false witnesses came forward" underscores the widespread willingness to participate in injustice.
* **[[Mark 14:56-57]]**: This passage parallels Matthew's account of Jesus' trial, stating, "For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying..." The emphasis here is on the inconsistency of the testimonies, which, despite being false, failed to provide a coherent basis for condemnation, further exposing the corrupt nature of the proceedings.
* **[[1 Corinthians 15:15]]**: Paul uses ψευδομάρτυρ in a profound theological argument concerning the resurrection of Christ: "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be false witnesses about God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised." Here, the apostles themselves would be ψευδομάρτυρες concerning God if their central proclamation—the resurrection of Jesus—were untrue. This usage elevates the concept beyond mere legal perjury to a matter of ultimate theological veracity and the integrity of divine revelation. It is not about malicious intent on their part, but the objective truth of their testimony concerning God's action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ψευδομάρτυρ is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`)**: The root for "false," "lying," or "untrue." This term underpins the deceptive nature of false witness.
* **μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`)**: The base word for "witness." ψευδομάρτυρ is a perversion of the role of a true witness, who is meant to testify to the truth.
* **ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō, `{{G5576}}`)**: The verb form, meaning "to bear false witness." This verb appears in the New Testament, notably in relation to the Ninth Commandment.
* **ψεῦδος (pseudos, `{{G5579}}`)**: The noun for "falsehood" or "lie." Bearing false witness is an act of ψεῦδος.
* **The Ninth Commandment**: The Old Testament explicitly prohibits bearing false witness against one's neighbor (`{{H5707}}` 'ēd šeqer, "false witness") in [[Exodus 20:16]] and [[Deuteronomy 5:20]]. This foundational legal and ethical principle underscores the severity of the act within God's covenant.
* **Satan as the "father of lies"**: In [[John 8:44]], Jesus identifies the devil as the "father of lies" (ψεύστης, pseustēs, `{{G5583}}`). This connection links false witness to the ultimate source of deception and opposition to divine truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ψευδομάρτυρ is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Violation of Divine Truth and Justice**: God is characterized by truth and righteousness. Bearing false witness is a direct affront to God's character, as it deliberately distorts truth and perverts justice. It undermines the very foundation of righteous judgment and fair dealings among humanity.
2. **Moral Corruption of the Heart**: As indicated in [[Matthew 15:19]], false witness stems from a heart corrupted by evil. It is not merely an external act but a manifestation of an internal spiritual sickness, reflecting a profound departure from God's moral law.
3. **Opposition to Christ**: The most poignant theological context for ψευδομάρτυρ is its role in the unjust trial and condemnation of Jesus. The search for and presentation of false witnesses against Him highlights the ultimate spiritual opposition to the Son of God, who is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([[John 14:6]]). This act of bearing false witness against Christ epitomizes the world's rebellion against divine truth.
4. **Integrity of Apostolic Testimony**: Paul's use of the term in [[1 Corinthians 15:15]] is crucial. It underscores the absolute necessity of the resurrection of Christ for the validity of the apostles' gospel. If Christ was not raised, their central proclamation about God would be a lie, rendering them ψευδομάρτυρες concerning God Himself. This demonstrates the immense theological weight placed upon the truthfulness of witness, particularly regarding the gospel message.
5. **Undermining Community and Trust**: In a broader sense, false witness erodes trust within a community and society. It can lead to the condemnation of the innocent, the acquittal of the guilty, and the general breakdown of righteous order, all of which are contrary to God's design for human flourishing.
### Summary
ψευδομάρτυρ (pseudomártyr, `{{G5575}}`) denotes a "false witness," an individual who deliberately provides untrue testimony. Its etymology reveals a combination of "falsehood" (ψευδής) and "witness" (μάρτυς). Biblically, the term is most prominently featured in the Synoptic Gospels during the unjust trial of Jesus, where false witnesses were sought to condemn Him, revealing a profound perversion of justice. In [[1 Corinthians 15:15]], Paul employs the term to underscore the absolute necessity of Christ's resurrection for the integrity of apostolic testimony about God. Theologically, bearing false witness is a grave sin, stemming from a corrupted heart, violating divine truth and justice, and standing in direct opposition to Christ, who is the Truth. It represents a fundamental assault on the very fabric of righteous relationships with God and neighbor.
TRV