### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pseudomartyréō**, represented by `{{G5576}}`, means **to be an untrue testifier**. It is derived from ψευδομάρτυρ and signifies offering falsehood in evidence or to **be a false witness**. This term appears **10 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its specific role in describing deceitful testimony.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5576}}` is primarily used in two key contexts. It appears as a direct prohibition within lists of commandments, such as "Thou shalt **not bear false witness**" ([[Matthew 19:18]], [[Mark 10:19]], [[Luke 18:20]], [[Romans 13:9]]). This establishes it as a core ethical command. The term is also used to describe a specific event, where **many bare false witness** against **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` during his trial, although their testimony did not agree ([[Mark 14:56]], [[Mark 14:57]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which `{{G5576}}` is found, often as part of a list of prohibitions.
* `{{G1785}}` **entolḗ** (commandment): This word sets the framework for the prohibition against false witness, identifying it as an authoritative prescription ([[Mark 10:19]], [[Luke 18:20]]).
* `{{G3431}}` **moicheúō** (commit adultery): This verb is frequently listed alongside the command not to bear false witness, linking it to other serious moral transgressions ([[Matthew 19:18]], [[Romans 13:9]]).
* `{{G5407}}` **phoneúō** (kill): The prohibition against murder is consistently paired with the command against false testimony, underscoring its gravity ([[Luke 18:20]], [[Romans 13:9]]).
* `{{G2813}}` **kléptō** (steal): To filch or **steal** is another command often found in the same list, placing false witness within the context of foundational social ethics ([[Mark 10:19]], [[Matthew 19:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5576}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of divine law and human sin.
* **Violation of Divine Command:** To **bear false witness** is explicitly forbidden in lists of core commandments recited by both **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and Paul, placing it alongside prohibitions against murder, adultery, and theft ([[Matthew 19:18]], [[Romans 13:9]]).
* **Injustice Against Christ:** The concept is demonstrated in its most severe form during the trial of Jesus, where those who **bare false witness** `{{G5576}}` against him were a key part of the effort to condemn him, even though their **witness** `{{G3141}}` was contradictory [[Mark 14:56-57]].
* **Contradiction of Love:** The command not to **bear false witness** `{{G5576}}` is summarized in [[Romans 13:9]] under the single **saying** `{{G3056}}`, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," establishing falsehood as a direct violation of the law of love.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5576}}` defines the act of being an untrue testifier. It is consistently presented as a foundational moral prohibition within the commandments. Its ultimate significance is shown not only in these legal listings but also in its active use as a weapon against **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` by those who sought to condemn him with falsehoods [[Mark 14:56]]. Ultimately, to **bear false witness** `{{G5576}}` is presented as a failure of the command to **love** `{{G25}}` one's **neighbour** `{{G4139}}`, making it a critical marker of sin and injustice.
TRV