### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5576 (pseudomartyréō) is a compound word derived from ψευδός (pseudos), meaning "false" or "lying," and μαρτυρέω (martyréō), meaning "to bear witness" or "to testify." Thus, its core meaning is "to bear false witness," "to give false testimony," or "to offer falsehood in evidence." It describes the act of intentionally presenting untrue statements as facts, especially in a legal or formal context. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the perversion of truth in testimony. It implies a deliberate act of deception aimed at misleading others, often with injurious intent or consequence. This word inherently carries a strong negative connotation, signifying a direct violation of truth and justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5576 appears six times in the New Testament, consistently in contexts relating to the Mosaic Law, particularly the Ninth Commandment.
1. **Jesus' Teaching on Commandments:**
* In [[Matthew 19:18]], when the rich young ruler asks Jesus what good thing he must do to have eternal life, Jesus lists several commandments, including "You shall not bear false witness" (οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις).
* A parallel account is found in [[Mark 10:19]] and [[Luke 18:20]], where Jesus similarly instructs the man with the same phrase, emphasizing the moral imperative against false testimony as part of righteous living.
* [[Matthew 15:19]] lists "false testimonies" (ψευδομαρτυρίαι) as one of the evil things that come from the heart and defile a person, demonstrating that the *act* of false witnessing originates from inner corruption. While this verse uses the noun ψευδομαρτυρία (pseudomartyria), it highlights the source of the action denoted by G5576.
2. **The Trial of Jesus:**
* [[Mark 14:56]] states, "For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimony did not agree." Here, the verb G5576 (ἐψευδομαρτύρουν) describes the active, concerted effort by numerous individuals to present fabricated evidence against Jesus during His trial before the Sanhedrin.
* [[Mark 14:57]] continues, "Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying..." (καί τινες ἀναστάντες ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ' αὐτοῦ λέγοντες). This further emphasizes the malicious and unlawful nature of the accusations brought against the innocent Christ.
These occurrences highlight G5576 as a grave offense, both in Jesus' ethical teaching and in the pivotal event of His unjust condemnation. It is presented as a fundamental breach of God's law and a manifestation of human depravity. The Old Testament background, particularly [[Exodus 20:16]] and [[Deuteronomy 5:20]] ("You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor"), provides the foundational understanding for the New Testament usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
G5576 is intimately connected to a cluster of words dealing with truth, falsehood, and testimony:
* **ψευδομάρτυρ (pseudomartyr - `{{G5577}}`):** The noun form, meaning "false witness." This is the agent who performs the action of G5576.
* **ψευδής (pseudēs - `{{G5571}}`):** Adjective meaning "false," "untrue," or "lying." It describes the nature of the testimony.
* **ψεῦδος (pseudos - `{{G5579}}`):** Noun meaning "falsehood," "lie," or "untruth." It is the content of the false testimony.
* **μαρτυρέω (martyréō - `{{G3140}}`):** The base verb meaning "to bear witness," "to testify." G5576 is its negative counterpart, indicating a perversion of true witness.
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia - `{{G225}}`):** "Truth." Bearing false witness is a direct antithesis to truth.
* **διάβολος (diabolos - `{{G1228}}`):** "Slanderer" or "accuser." Often associated with Satan, who is described as the "father of lies" and a false accuser.
* **ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai - `{{G626}}`):** "To make a defense." False witness often necessitates a defense against fabricated charges.
The concept is also intrinsically linked to the Ninth Commandment in the Decalogue, which safeguards the integrity of justice and reputation within the community. It stands in direct opposition to the divine character, which is inherently truthful and faithful.
### Theological Significance
The act of G5576 (bearing false witness) carries profound theological weight.
1. **Violation of Divine Character:** God is truth (cf. [[John 14:6]], [[Titus 1:2]]). To bear false witness is to act contrary to the very nature of God, who cannot lie. It is a rebellion against divine integrity and faithfulness.
2. **Assault on Justice and Community:** The Ninth Commandment was given to ensure fair judgment and protect the innocent. False testimony corrupts the judicial process, perverts justice, and destroys trust within the community. It can lead to the condemnation of the innocent and the acquittal of the guilty, undermining the very fabric of righteous society.
3. **Manifestation of Inner Corruption:** As Jesus teaches in [[Matthew 15:19]], false testimonies originate from the "evil heart." This sin is not merely an external act but a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady, reflecting a heart alienated from God's truth.
4. **Participation in Satanic Activity:** Satan is described as the "father of lies" ([[John 8:44]]) and the "accuser of our brethren" ([[Revelation 12:10]]). Those who bear false witness align themselves with the kingdom of darkness, participating in the devil's work of deception and destruction.
5. **Rejection of Christ's Example:** Jesus Himself was the victim of false testimony, yet He bore it with perfect truthfulness and integrity. Believers are called to emulate Christ's character, living in truth and integrity, even when facing persecution. Bearing false witness is thus a direct contradiction of the call to Christlikeness.
### Summary
G5576 (pseudomartyréō) signifies the grave sin of bearing false witness or giving false testimony. This act is a deliberate perversion of truth, directly violating the Ninth Commandment and striking at the core of divine justice. Its New Testament occurrences highlight its condemnation by Jesus as an evil originating from the heart and its central role in the unjust trial and condemnation of Christ. Theologically, bearing false witness is an affront to God's truthful nature, a destructive force against community trust and justice, and an alignment with the deceptive works of the kingdom of darkness. It underscores the profound importance of truthfulness as a hallmark of righteous living and a reflection of God's character.
TRV