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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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