### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ψευδομαρτυρία (pseudomartyría, `{{G5577}}`) is a compound noun derived from ψευδομάρτυρ (pseudomartyr, `{{G5576}}`), which itself combines ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`, meaning "false" or "lying") and μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`, meaning "witness"). Therefore, the core meaning of ψευδομαρτυρία is "false testimony," "untrue witness," or "perjury." It signifies the act of giving an account that is known to be untrue, particularly in a formal or legal setting where truthfulness is expected or required. The semantic range is quite specific, focusing on the verbal act of misrepresenting facts with the intent to deceive, especially in a context that impacts justice or reputation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ψευδομαρτυρία appears four times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels:
* **[[Matthew 15:19]]**: "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, **false witness**, blasphemies." Here, Jesus lists ψευδομαρτυρία as one of the various moral transgressions that defile a person, emphasizing its origin not from external defilement but from the corrupt desires of the human heart. It is grouped with other severe sins, highlighting its gravity.
* **[[Matthew 26:59]]**: "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought **false witness** against Jesus, to put him to death;" This verse describes the malicious intent of the Sanhedrin during Jesus' trial. They actively sought out and encouraged the giving of false testimony in order to secure a death sentence for an innocent man. This demonstrates the deliberate and grave nature of the sin when perpetrated by those in authority.
* **[[Mark 14:56]]**: "For many bare **false witness** against him, but their witness agreed not together." This parallel account to Matthew 26:59 further elaborates on the scene at Jesus' trial, noting that numerous individuals came forward with false accusations. The inconsistency of their testimonies, however, rendered them legally invalid under Jewish law, yet it underscores the pervasive desire to condemn Jesus unjustly.
* **[[Mark 14:57]]**: "And there arose certain, and bare **false witness** against him, saying," This verse continues the narrative, specifying that despite the lack of agreement among witnesses, some still pressed forward with their fabricated charges.
In all occurrences, ψευδομαρτυρία is presented as a serious moral offense, originating from inner corruption and, most poignantly, employed as a tool of injustice against Jesus himself. The legal context is paramount, echoing the Old Testament prohibition against bearing false witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ψευδομαρτυρία is deeply rooted in biblical ethics and law.
* **Directly Related:** Its immediate etymological parent is ψευδομάρτυς (pseudomartys, `{{G5576}}`), the "false witness" who *gives* the false testimony. The broader category of "falsehood" is represented by ψεῦδος (pseudos, `{{G5579}}`, "lie" or "falsehood") and ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`, "false" or "lying").
* **Antithetical Concepts:** The direct opposite of ψευδομαρτυρία is truth, represented by ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`), and justice, δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`). A true witness is μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`).
* **Old Testament Parallel:** The most significant parallel is the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" ([[Exodus 20:16]], [[Deuteronomy 5:20]]). The Hebrew phrase for "false witness" is עֵד שֶׁקֶר (ed sheqer), meaning "witness of falsehood." This foundational commandment establishes the severe nature of this sin within God's covenant people, as it directly undermines justice, reputation, and social cohesion.
* **Broader Concepts:** Related concepts include slander (διαβολή, diabolē, `{{G1228}}`), accusation (κατηγορέω, katēgoreō, `{{G2723}}`), and any form of deceit or dishonesty that harms others or perverts justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ψευδομαρτυρία is profound, touching upon God's character, human sinfulness, and the nature of justice:
* **Violation of God's Character:** God is inherently truthful and righteous. Bearing false witness is a direct affront to His nature, as it is an act of deception that mirrors the character of Satan, whom Jesus identifies as the "father of lies" ([[John 8:44]]). It represents a rebellion against divine truth.
* **Breach of Covenant and Community:** The Ninth Commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness for the well-being of the covenant community. False witness destroys trust, perverts justice, and can lead to the condemnation of the innocent. It undermines the very fabric of society and the integrity of legal and social interactions, making it a severe sin against one's neighbor and against God's established order.
* **Manifestation of Inner Depravity:** Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 15:19]] reveals that ψευδομαρτυρία is not merely an external act but springs from a corrupt heart. It is a symptom of human sinfulness and the deep-seated capacity for malice and deceit within fallen humanity.
* **Central to Christ's Suffering:** The most poignant theological aspect is its role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus. The chief priests and elders actively sought and utilized false testimony to secure Jesus' death ([[Matthew 26:59]]). This highlights the ultimate injustice of human sin against divine righteousness and illustrates the suffering of the innocent at the hands of the wicked. It foreshadows the broader persecution that righteous individuals might face when truth is suppressed.
* **Call to Integrity and Truth:** The prohibition against false witness calls believers to a life characterized by integrity, honesty, and a commitment to truth in all their dealings. It emphasizes the sanctity of an oath, the weight of one's words, and the responsibility to uphold justice in society.
### Summary
ψευδομαρτυρία (pseudomartyría, `{{G5577}}`) signifies "false testimony" or "perjury," deriving from the Greek for "false witness." Its New Testament occurrences, primarily in the Gospels, highlight its gravity: Jesus identifies it as a sin originating from the heart ([[Matthew 15:19]]), and it tragically serves as the means by which He was unjustly condemned by the religious authorities ([[Matthew 26:59]], [[Mark 14:56-57]]). The concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's Ninth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:16]]), standing in direct opposition to truth (ἀλήθεια, `{{G225}}`) and justice (δικαιοσύνη, `{{G1343}}`). Theologically, ψευδομαρτυρία represents a profound affront to God's truthful character, a destructive breach of community trust, and a clear manifestation of human depravity. Its central role in Jesus' trial underscores the ultimate evil of perverting justice and calls believers to unwavering commitment to truthfulness and righteousness in all aspects of life.
TRV