### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ψεῦσμα (pseûsma, `{{G5582}}`) is derived from the verb ψεύδομαι (pseudomai, `{{G5574}}`), which means "to lie" or "to speak falsely." At its core, ψεῦσμα signifies a "lie," "falsehood," or "fabrication." It refers specifically to the *thing* that is untrue, a statement or representation that deviates from reality. Unlike the verb, which describes the act, or the agent (the liar), ψεῦσμα focuses on the content itself—the untruth. It carries the nuance of something intentionally fabricated or presented as true when it is known to be false, implying a deliberate deception rather than a mere error or mistake.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ψεῦσμα (pseûsma, `{{G5582}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 3:7]]**: "For if the truth of God has more abounded through my lie to His glory, why am I still also judged as a sinner?"
* In this verse, Paul is engaged in a rhetorical argument, anticipating a hypothetical objection from a Jewish interlocutor. The "lie" (ψεῦσμα) here refers to human unrighteousness or faithlessness. The imagined argument is that if human sin, or "lie," somehow serves to magnify God's truth and glory by contrast, then why should the one who commits such a "lie" be judged as a sinner?
* Paul immediately refutes this line of reasoning in the subsequent verse ([[Romans 3:8]]), condemning the idea that one should "do evil that good may come."
* The use of ψεῦσμα in this context underscores the fundamental opposition between human falsehood/sin and divine truth/righteousness. Even in a hypothetical scenario, where human unfaithfulness might, by contrast, highlight God's faithfulness, it does not diminish God's truth or justify human sin. Rather, it emphasizes the inherent nature of sin as a departure from God's truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ψεύδομαι (pseudomai, `{{G5574}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to lie" or "to speak falsely." This describes the *act* of lying.
* **ψεύστης (pseustēs, `{{G5583}}`):** A noun meaning "liar," referring to the *person* who lies.
* **ψεῦδος (pseudos, `{{G5579}}`):** A broader term for "falsehood," "untruth," or "deceit." While often synonymous with ψεῦσμα, it can also refer to false doctrine or the general state of being untrue.
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`):** "Truth," the direct semantic opposite of ψεῦσμα. This term encompasses reality, veracity, sincerity, and divine revelation. The tension between ψεῦσμα and ἀλήθεια is a pervasive theme in biblical theology.
* **ἀδικία (adikia, `{{G93}}`):** "Unrighteousness," "injustice." Often linked with falsehood, as unrighteousness represents a deviation from God's righteous standards, which are grounded in truth.
* **πλάνος (planos, `{{G4108}}`):** "Deceiver" or "leading astray." This concept is often associated with the propagation of falsehoods.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ψεῦσμα in the New Testament, specifically in [[Romans 3:7]], serves to emphasize the stark contrast between human sinfulness and God's unwavering truth. The rhetorical question highlights that human "lies" or unfaithfulness, though they may paradoxically serve to demonstrate God's glory by contrast, do not in any way justify sin or diminish God's inherent truthfulness.
Theologically, God is consistently portrayed as the God of truth, who cannot lie ([[Titus 1:2]], [[Hebrews 6:18]]). Therefore, any ψεῦσμα, whether a spoken untruth or a life lived in unfaithfulness, stands in direct opposition to the very character of God. The Bible attributes the origin of lies to Satan, who is called the "father of lies" ([[John 8:44]]), thereby associating falsehood with spiritual darkness, rebellion, and separation from God.
The concept of ψεῦσμα underscores the fallen nature of humanity, which is prone to fabricating untruths and living in contradiction to God's revealed truth. Ultimately, while human ψεῦσμα is an affront to God, it also serves to magnify God's righteousness and truth, not by its own merit, but by providing the backdrop against which God's faithfulness and just judgment are revealed. God's condemnation of sin, including all forms of ψεῦσμα, is therefore a righteous and necessary act.
### Summary
ψεῦσμα (pseûsma, `{{G5582}}`) denotes a "lie" or "fabrication," emphasizing the specific untruth communicated. Derived from the verb "to lie" (ψεύδομαι, `{{G5574}}`), it signifies a deliberate untruth intended to deceive. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 3:7]] is within a rhetorical argument where Paul hypothetically considers how human "ψεῦσμα" (representing unrighteousness or unfaithfulness) might seem to magnify God's glory by contrast. This usage underscores the profound theological chasm between human falsehood and divine truth. God, being inherently truthful and incapable of lying, stands in absolute opposition to any ψεῦσμα. The term highlights sin as a departure from God's truth and is intrinsically linked to the influence of the "father of lies." Ultimately, while human ψεῦσμα is an offense against God, it serves to illuminate God's perfect righteousness and the justness of His judgment against all untruth.
TRV