Hypocrite
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The term hypocrite originates from the Greek word hypokrites, which refers to an actor or someone wearing a mask, and describes a person who pretends to have moral or religious virtues they do not actually possess.
What is the meaning of Hypocrite in the Bible?
The term hypocrite originates from the Greek word hypokrites, which refers to an actor or someone wearing a mask, and describes a person who pretends to have moral or religious virtues they do not actually possess.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the original meaning of this word as 'actor' reveals that the conflicts in the Gospels were not merely about theological disagreement but were direct confrontations regarding the authenticity of spiritual life, highlighting the tension between outward religious performance and genuine inner devotion.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Hypocrite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hypocrite clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.