False Witness Exposed: ψευδόμαρτυς (Strong’s G5575: pseudomartus) Reveals Truth’s Enemy

Strong’s G5575: A compound noun combining “pseudo” (false) and “martus” (witness), denoting one who deliberately bears false testimony. In judicial and religious contexts, it represents someone who knowingly presents deceptive evidence or testimony, particularly significant in the trial of Jesus and early Christian persecution.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term ψευδόμαρτυς (pseudomartus) carries profound significance in biblical contexts, particularly in legal and theological settings. This compound word combines the concept of falsehood with the sacred role of witness-bearing. In the New Testament, it appears most notably during the trial of Jesus, where false witnesses were sought to testify against Him. The term extends beyond mere mistaken testimony to encompass deliberate deception with malicious intent. Early church usage emphasized its gravity, as bearing false witness violated both the Ninth Commandment and the integrity of Christian testimony. Today, this word reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle between truth and deception, particularly in matters of faith and witness.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψευδόμαρτυς, pseudomartus, psyoo-dom-ar’-toos
• Pronunciation Guide: psyoo (as in psyche) + dom (as in dome) + ar (as in car) + toos (as in boots)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ψευδής (pseudes): false, lying
• μάρτυς (martus): witness, testifier
• The compound combines to create “false witness”

D – Defining Meanings

• One who knowingly gives false testimony
• A person who deliberately bears false witness in legal proceedings
• Someone who intentionally presents deceptive evidence

For compound words:

• ψευδής (false) – indicates intentional deception
• μάρτυς (witness) – one who testifies or gives evidence

Translation Options:

• False witness – captures both legal and ethical implications
• Perjurer – emphasizes legal context but misses religious significance
• False testifier – broader application beyond legal settings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartureo) – to bear false witness See G5576
• ψευδομαρτυρία (pseudomarturia) – false testimony See G5577
• ψευδής (pseudes) – false, lying See G5571

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: ψευδόμαρτυς
• Genitive: ψευδομάρτυρος
• Dative: ψευδομάρτυρι
• Accusative: ψευδομάρτυρα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s legal connotation, particularly in Greco-Roman judicial contexts. Thayer’s highlights its use in religious persecution scenarios, where false witnesses often testified against Christians. LSJ provides classical usage examples showing its broader application in Greek society. Vine’s notes the word’s relationship to the Ninth Commandment prohibition against false witness. Strong’s connects it to other compounds using ψευδής. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence suggests its use in both formal legal proceedings and general accusations of dishonesty. This comprehensive lexical view reveals ψευδόμαρτυς as a term carrying both legal weight and moral significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And found none; yea, though many false witnesses [ψευδόμαρτυς] came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses [ψευδόμαρτυς].

Additional References:
Matthew 26:60
1 Corinthians 15:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ψευδόμαρτυς stands as a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for deception and the supreme importance of truth in God’s kingdom. Its appearance in Jesus’ trial highlights how false testimony served as a tool of darkness against the Light of the World. Yet, the Messiah’s triumph over these false witnesses demonstrates that truth ultimately prevails. This word teaches us about the eternal conflict between truth and falsehood, reminding us that as followers of Jesus, we are called to be true witnesses of His resurrection and redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

• The term ψευδόμαρτυς was considered one of the most serious accusations in ancient Greek courts
• False witness was punishable by the same penalty the accused would have received if convicted
• The word appears prominently in early Christian martyrdom accounts, where true witnesses faced false witnesses

Strong’s G5575: A compound noun combining “pseudo” (false) and “martus” (witness), denoting one who deliberately bears false testimony. In judicial and religious contexts, it represents someone who knowingly presents deceptive evidence or testimony, particularly significant in the trial of Jesus and early Christian persecution.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: false witness, testimony, deception, legal terms, trial of Jesus, persecution, truth, witness, Greek compound words, biblical Greek, court terminology, false testimony​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​