False Pretense: ὑποκρίνομαι (Strong’s G5271: hypokrinomai) Exposes Deceptive Hearts

Strong’s G5271: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with krinō (to judge), originally referring to answering on stage or playing a part. In biblical usage, it describes pretending or feigning righteousness, particularly in religious contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with κρίνω (krinō, “to judge”), originally referring to an actor’s response in Greek theater. In Luke 20:20, it describes those who feigned righteousness while trying to trap Jesus. The term evolved from theatrical performance to religious pretense, becoming a serious charge in early church writings. Today, it continues to warn believers against inauthentic faith and reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances to the heart.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποκρίνομαι, hypokrinomai, hoop-o-KREE-no-my
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + kree (as in “creek”) + no (as in “no”) + my (as in “me”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• κρίνω (krinō) – verb meaning “to judge”
  Combined to mean “to answer from under a mask”

D – Defining Meanings

• To pretend
• To feign
• To act hypocritically

For compound words:

• ὑπό suggests concealment
• κρίνω contributes the aspect of judgment or response

Translation Options:

• “Pretend” – emphasizes deceptive behavior
• “Feign” – highlights false presentation
• “Act hypocritically” – captures religious context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσποιέομαι (prospoieomai, pros-poy-EH-oh-my) – “to pretend”
  See G4364
• πλάσσω (plassō, PLAS-so) – “to form, mold”
  See G4111
• σχηματίζω (schēmatizō, skhay-mat-ID-zo) – “to fashion oneself”
  See G4976

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑποκρίνομαι exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (participle)
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Continuous

The word would morph in English as:

• Present: pretends
• Past: pretended
• Perfect: has pretended
• Future: will pretend

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons trace ὑποκρίνομαι’s evolution from theater to religious context. BDAG emphasizes its development from acting to moral pretense. Thayer’s highlights its theatrical origins and transition to religious hypocrisy. LSJ documents its use in classical drama. Vine’s connects it to religious insincerity. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature suggesting concealed judgment. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent appearance in moral contexts in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 20:20: “So they watched Him, and sent spies who [ὑποκρίνομαι] pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and authority of the governor.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑποκρίνομαι warns against the danger of religious pretense. Its evolution from theater to spiritual deception reminds us that God desires authentic faith, not performance. The good news is that King Jesus offers transformation from the inside out, enabling genuine righteousness rather than mere outward show.

D – Did You Know?

• The word originated in ancient Greek theater
• It influenced the development of the English word “hypocrite”
• Early church fathers used it to warn against false teaching

Strong’s G5271: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with krinō (to judge), originally referring to answering on stage or playing a part. In biblical usage, it describes pretending or feigning righteousness, particularly in religious contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: pretense, deception, hypocrisy, authenticity, theater, religious performance, sincerity, false teaching, genuineness, truth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​