False Testimony: ψευδής (Strong’s G5571: pseudes) Exposes Truth’s Adversary

Strong’s G5571: Derived from ψεύδομαι (to lie), ψευδής denotes that which is false, deceitful, or lying. This adjective characterizes deliberate falsehood and stands in opposition to divine truth, particularly significant in contexts of false witness and spiritual deception in early Christian writings.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word ψευδής embodies the concept of conscious and intentional falsehood, extending beyond mere inaccuracy to deliberate deception. In New Testament usage, it carries significant theological weight, particularly in contexts where truth claims about the Messiah and His message are contested. The early church faced numerous challenges from false teachers and testimonies, making this term crucial in defending and preserving authentic apostolic teaching. Today, this word remains relevant as believers navigate a world where truth is often challenged, reminding us of the importance of maintaining integrity in witness and doctrine.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψευδής, pseudes, /psyoo-DACE/
• Detailed pronunciation: psyoo (as in ‘pseudo’) + dace (rhymes with ‘face’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: ψευδ- (pseud-) – basic meaning of falsehood
• Suffix: -ής (-es) – forms adjective indicating quality or state
• Related to verb ψεύδομαι (pseudomai) – to lie or deceive

D – Defining Meanings

• False, lying, untrue
• Deceitful, deliberately misleading
• Contrary to reality or fact

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derives from the fundamental root ψευδ- expressing falsehood

Translation Options:

• “false” – captures the basic meaning of being untrue
• “lying” – emphasizes the active aspect of deception
• “deceitful” – highlights the intentional nature of the falsehood

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ψεῦδος (pseudos) /PSYOO-dos/ – falsehood as a noun – See G5579
• ψεύστης (pseustes) /PSYOO-stace/ – liar, one who speaks falsely – See G5583
• ψευδομαρτυρία (pseudomarturia) /psyoo-do-mar-too-REE-ah/ – false witness – See G5577

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, ψευδής follows these patterns:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Third declension adjective

Examples:

• Nominative singular: ψευδής
• Genitive singular: ψευδοῦς
• Accusative plural: ψευδεῖς

Cross-references:

• Verbal form: ψεύδομαι
• Nominal form: ψεῦδος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical tradition provides rich insight into ψευδής. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of deliberate deception rather than mere error. Thayer’s highlights its connection to moral character, particularly in religious contexts. LSJ demonstrates its broad classical usage in various contexts of falsehood. Vine’s notes its particular significance in religious testimony. Strong’s connects it to the concept of conscious deception. LEH shows its Septuagint usage in contexts of false worship and testimony. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence reveals its common usage in legal contexts regarding false testimony and fraud.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
And they set up false [ψευδής] witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law.” Acts 6:13

Additional References:
Revelation 2:2, Revelation 21:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ψευδής serves as a powerful reminder of the stark contrast between truth and falsehood in Scripture. Its usage in contexts of false testimony against believers, particularly in Acts 6:13 regarding Stephen, highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between truth and deception. The good news of King Jesus stands as the ultimate truth against which all falsehood shatters. This word calls believers to embrace and proclaim truth, following the example of the Messiah who is Himself “the way, the truth, and the life.”

D – Did You Know?

• The English prefix “pseudo-” derives directly from this Greek word
• In early Christian literature, ψευδής was often used to identify heretical writings
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe false or misleading symptoms

Strong’s G5571: Derived from ψεύδομαι (to lie), ψευδής denotes that which is false, deceitful, or lying. This adjective characterizes deliberate falsehood and stands in opposition to divine truth, particularly significant in contexts of false witness and spiritual deception in early Christian writings.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: falsehood, deception, lying, truth, testimony, witness, integrity, false teaching, heresy, spiritual warfare​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​