Spiritual Warning: συνυποκρίνομαι (Strong’s G4942: synhypokrinomai) Exposes Religious Pretense

Strong’s G4942: A compound verb joining σύν (with), ὑπό (under), and κρίνω (to judge), meaning “to join in pretending.” Used in Galatians to describe collective hypocrisy in religious behavior, warning against false spiritual conformity.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνυποκρίνομαι powerfully exposes the danger of collective religious pretense. As a triple compound word, it combines σύν (with), ὑπό (under), and κρίνω (to judge), creating a term that describes joining others in hypocritical behavior. In Galatians, Paul uses it to describe how even Barnabas was drawn into Peter’s inconsistent behavior regarding fellowship with Gentiles. The early church saw this word as a warning against allowing social pressure to compromise gospel truth. Today, it continues to challenge believers to maintain authentic faith despite peer pressure.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνυποκρίνομαι, synhypokrinomai, soon-hoo-po-KREE-no-mai
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soon’ as in ‘soon’, ‘hoo’ as in ‘who’, ‘po’ as in ‘pose’, ‘kree’ as in ‘creed’, ‘no’ as in ‘no’, ‘mai’ as in ‘my’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• κρίνω (krinō) – root verb meaning “to judge”
• The prefix σύν indicates collective action
• The prefix ὑπό suggests concealment
• The root κρίνω implies judgment or distinction

D – Defining Meanings

• To join in hypocrisy
• To act hypocritically with others
• To pretend together
• To dissemble in company
• To participate in false behavior

For compound words:
The triple compound creates a complex meaning where σύν adds collective participation, ὑπό adds the concept of being under or hidden, and κρίνω contributes the idea of judgment or distinction.

Translation Options:

1. “To join in pretense” – Best captures the collective nature
2. “To act hypocritically together” – Emphasizes group behavior
3. “To dissemble in company” – Highlights the social aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai, hoo-po-KREE-no-mai) – to pretend – See G5271
• συσχηματίζω (syschēmatizō, soos-khay-ma-TID-zo) – to conform together – See G4964
• προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēpteō, pros-o-po-leap-TEH-o) – to show partiality – See G4380

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συνυποκρίνομαι exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word would morph in English as follows:

• Present: I join in pretense, you join in pretense, he/she/it joins in pretense
• Past: I joined in pretense, you joined in pretense, he/she/it joined in pretense
• Perfect: I have joined in pretense, you have joined in pretense, he/she/it has joined in pretense

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συνυποκρίνομαι’s use in describing group conformity to false behavior. Thayer’s notes its unique application to religious hypocrisy. LSJ documents usage in theatrical contexts. Vine’s connects it to masking true convictions. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting collective dissimulation. LEH traces similar concepts in Septuagint descriptions of deception. Moulton and Milligan find it rare in non-biblical Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And the other Jews [συνυποκρίνομαι] dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. Galatians 2:13

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνυποκρίνομαι powerfully warns against compromising gospel truth for social acceptance. Paul’s use of this word shows how even strong believers can be drawn into collective hypocrisy. Yet the gospel calls us to authentic faith that stands firm in the truth of King Jesus, regardless of social pressure.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient theater for actors performing together in masks
2. Early church fathers used it to describe Christians compromising during persecution
3. It appears in ancient diplomatic texts describing insincere political alliances

Strong’s G4942: A compound verb joining σύν (with), ὑπό (under), and κρίνω (to judge), meaning “to join in pretending.” Used in Galatians to describe collective hypocrisy in religious behavior, warning against false spiritual conformity.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: hypocrisy, pretense, conformity, peer-pressure, Paul, Peter, Barnabas, authenticity, truth, compromise​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​