Pronunciation Guide: ah-noo-POK-ree-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G505: ἀνυπόκριτος describes something that is unfeigned, sincere, and genuine, without any form of pretense or hypocrisy. This compound word literally means “not hypocritical” or “without acting,” emphasizing authentic behavior that matches one’s proclaimed beliefs. It represents the quality of being genuine to one’s core, without any theatrical masks or pretenses.

Etymology and Morphology

• Adjective
• Compound word from ἀ- (negative prefix) + ὑποκριτής (hypokrites, “actor, pretender”)
• Used primarily in epistolary literature for ethical instruction
• Common in early Christian writings emphasizing authentic faith

ἀνυπόκριτος Morphology:

• ἀνυπόκριτος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – sincere
• ἀνυπόκριτον (accusative singular masculine/feminine) – sincere
• ἀνυπόκριτου (genitive singular) – of sincerity
• ἀνυποκρίτῳ (dative singular) – with/in sincerity

Origin & History

The word ἀνυπόκριτος emerged from the theatrical world of ancient Greece, where ὑποκριτής referred to an actor who wore masks during performances. The addition of the negative prefix ἀ- transformed it to describe someone who refuses to “wear a mask” or “play a part” in their behavior and relationships.

In classical Greek literature, while ὑποκριτής was common, ἀνυπόκριτος appears less frequently. However, Democritus (460-370 BCE) used related concepts when discussing the importance of genuine virtue versus mere appearance of goodness in his ethical writings.

The Septuagint rarely uses this term, but the concept of sincerity without pretense is frequently expressed through Hebrew words like תָּמִים (tamim, “complete, perfect”) and יָשָׁר (yashar, “upright”), which the New Testament writers likely had in mind when employing ἀνυπόκριτος.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Genuine and authentic behavior that matches one’s proclaimed beliefs
• Complete absence of pretense or theatrical performance in one’s faith
• Sincerity that flows from deep conviction rather than external pressure
• Natural and unaffected expression of truth in relationships

ἀνυπόκριτος Translation Options:

• “Sincere” – Emphasizes the genuineness of faith or love
• “Unfeigned” – Highlights the absence of pretense (KJV preferred)
• “Genuine” – Focuses on the authentic nature of the quality described
• “Without hypocrisy” – Most literal translation preserving the theatrical metaphor
• “Authentic” – Modern equivalent capturing the essence of being real

Biblical Usage

The New Testament employs ἀνυπόκριτος strategically to describe essential qualities of Christian character and relationships. It appears in contexts where authenticity is crucial for the credibility of faith and the health of the believing community.

The word often modifies key Christian virtues like faith, love, and wisdom, emphasizing that these qualities must be genuine rather than performed for others’ benefit. This usage reflects Yeshua’s (Jesus’) strong criticism of religious hypocrisy among the religious leaders of His day.

Paul and other apostolic writers use this term to establish a clear contrast between genuine Christian behavior and the mere appearance of godliness that characterized some religious practices of their time.

• “[Let] love be without hypocrisy [ἀνυπόκριτος].” Romans 12:9
• “In purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine [ἀνυπόκριτος] love” 2 Corinthians 6:6
• “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere [ἀνυπόκριτος] love of the brethren” 1 Peter 1:22
• “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy [ἀνυπόκριτος]” James 3:17
• “I am mindful of the sincere [ἀνυπόκριτος] faith that is in you” 2 Timothy 1:5

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Roman world, wearing masks was not just limited to theater – it was a metaphor for social interaction. The wealthy would often wear different social “masks” depending on who they were dealing with. This practice was so common that the Latin word “persona” (from which we get “personality”) originally meant “theatrical mask.”

The Jewish concept of תמימות (temimut, “wholesomeness, integrity”) closely parallels ἀνυπόκριτος. In rabbinic literature, the idea of serving God with תם לבב (tam levav, “a perfect heart”) emphasized complete sincerity in worship and relationships. This Hebrew understanding likely influenced the New Testament writers’ use of ἀνυπόκριτος to describe genuine faith.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνυπόκριτος in the New Testament reflects the character of God Himself, who is utterly genuine and true. Unlike the pagan deities of the ancient world, who were often depicted as wearing masks and changing forms, יהוה (Yahweh) reveals Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), emphasizing His unchanging, genuine nature.

This word carries particular weight in light of Yeshua’s strong condemnation of hypocrisy among religious leaders. The Messiah’s repeated use of “hypocrite” (ὑποκριτής) to describe false religiosity makes the positive quality of being ἀνυπόκριτος especially significant in New Testament ethics.

The Holy Spirit’s work in believers’ lives produces genuine fruit that cannot be artificially manufactured. This authenticity is a crucial mark of true spiritual transformation, distinguishing it from mere religious performance.

Personal Application

In our social media-saturated world, where carefully curated images often replace authentic relationships, the call to ἀνυπόκριτος faith is more relevant than ever. This word challenges believers to examine whether their public profession matches their private practice and whether their love for others flows from genuine concern rather than obligation or appearance.

Consider areas where you might be “wearing a mask” in your spiritual life. Are your prayers genuine conversations with God or rehearsed performances? Does your service to others flow from sincere love or a desire to be seen as spiritual? The quality of ἀνυπόκριτος invites us to remove our masks and live in the freedom of authentic faith.

Related Words

• εἰλικρινής (eilikrines) – pure, sincere, literally “judged by sunlight” – emphasizes moral purity versus theatrical falseness of ἀνυπόκριτος See G1506
• ἁπλότης (haplotes) – simplicity, sincerity, singleness of heart – focuses on undivided loyalty versus the absence of pretense See G572
• γνήσιος (gnesios) – genuine, legitimate, true-born – highlights authentic origin versus absence of pretense See G1103
• ἀληθής (alethes) – true, truthful, honest – emphasizes factual truth versus behavioral authenticity See G227

Did you Know?

• The modern English word “hypocrite” comes directly from the Greek ὑποκριτής, the opposite of ἀνυπόκριτος. Ancient Greek actors were called ὑποκριταί because they would speak from behind masks, literally “answering from under” them.
• In ancient Greek theater, actors would change masks multiple times during a performance to play different characters. This theatrical practice became a powerful metaphor in early Christian teaching about authentic versus fake spirituality.
• The concept of ἀνυπόκριτος influenced the development of the Jewish Mussar movement in the 19th century, which emphasized character development and authentic spiritual growth over mere religious observance.

Remember This

ἀνυπόκριτος calls us to a faith without masks, where what we profess with our lips perfectly matches what we practice with our lives.