Warning Against Deception: ὑποβάλλω (Strong’s G5260: hypoballō) Exposes False Testimony

Strong’s G5260: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with ballō (to throw), meaning to suborn or secretly instigate. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to the act of secretly inducing someone to give false testimony, highlighting opposition to truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑποβάλλω (hypoballō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with βάλλω (ballō, “to throw”), creating a word that describes the act of secretly introducing or instigating something, particularly false testimony. In Acts 6:11, it appears in the context of false accusations against Stephen, revealing the tactics used by those opposing the early church. The early church fathers used this term to warn against subtle forms of deception and false teaching. Today, it serves as a reminder to be vigilant against both overt and covert attempts to undermine truth and justice.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποβάλλω, hypoballō, hoop-o-BALL-oh
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + ball (as in “ball”) + oh (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• βάλλω (ballō) – verb meaning “to throw”
  Combined to mean “to throw under” or “secretly introduce”

D – Defining Meanings

• To suborn
• To instigate secretly
• To induce by underhanded means

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates secrecy or underhandedness
• βάλλω contributes the sense of putting something into motion

Translation Options:

• “Secretly instigate” – emphasizes the covert nature
• “Suborn” – legal term for inducing false testimony
• “Underhandedly introduce” – captures both secrecy and action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πείθω (peithō, PAY-tho) – “to persuade” – more general persuasion
  See G3982
• παρεισάγω (pareisagō, par-ice-AG-o) – “to bring in secretly”
  See G3919
• δολόω (doloō, dol-O-oh) – “to deceive, deal treacherously”
  See G1389

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑποβάλλω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Aorist (in NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Perfective

The word would morph in English as:

• Present: suborns/instigates
• Past: suborned/instigated
• Perfect: has suborned/instigated
• Future: will suborn/instigate

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide detailed insight into ὑποβάλλω. BDAG emphasizes its legal context in Acts, particularly regarding false testimony. Thayer’s highlights its connection to underhanded methods and secret instigation. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for various forms of secret introduction or substitution. Vine’s connects it to opposition against truth in the early church. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature, while Moulton and Milligan document its usage in legal papyri concerning false testimony and fraud.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 6:11: “Then they [ὑποβάλλω] secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.'”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Xenophon: Hellenica	“The conspirators [ὑποβάλλω] secretly instigated false accusations against their rivals.”
Demosthenes: Against Meidias	“He [ὑποβάλλω] suborned witnesses to testify falsely in court.”
Plutarch: Lives	“The enemies [ὑποβάλλω] secretly introduced false rumors into the assembly.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑποβάλλω reveals the tactics often used to oppose truth and righteousness. Its appearance in Acts highlights the persecution faced by early believers through false testimony. The good news is that King Jesus, who Himself faced false accusations, promises to vindicate His people and establish truth. This word reminds us to remain vigilant against deception while trusting in God’s ultimate justice.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in ancient legal proceedings
• It influenced early Christian warnings about false teachers
• The word appears in ancient Greek literature about political intrigue

Strong’s G5260: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with ballō (to throw), meaning to suborn or secretly instigate. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to the act of secretly inducing someone to give false testimony, highlighting opposition to truth.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: deception, false testimony, persecution, legal terms, opposition, truth, justice, Acts, early church, persecution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​