Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H8267 שֶׁקֶר (sheqer): Falsehood, lie, deception.
• H3577 כָּזָב (kazab): A lie, falsehood, deceit.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the concept of falsehood and are used throughout the Old Testament to describe deceitful speech and actions, as well as false prophets and idolatry. The consistent biblical theme is the call to reject falsehood and embrace truth, aligning with God's righteous standards.

Usage: The term ψεῦδος is used in the New Testament to denote falsehood or lies, often in the context of moral and spiritual deception. It is used to describe both the act of lying and the content of what is false.

Context: The Greek word ψεῦδος appears in several New Testament passages, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of falsehood. In John 8:44, Jesus speaks of the devil as "a liar and the father of lies," highlighting the origin of deceit in spiritual rebellion. The apostle Paul, in Romans 1:25, describes those who "exchanged the truth of God for a lie," illustrating the consequences of idolatry and moral corruption.

In 1 John 2:21, the apostle John writes, "I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth." This passage underscores the incompatibility of falsehood with the truth of the Gospel. Similarly, in Revelation 21:27, it is declared that "nothing unclean will ever enter [the New Jerusalem], nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie," indicating the ultimate exclusion of deceit from God's eternal kingdom.

The use of ψεῦδος in the New Testament serves as a warning against the dangers of falsehood, both in personal conduct and in doctrinal teaching. Believers are called to live in truth, reflecting the character of God, who is described as the "God of truth" (Isaiah 65:16).