Original Word: πρόφασις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: prophasis
Pronunciation: PRO-fah-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (prof'-as-is)
Definition: Pretext, excuse, pretense
Meaning: a pretext, an excuse.

pretense, outward showing

From a compound of pro and phaino; an outward showing, i.e. Pretext -- cloke, colour, pretence, show.

see GREEK pro

see GREEK phaino

Word Origin
from pro and phainó
Definition
a pretense
NASB Translation
appearance's sake (2), excuse (1), pretense (3), pretext (1).

STRONGS NT 4392: πρόφασις

πρόφασις, προφασεως, ἡ (προφαίνω, i. e. properly, 'to cause to shine before' (or 'forth'; but many derive πρόφασις directly from προφημι)), from Homer down;

a. a pretext (alleged reason, pretended cause): τῆς πλεονεξίας, such as covetousness is accustomed to use, 1 Thessalonians 2:5 ((A. V. cloak of covetousness) the meaning being, that he had never misused his apostolic office in order to disguise or to hide avaricious designs); πρόφασιν ἔχειν (a phrase frequent in Greek authors, cf. Passow, under the word πρόφασις 1 b. vol. ii., p. 1251b; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, I. 3 e.)) περί τῆς ἁμαρτίας, John 15:22 (A. V. marginal reading R. V. excuse).

b. show: προφάσει ὡς κτλ. (A. V.) under color as though they would etc. Acts 27:30; προφάσει (A. V. for a pretence), in pretence, ostensibly: Matthew 23:14-13Rec.; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Philippians 1:18.

Word Origin: Derived from πρό (pro, "before") and φάσις (phasis, "a declaration" or "appearance").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "prophasis," the concept of pretext or false motive can be related to Hebrew terms such as "מִרְמָה" (mirmah, Strong's 4820), meaning deceit or treachery, and "תֹּאֲנָה" (to'anah, Strong's 8384), meaning pretext or excuse. These terms similarly convey the idea of presenting a false front or justification.

Usage: The word "prophasis" is used in the New Testament to describe situations where individuals present a false front or justification for their actions, often to disguise their true motives.

Context: The Greek term "prophasis" appears in several New Testament passages, highlighting the human tendency to use pretexts to mask genuine intentions. In the Gospels, Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they perform religious acts for show rather than from sincere devotion. For instance, in Mark 12:40, Jesus warns about those "who devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." Here, "prophasis" is translated as "for a show," indicating the insincerity behind their actions.

Similarly, in Philippians 1:18, Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of "prophasis," or false motives, yet he rejoices that Christ is preached regardless of the intent. This usage underscores the idea that while human motives can be flawed, the ultimate purpose of spreading the Gospel remains paramount.

The concept of "prophasis" serves as a caution against duplicity and encourages believers to examine their hearts, ensuring that their actions align with genuine faith and integrity. It challenges individuals to live authentically, avoiding the temptation to use religious or moral facades for personal gain or recognition.

προφασει προφάσει προφάσεις προφασιν πρόφασιν προφασιστικούς prophasei prophásei prophasin próphasinInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts