Original Word: ὑπόκρισις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: hupokrisis
Pronunciation: hoo-POK-ree-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ok'-ree-sis)
KJV: condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy
NASB: hypocrisy
Word Origin: [from G5271 (ὑποκρίνομαι - pretended)]

1. acting under a feigned part
2. (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")

hypocrisy

From hupokrinomai; acting under a feigned part, i.e. (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy") -- condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy.

see GREEK hupokrinomai

Cognate: 5272 hypókrisis (a feminine noun, cognate with 5273 /hypokritḗs, see there) – hypocrisy (literally, "under-judging"). 5272 /hypókrisis ("hypocrisy, insincerity") literally refers to "someone acting under a mask," and implies a specific application (type) of hypocrisy. See 5273 (hypokritēs).

Word Origin
from hupokrinomai
Definition
a reply, answer, playacting, hypocrisy
NASB Translation
hypocrisy (6).

STRONGS NT 5272: ὑπόκρισις

ὑπόκρισις, ὑποκρίσεως, ἡ (ὑποκρίνομαι, which see);

1. an answering; an answer (Herodotus).

2. the acting of a stage-player (Aristotle, Polybius, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, Lucian, Artemidorus Daldianus, others).

3. dissimulation, hypocrisy: Matthew 23:28; Mark 12:15; Luke 12:1; Galatians 2:13; 1 Timothy 4:2; (James 5:12 Rec.st); 1 Peter 2:1 (cf. Buttmann, § 123, 2) (2 Macc. 6:25; Polybius 35, 2, 13; Lucian, am. 8; Aesop fab. 106 (284); (Philo, quis rer. div. haeres § 8; de Josepho § 14)).

Term and Concept

Strong’s Greek 5272 names the interior duplicity that pretends to be something it is not. In Scripture it denotes a conscious, willful contrast between outward appearance and inward reality, especially in religious matters.

Canonical Usage

• Matthew 23:28 – “On the outside you appear to be righteous to men, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
• Mark 12:15 – “But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, ‘Why are you testing Me? Bring me a denarius to inspect.’”
• Luke 12:1 – “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
• Galatians 2:13 – “The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.”
• 1 Timothy 4:2 – “…influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.”
• 1 Peter 2:1 – “Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.”

Gospel Context

Jesus reserves His sharpest rebukes for religious leaders whose external piety masks internal corruption. Hypocrisy functions as spiritual leaven (Luke 12:1), silently permeating a community until unchecked duplicity becomes its culture. Christ’s exposure of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28) demonstrates divine omniscience and underscores that true righteousness originates in the heart (Matthew 5:8).

Markan Portrait

Mark 12:15 links hypocrisy with entrapment: interrogators hide malicious intent beneath flattering words. Christ’s response—asking for a coin—reveals that hypocrisy cannot withstand divine scrutiny; it is unmasked by truth.

Pauline Application

In Galatians 2:13 the apostle recounts a public confrontation at Antioch. Peter’s withdrawal from Gentile fellowship, pressured by emissaries from James, produces communal hypocrisy so contagious that even Barnabas succumbs. Hypocrisy here threatens the doctrine of justification by faith, showing that dissembling actions can distort core gospel truth.

1 Timothy 4:2 expands the danger: false teachers cloak deception in an appearance of devotion, yet their seared consciences render them insensitive to conviction. Hypocrisy thus becomes a mark of apostasy.

Petrine Exhortation

Peter, once corrected for his own duplicity, urges believers to “rid yourselves” of hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:1). The term stands among social sins that fracture fellowship and impede spiritual growth. Authenticity is prerequisite for craving “pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2).

Theological Significance

1. Divine Omniscience: God sees through every façade (Hebrews 4:13).
2. Integrity of Worship: True worshipers must worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24); hypocrisy invalidates worship.
3. Community Health: Hypocrisy spreads like yeast, eroding mutual trust and gospel witness.
4. Eschatological Judgment: Hypocrites receive severe condemnation (Matthew 24:51).

Historical Background

In the Greco-Roman world, the term drew imagery from stage-acting—mask-wearing performers switching roles. New Testament writers harness this cultural picture to expose counterfeit spirituality. Early Christian communities, birthed in an environment of public religiosity and private vice, required vigilance against pretense lest the church resemble the society it sought to transform.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Self-Examination: Leaders and congregants must submit motives to Scripture and the Spirit (Psalm 139:23-24).
• Transparent Community: Confession and mutual accountability counteract hidden sin (James 5:16).
• Consistent Witness: The church’s credibility before a watching world hinges on alignment between message and practice (Philippians 2:14-16).
• Discipleship Focus: Teaching must emphasize heart transformation, not mere behavioral conformity (Romans 12:2).

Related Themes

Truth, integrity, sincerity, purity of heart, righteousness, spiritual blindness, judgment.

Summary

Strong’s 5272 confronts believers with the peril of outward religiosity divorced from inward reality. From Pharisaic pretension to apostolic correction, Scripture insists that genuine faith expresses itself in transparent obedience. Authentic discipleship rejects every mask, knowing that the One “who searches hearts and minds” will ultimately vindicate truth and expose hypocrisy.

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