Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H8267 שֶׁקֶר (sheqer): A Hebrew term meaning "falsehood" or "lie," often used in the Old Testament to describe deceitful speech or actions.
• H3577 כָּזָב (kazab): Another Hebrew word for "lie" or "falsehood," emphasizing the act of deception or untruthfulness.

These Hebrew terms, like ψεῦσμα, highlight the biblical condemnation of lying and the call for truthfulness among God's people. The consistent message across both Testaments is the value placed on truth as a reflection of God's character and the ethical conduct expected of His followers.

Usage: The term ψεῦσμα is used in the New Testament to denote a false statement or lie, often in the context of moral or spiritual deception.

Context: The Greek noun ψεῦσμα appears in the New Testament to describe a deliberate falsehood or lie. It is closely related to the verb ψεύδομαι, which means "to lie" or "to speak falsely." The use of ψεῦσμα in the New Testament underscores the moral and spiritual implications of lying, often highlighting the contrast between truth and falsehood.

In the Berean Standard Bible, ψεῦσμα is used in contexts that emphasize the importance of truthfulness and the dangers of deceit. For example, in the epistles, believers are admonished to speak the truth and avoid falsehood as part of their Christian conduct. The presence of ψεῦσμα in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the ethical standards expected of followers of Christ, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6, BSB).

The concept of ψεῦσμα is not only a matter of personal integrity but also has communal implications, as deceit can disrupt the unity and trust within the body of believers. The New Testament writers often associate lying with the influence of evil, contrasting it with the divine nature of truth. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God is a God of truth, and His followers are called to reflect His character in their speech and actions.