Definition and Context:
Hypocrisy, in a biblical sense, refers to the act of pretending to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually possess. It is a form of deceit and insincerity, often characterized by a discrepancy between one's public persona and private conduct. The Bible frequently warns against hypocrisy, particularly in the context of religious observance and moral behavior.

Biblical References:

1. Jesus' Warnings Against Hypocrisy:
Jesus Christ frequently admonished the religious leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, for their hypocritical behavior. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explicitly warns His followers to be wary of such duplicity: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" (Luke 12:1). This metaphor of "yeast" suggests that hypocrisy, like yeast in dough, can spread and permeate one's entire being or community.

2. The Pharisees and Scribes:
The Pharisees and scribes are often depicted as epitomes of hypocrisy in the New Testament. They are criticized for their outward displays of piety that mask their inner corruption. Jesus rebukes them in Matthew 23:27-28: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" .

3. Hypocrisy in Worship and Prayer:
Jesus also addresses hypocrisy in the context of worship and prayer. In Matthew 6:5-6, He instructs His followers: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" . This teaching emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in one's relationship with God.

4. Paul's Exhortations:
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of hypocrisy in his epistles. In Romans 12:9, he writes, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good" . Paul encourages believers to exhibit genuine love and integrity, avoiding the pretense that characterizes hypocrisy.

5. James on Double-mindedness:
The Epistle of James further elaborates on the theme of hypocrisy by warning against double-mindedness, which can be seen as a form of hypocrisy. James 1:8 describes a double-minded person as "unstable in all his ways" , highlighting the internal conflict and inconsistency that hypocrisy breeds.

Theological Implications:
Hypocrisy is fundamentally at odds with the Christian call to authenticity and integrity. It undermines the witness of the believer and the credibility of the Christian community. The Bible's repeated warnings against hypocrisy serve as a call to self-examination and repentance, urging believers to align their inner convictions with their outward actions. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize that true righteousness is not merely a matter of external compliance but stems from a transformed heart and a sincere devotion to God.