Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8767 hypocrisy

An outward pretence masking an inner reality. Scripture condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Believers should express their commitment to God in their words and their deeds, as well as in their inner motivation.

The origin of hypocrisy

Jeremiah 17:9 See also Hosea 10:2 Israel; Mark 7:21-22 pp Matthew 15:19

The expression of hypocrisy

Insincere motives

Matthew 6:2 See also Matthew 6:5,16; Matthew 15:7-9; Matthew 22:18; Matthew 23:5-7

When deeds do not match words

Isaiah 29:13 See also Matthew 15:7-8 pp Mark 7:6; Proverbs 26:24-26; Jeremiah 9:8; Jeremiah 12:2; Ezekiel 33:31; Matthew 23:28; Romans 2:17-24; James 2:14-26

A tendency to judge others

Matthew 7:5 pp Luke 6:41 See also Romans 2:1

The alternative to hypocrisy

Hebrews 10:22 See also Psalm 24:3-4; Psalm 26:4; Psalm 32:2; James 3:17; James 4:8; 1 Peter 2:1-3

Hypocrisy is not to be found in leaders

1 Chronicles 28:8-9 See also Malachi 2:6 the true priest; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:8; James 3:1

Examples of hypocrites

Israel's leaders

Jeremiah 6:13 See also Jeremiah 8:8

The Pharisees

Mark 12:38-40 See also Matthew 23:1-32; Luke 12:1-2,56

Peter and Barnabas

Galatians 2:12-13 By acting in this way, Peter was denying his own conviction that Gentiles could be saved by faith without having to submit to the law.

Many false teachers

Romans 16:17-18 See also Philippians 1:17; 1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:5; Jude 16

Examples of those who did not practise hypocrisy

Jesus Christ

1 Peter 2:21-22 See also Isaiah 53:9; John 8:44-46

Paul and his companions

2 Corinthians 1:12 See also 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-10

See also

5381  law, letter & spirit
5812  concealment
5820  criticism
5908  motives
5920  pretence
6145  deceit
6242  adultery
7552  Pharisees, attitudes to Christ
7733  leaders
8275  honesty
8720  double-mindedness