Strong's Lexicon prospoieó: To pretend, to make a pretense, to feign Original Word: προσποιέω Word Origin: From πρός (pros, meaning "toward" or "to") and ποιέω (poieó, meaning "to make" or "to do") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for προσποιέω, the concept of hypocrisy and pretense is addressed in the Hebrew Scriptures. For example, the Hebrew word חָנֵף (chaneph, Strong's H2611) is used to describe someone who is hypocritical or godless, often in the context of false worship or insincere devotion (Isaiah 9:17, BSB). Usage: The Greek verb προσποιέω (prospoieó) is used to describe the act of pretending or making a pretense. It implies a deliberate attempt to present oneself in a way that is not genuine, often for the purpose of deception or to create a false impression. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to highlight the contrast between outward appearances and inward realities, often in a negative sense. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, where honor and reputation were highly valued, the act of pretending or feigning was often seen as a means to gain social standing or favor. The concept of hypocrisy, closely related to προσποιέω, was a common theme in philosophical and religious discussions, as it was considered a vice that undermined genuine virtue and integrity. In Jewish culture, sincerity and truthfulness were highly esteemed, and the prophets often condemned hypocrisy and pretense among the people of Israel. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pros and poieó Definition to attach to, take to oneself, hence to pretend NASB Translation acted as though (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4364: προσποιέωπροσποιέω: middle, present participle προσποιούμενος (see below); imperfect 3 person singular προσεποιεῖτο (Luke 24:28, for which L text T Tr WH give the 1 aorist προσεποιήσατο); in prose writings from Herodotus down; to add to (cf. German hinzumachen); middle 1. to take or claim (a thing) to oneself. 2. to conform oneself to a thing, or rather to affect to oneself; therefore to pretend, followed by an infinitive (A. V. made as though he would etc.), Luke 24:28; κατέγραφεν εἰς τήν γῆν μή προσποιούμενος, John 8:6 according to manuscripts E G H K etc. (cf. Matthaei (1803 edition) at the passage). (So in Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Demosthenes, others; Diodorus 15, 46; Philo in Flac. § 6; (in § 12 followed by participle; Josephus, contra Apion 1, 1); Aelian v. h. 8, 5; Plutarch, Timol. 5; (Test xii. Patr., test. Jos. § 3).) Middle voice from pros and poieo; to do forward for oneself, i.e. Pretend (as if about to do a thing) -- make as though. see GREEK pros see GREEK poieo |
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