Lexical Summary hupokrinomai: To pretend, to feign, to act hypocritically Original Word: ὑποκρίνομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance feign. Middle voice from hupo and krino; to decide (speak or act) under a false part, i.e. (figuratively) dissemble (pretend) -- feign. see GREEK hupo see GREEK krino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and krinó Definition to answer, reply, to answer on a stage, to pretend NASB Translation pretended (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5271: ὑποκρίνομαιὑποκρίνομαι; 1. to take up another's statements in reference to what one has decided for oneself (middle κρίνομαι), i. e. to reply, answer (Homer, Herodotus, others). 2. to make answer (speak) on the stage, i. e. to personate anyone, play a part (often so from Demosthenes down). Hence, 3. to simulate, feign, pretend (from Demosthenes and Polybius down): followed by an accusative with the infinitive Luke 20:20. (2 Macc. 6:21, 24; 4 Macc. 6:15; Sir. 35:15 (Sir. 32:15); Sir. 36:2 (Sir. 33:2)). (Compare: συνυποκρίνομαι.) Strong’s Greek 5271 describes the act of play-acting, feigning, or presenting oneself as something one is not. At its heart it depicts a deliberate posture of duplicity—outward portrayal that masks inner reality. Scripture treats such dissimulation as a moral and spiritual danger because it obstructs the knowledge of truth and misleads others. Biblical Occurrence and Context (Luke 20:20) The word appears once in the Greek New Testament, in Luke 20:20. After the parable of the wicked tenants exposed their murderous intent, the religious leaders “watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, hoping to catch Jesus in His words”. The single use of this verb is strategic: it spotlights the calculated hypocrisy of men attempting to entrap Christ while maintaining an appearance of piety. Their feigned righteousness weaponized religious vocabulary and outward morality to oppose the Son of God—a sobering picture of hearts hardened against truth. Connection to the Theme of Hypocrisy Although the verb occurs only once, the broader theme pervades Scripture. Jesus repeatedly condemned hypocrisy (for example, Matthew 23:27; Luke 12:1). Hypocrisy is never merely a personal flaw; it is a theological offense against the God of truth (Psalm 51:6; John 14:6). The spies in Luke 20 embody the very spirit Jesus warned against—people who “honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8). Historical Background The Greek theatrical world used the cognate noun for an actor who wore masks to speak from beneath a persona. By the first century this metaphor of mask-wearing had already slipped into moral language. Luke’s choice of the verb would instantly evoke the idea of stage-acting: the spies performed religion before an audience while concealing their true intentions. This cultural backdrop sharpens the contrast between external ritual and inner reality—a distinction the prophets had long emphasized (Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8). Theological Significance 1. Revelation of Sinful Strategy: Hypocrisy is depicted as an intentional strategy that opposes the kingdom of God. The spies’ plot illustrates how deceitful appearances rebel against divine authority. Practical Application for Ministry • Pastoral Oversight: Leaders must guard the flock against those who “sneak in” under spiritual pretenses (Jude 4; Acts 20:29-30). Vigilance protects congregations from manipulation that imitates the Luke 20 spies. Related Biblical Passages Matthew 23:3-8; Luke 12:1; Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 2:1; James 3:17. Each text contrasts hypocrisy with sincere love, purity, and wisdom—virtues essential for a Spirit-filled community. Conclusion Luke’s single use of the verb associated with acting unmasking the religious leaders’ scheme gives enduring insight into the nature of hypocrisy. It is not a mere inconsistency but a conscious strategy that hides rebellion behind a façade of righteousness. Scripture counters such pretense with the call to truth, integrity, and transparency—qualities that reflect the character of the God who cannot lie. Englishman's Concordance Luke 20:20 V-PPM/P-AMPGRK: ἀπέστειλαν ἐνκαθέτους ὑποκρινομένους ἑαυτοὺς δικαίους NAS: spies who pretended to be righteous, KJV: spies, which should feign themselves INT: they sent spies feigning themselves righteous |
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