5570. pseudapostolos

Lexicon

pseudapostolos: False apostle

Original Word: ψευδαπόστολος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: pseudapostolos
Pronunciation: psyoo-dap-OS-tol-os
Phonetic Spelling: (psyoo-dap-os'-tol-os)
Definition: False apostle
Meaning: a false or pretended apostle.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

false teacher.

From pseudes and apostolos; a spurious apostle, i.e. Pretended pracher -- false teacher.

see GREEK pseudes

see GREEK apostolos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from pseudés and apostolos
Definition
a false apostle
NASB Translation
false apostles (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5570: ψευδαπόστολος

ψευδαπόστολος, ψευδαποστολου, ὁ (ψευδής and ἀπόστολος), a false apostle, one who falsely claims to be an ambassador of Christ: 2 Corinthians 11:13.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From ψευδής (pseudes, meaning "false") and ἀπόστολος (apostolos, meaning "apostle" or "messenger").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ψευδαπόστολος, as the concept of apostleship is primarily a New Testament development. However, the Old Testament does address themes of false prophecy and deception, which can be seen in entries such as Strong's Hebrew 5030 (נָבִיא, navi, "prophet") when contrasted with false prophets.

Usage: The term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who deceitfully present themselves as apostles, thereby misleading others. It appears in contexts where the authenticity of apostolic authority is being challenged or defended.

Context: The term ψευδαπόστολος is found in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 11:13, where the Apostle Paul warns the Corinthian church about individuals who masquerade as apostles of Christ. Paul writes, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ" (BSB). This passage highlights the presence of individuals within the early Christian community who sought to undermine the true apostolic teaching by presenting themselves as legitimate apostles. The use of ψευδαπόστολος underscores the importance of discernment within the church, as believers are urged to test the spirits and teachings to ensure they align with the gospel of Christ.

The concept of false apostles is significant in the broader context of early church history, where the integrity of apostolic teaching was crucial for the establishment and growth of the Christian faith. The presence of false apostles posed a threat to the unity and doctrinal purity of the church, necessitating vigilance and adherence to the teachings handed down by the true apostles.

In a broader theological sense, ψευδαπόστολος serves as a warning against the dangers of false teachings and the need for the church to remain anchored in the truth of the gospel. The term also reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between truth and deception, a theme prevalent throughout the New Testament.

Forms and Transliterations

ψευδαποστολοι ψευδαπόστολοι pseudapostoloi pseudapóstoloi

Englishman's Concordance

2 Corinthians 11:13 N-NMP
GRK: γὰρ τοιοῦτοι ψευδαπόστολοι ἐργάται δόλιοι
NAS: For such men are false apostles, deceitful
KJV: such [are] false apostles, deceitful
INT: for such [are] false apostles workers deceitful

Strong's Greek 5570
1 Occurrence

ψευδαπόστολοι — 1 Occ.