Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Dissimulation refers to the act of concealing one's true motives, thoughts, or feelings by pretense or deceit. In a biblical context, it is often associated with hypocrisy, insincerity, and duplicity, which are contrary to the virtues of truthfulness and integrity upheld in Scripture. Biblical References: The Bible addresses the concept of dissimulation in various passages, warning against deceit and encouraging believers to live in truth and sincerity. One of the key verses that speaks to this issue is Romans 12:9, which states, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good" . Here, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of genuine love, free from hypocrisy or dissimulation. Another relevant passage is found in Galatians 2:11-13, where Paul recounts an incident involving the apostle Peter: "When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, fearing those in the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray" . This account illustrates how dissimulation can lead to division and compromise within the Christian community. Theological Implications: Dissimulation is fundamentally at odds with the character of God, who is described as a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). Believers are called to reflect God's nature by living lives marked by honesty and transparency. In Ephesians 4:25, Paul instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body" . This directive underscores the importance of truthfulness in maintaining unity and trust within the body of Christ. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral and ethical standpoint, dissimulation is seen as a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). It undermines relationships and erodes trust, both in personal interactions and within the broader community. Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of authenticity and to avoid actions that would lead others astray or cause them to stumble. Practical Applications: In practical terms, avoiding dissimulation involves a commitment to honesty in all areas of life. This includes being truthful in speech, transparent in actions, and consistent in character. Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and ensure that their outward behavior aligns with their inner convictions. In doing so, they bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the integrity of their faith. Conclusion: While the Bible acknowledges the human tendency toward dissimulation, it consistently calls believers to a higher standard of truthfulness and integrity. By adhering to these principles, Christians can foster genuine relationships and reflect the character of Christ in a world often marked by deceit and pretense. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The act of dissembling; a hiding under a false appearance; concealment by feigning; false pretension; hypocrisy.Greek 505. anupokritos -- unhypocritical, unfeigned ... From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of hupokrinomai; undissembled, ie Sincere -- without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/505.htm - 7k 572. haplotes -- singleness, hence simplicity 5272. hupokrisis -- a reply, answer, playacting, hypocrisy Strong's Hebrew 4860. mashshaon -- guile, dissimulation... guile, dissimulation. Transliteration: mashshaon Phonetic Spelling: (mash-shaw-ohn') Short Definition: guile. ... deceit. From nasha'; dissimulation -- deceit. ... /hebrew/4860.htm - 6k Library Whether all Dissimulation is a Sin? Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation? Of Dissimulation and Hypocrisy (Four Articles) Commandment Third. On Avoiding Falsehood, and on the Repentance of ... But Upon those who have Used Dissimulation Like David... Irony* (Two Articles) [*Irony Here must be Given the Signification ... Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth? Whether the Seventh Beatitude Corresponds to the Gift of Wisdom? Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin? On Pleasing all Men Thesaurus Dissimulation (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Dissimulation (3 Occurrences). Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ... /d/dissimulation.htm - 7k Hypocrisy (11 Occurrences) Hyprocrite Insincerity (5 Occurrences) Insomuch (24 Occurrences) Dissipated (1 Occurrence) Dissensions (5 Occurrences) Dissemble (2 Occurrences) Dissembled (3 Occurrences) Dissembling (1 Occurrence) Resources Did Jesus contradict the Law in Matthew 5:21-22? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying? | GotQuestions.org Who was Amy Carmichael? | GotQuestions.org Dissimulation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dissimulation (3 Occurrences)Romans 12:9 Galatians 2:13 Proverbs 26:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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