The term "feignest" is an archaic form of the verb "feign," which means to pretend, simulate, or give a false appearance. In the context of the Bible, feigning is often associated with deceit, hypocrisy, and insincerity, which are contrary to the values of truth and integrity upheld in Scripture.

Biblical Context and Usage

The concept of feigning is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, where it is often condemned as a form of deceit. Although the specific term "feignest" may not appear in modern translations, the act of feigning is evident in several biblical narratives and teachings.

1. Old Testament Examples

· David and the Philistines: In 1 Samuel 21:12-13, David feigns madness before Achish, the king of Gath, to protect himself from harm. "David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard" . While David's actions were a strategic move for survival, they illustrate the use of feigning as a tactic.

· Jacob and Esau: In Genesis 27, Jacob feigns to be his brother Esau to receive the blessing from their father Isaac. This act of deception leads to significant familial conflict and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit.

2. New Testament Teachings

· Hypocrisy of the Pharisees: Jesus frequently rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, which can be seen as a form of feigning righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" .

· Ananias and Sapphira: In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira feign generosity by pretending to donate the full proceeds of a sale to the apostles while secretly withholding a portion. Their deceit results in divine judgment, underscoring the seriousness of feigning in the early Christian community.

Moral and Theological Implications

Feigning, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with moral and spiritual failings. It is contrary to the biblical call for honesty, transparency, and authenticity in one's relationship with God and others. The Scriptures emphasize that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6) and that deceitful behavior is detestable to Him (Proverbs 12:22).

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the dangers of feigning, highlighting the importance of sincerity and integrity. Believers are encouraged to live truthfully, reflecting the character of Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

Hindrances to Revivals.
... was not pious but political, to which Nehemiah replied by a simple and prompt denial,
"There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xv hindrances to revivals.htm

Heathen Plots
... "There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of
thine own heart." Nehemiah was not ignorant of Satan's devices. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

Of those who are Everywhere Ready.
... Thou seekest in a barbarous fashion to live without law. Thou thyself hymnest
thyself also to play upon a word, who feignest thyself simple. ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/xxiii of those who are everywhere.htm

The Knowledge of God
... I Kings 14:4. Why feignest thou thyself to be another?' The hypocrite thinks to
prevaricate and juggle with God, but God will unmask him. Ecclesiastes 12:14. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ...
... It is well said that Thou feignest to make Thy law difficult: [17] I do not see
it, nor do I feel that the way that leadeth unto Thee is narrow. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxv the foundation of.htm

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... all these things worketh one and the same Spirit." But, [174] it will be said,
"He doth it, actuated by God." Nay, he no where said this, but thou feignest it. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
... And Peter said to Simon: Certainly thou feignest thyself to be a god; why,
then, dost thou not reveal the thoughts of every man? ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostles peter and paul/acts of the holy apostles.htm

John Chapter iii. 22-29
... Is it not to thy Bridegroom thou singest, or feignest to sing, when the whole world
was purchased: "They pierced my hands and my feet, they counted all my bones ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xiii john chapter iii.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... briefly:". First. God expecteth fruit that will answer, and be worthy of
the repentance which thou feignest thyself to have. Every ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Feignest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Feignest (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 14:6 And it was
so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came ...
/f/feignest.htm - 7k

Feigneth (3 Occurrences)

/f/feigneth.htm - 7k

Feign (11 Occurrences)
... nakhar; plastos): Occurs (1) in the sense of "to devise," "invent" as the translation
of badha', "to form," "to fashion" (Nehemiah 6:8, "Thou feignest them out ...
/f/feign.htm - 12k

Feignedly (1 Occurrence)

/f/feignedly.htm - 6k

Ahi'jah (22 Occurrences)
... 6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the
door, that he said: 'Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself ...
/a/ahi'jah.htm - 12k

Jerobo'am (92 Occurrences)
... 6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the
door, that he said: 'Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself ...
/j/jerobo'am.htm - 32k

Sayest (66 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such
things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. ...
/s/sayest.htm - 26k

Doorway (221 Occurrences)
... 6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the
door, that he said: 'Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself ...
/d/doorway.htm - 35k

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