In biblical terms, a "pretext" refers to a false reason or motive put forth to cover the true intent or purpose of an action. It is often associated with deceit, hypocrisy, or manipulation, where an individual or group presents a seemingly legitimate reason to justify actions that are, in reality, driven by ulterior motives. The concept of pretext is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in the lives of believers.

Old Testament References

While the term "pretext" itself is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in several narratives. For example, in 1 Samuel 18:17-25, King Saul offers his daughter Michal to David as a wife, ostensibly as a reward for his bravery. However, Saul's true intention is to use this marriage as a pretext to bring about David's downfall, hoping that the Philistines would kill him. This account illustrates how pretexts can be used to mask malicious intentions.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides more direct references to the idea of pretext, particularly in the context of religious and moral integrity. In Philippians 1:15-18, the Apostle Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, using the gospel as a pretext for their own ambitions. Paul writes, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains" (Philippians 1:15-17). Despite their insincere motives, Paul rejoices that Christ is preached, demonstrating his focus on the greater good rather than personal grievances.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Paul further emphasizes the importance of sincerity in ministry, stating, "For we never used flattering speech, as you know, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness" . Here, Paul contrasts his genuine approach to ministry with those who might use pretext for personal gain, underscoring the value of authenticity in Christian service.

Moral and Theological Implications

The Bible's treatment of pretext serves as a caution against hypocrisy and deceit. Believers are called to live lives of transparency and honesty, reflecting the character of God, who is truth (John 14:6). The use of pretext is antithetical to the Christian virtues of integrity and sincerity, as it involves deception and manipulation, which are condemned throughout Scripture.

Jesus Himself warned against the dangers of hypocrisy, particularly among religious leaders. In Matthew 23:27-28, He rebukes the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you 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" . This passage highlights the spiritual peril of using pretext to mask one's true nature.

Practical Application

For Christians, the call to avoid pretext is a call to examine one's motives and ensure that actions align with genuine intentions. This involves a commitment to truthfulness in all areas of life, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or spiritual practices. By rejecting pretext and embracing sincerity, believers can more effectively witness to the transformative power of the gospel and maintain the integrity of their testimony.(n.) An ostensible reason or motive assigned as a cover for the real reason; pretense; disguise.4392. prophasis -- a pretense
... a pretense. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: prophasis Phonetic Spelling:
(prof'-as-is) Short Definition: a pretext, an excuse Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4392.htm - 6k

1942. epikalumma -- a cover, veil
... veil. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: epikalumma Phonetic Spelling:
(ep-ee-kal'-oo-mah) Short Definition: a covering, cloak, pretext Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1942.htm - 6k

5931. illah -- matter, affair, occasion
... occasion. (Aramaic) feminine from a root corresponding to alah; a pretext (as arising
artificially) -- occasion. see HEBREW alah. 5930b, 5931. illah. 5932 ...
/hebrew/5931.htm - 6k

8328. shoresh -- a root
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a root NASB Word Usage base (1), deep
root (1), depths (1), line (1), pretext (1), root (17), roots (10), soles (1). ...
/hebrew/8328.htm - 6k

Let no one Deceive Himself, nor Put Forward the Pretext of Having ...
... Canon IV. Let no one deceive himself, nor put forward the pretext of having
found such property.? Let no one deceive himself, nor ...
/.../thaumaturgus/canonical epistle of gregory thaumaturgus/canon iv let no one.htm

If any one Shall Teach a Slave, under Pretext of Piety...
... Canon III. If any one shall teach a slave, under pretext of piety? If
any one shall teach a slave, under pretext of piety, to ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iii if any one.htm

Where There is Only one Woman, the Father Does not Make a Stay ...
... And, that we may not give a pretext to those who desire to get a pretext against
us and to speak evil of us, and that we may not be a stumbling-block to any one ...
/.../clement/two epistles concerning virginity/chapter v where there is only.htm

The Day of Rejoicing
... Excuse followed excuse, pretext followed pretext. ... Athanasius, it is true, was not
molested, but his enemies were only waiting for a pretext to attack him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 7 the day of.htm

Simon's Subterfuges.
... says Simon: "If you are angry, I shall neither ask you any questions, nor do I wish
to hear you." Then Peter: "If you are now seeking a pretext for escaping ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xliii simons subterfuges.htm

Epistle Xli. To Castorius, Bishop.
... With regard to this matter we exhort thy Fraternity that, on the death of the abbot
of this same monastery, thy church shall under no pretext interfere in ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xli to castorius bishop.htm

Whence it is not Right Either that those of the Clergy who have ...
... to be afflicted with sorrow, and hence by violence seize on their departure from
this world; and also lest any of the lapsed should have a pretext for being ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon x whence it is.htm

The Retreat from Scythia.
... He offered it as a pretext to justify his invasion, that the Scythians, in former
years, had made incursions into the Persian dominions; but this was only a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ix the retreat from.htm

From Maximian, God, the Avenger of Religion and of his People...
... Galerius, too, was purposing to celebrate his twentieth anniversary; and as, under
that pretext, he had, by new taxes payable in gold and silver, oppressed the ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxxi from maximian god.htm

Letter xxv. (Circa AD 1127) to the Same
... my lowness, but, at least) my mediocrity of position or name, since whatever I should
allege of that kind you would declare to be rather a pretext for delay ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxv circa a d 1127.htm

Pretext (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pretext (11 Occurrences). Mark 12:40 who devour
the houses of widows, and as a pretext make long prayers. ...
/p/pretext.htm - 9k

Severer (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:40 who devour the houses of widows, and as a pretext make long prayers. ... Luke
20:47 who devour the houses of widows, and as a pretext make long prayers. ...
/s/severer.htm - 7k

Inasmuch (42 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a pretext against
Daniel with respect to the kingdom; but they could not find any pretext or fault ...
/i/inasmuch.htm - 19k

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... in Zedekiah's 6th year, in his clairvoyant vision of the uncouth temple rites, as
it were a cesspool of idolatry, maintained under the pretext that Yahweh had ...
/z/zedekiah.htm - 49k

Judgment (430 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:40 who devour the houses of widows, and as a pretext make long prayers. ... Luke
20:47 who devour the houses of widows, and as a pretext make long prayers. ...
/j/judgment.htm - 52k

Naomi (25 Occurrences)
... The public treasury was often placed in Nanaea's temple; this, Epiphanes was anxious
to secure under the pretext of marrying the goddess and receiving the ...
/n/naomi.htm - 17k

Nanaea
... The public treasury was often placed in Nanaea's temple; this, Epiphanes was anxious
to secure under the pretext of marrying the goddess and receiving the ...
/n/nanaea.htm - 8k

Under (4325 Occurrences)
... 4. (prep.) Denoting relation to something that comprehends or includes, that represents
or designates, that furnishes a cover, pretext, pretense, or the like ...
/u/under.htm - 8k

Wishing (25 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:30 But the sailors wishing to flee out of the ship, and having let down
the boat into the sea under pretext of being about to carry out anchors from ...
/w/wishing.htm - 13k

Rate (23 Occurrences)
... at any rate, in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is announced;
and in this I rejoice, yea, also I will rejoice; (DBY). ...
/r/rate.htm - 15k

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