Definition and Origin
The term "hypocrite" originates from the Greek word "hypokrites," which means an actor or a stage player. In the biblical context, a hypocrite is someone who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess. This pretense is often for the purpose of deceiving others or gaining some form of advantage.

Biblical References and Illustrations
The Bible frequently addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Hypocrisy is condemned as a serious moral failing, and those who practice it are often rebuked.

1. Pharisees and Scribes
One of the most prominent illustrations of hypocrisy in the Bible is found in the behavior of the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus frequently criticized these religious leaders for their outward displays of piety that masked their inner corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "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."

2. The Sermon on the Mount
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness before others to be seen by them. In Matthew 6:1-2 , He says, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward."

3. Prayer and Fasting
Jesus also addresses hypocrisy in prayer and fasting. In Matthew 6:5-6 , He instructs, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

4. Judgment and Self-Examination
Hypocrisy is further illustrated in the context of judgment and self-examination. In Matthew 7:3-5 , Jesus teaches, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

Characteristics of Hypocrites
Hypocrites are characterized by a discrepancy between their public persona and their private actions. They often seek the approval and admiration of others while neglecting the true essence of faith and righteousness. Their actions are motivated by self-interest rather than genuine devotion to God.

Consequences of Hypocrisy
The Bible warns of severe consequences for those who engage in hypocrisy. In Luke 12:1-2 , Jesus cautions, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known." This passage underscores the eventual exposure and judgment that awaits hypocrites.

Conclusion
The biblical portrayal of hypocrisy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sincerity and integrity in one's faith and actions. The teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize the need for authenticity in worship and relationships, urging believers to align their inner convictions with their outward expressions of faith.Matthew 23:27,28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like to white washed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 11:44
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Prayer
... Answer, confirmed by Scripture, and illustrated by examples. 27. ... Its nature. Garrulity
of Papists and hypocrites refuted. The scope and parts of prayer. ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/of prayer.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... Illustrated by a simile. ... Bernard's purpose was to alarm hypocrites, who turned the
grace of God into licentiousness, as he shortly after explains: "Happy the ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... of spiritual things, out of which I might make an illustrated sermon These ... prophet,
"The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... My meaning will be best illustrated if I may be allowed to adduce and ... Ye hypocrites,
well did Isaiah prophesy of you saying, "This people draweth nigh unto Me ...
/.../chapter x causes of corruption.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every ...
... Ye hypocrites, how can ye being evil speak good things?'" [2529] In the one place ...
Holy Brethren) what things are brought out of the old, are illustrated by the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxiv on the words.htm

The Founder of Christianity.
... words at the blind leaders of the blind, the self-righteous hypocrites who sat ... as
a malefactor on the cross; and the truth of this idea is illustrated by every ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 15 the founder of.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... Illustrated by a simile. ... he attributes nothing more to them than to frigid, empty
figures; thereby intimating, that however the ungodly and hypocrites may, by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... that he who first established humility in principle admirably illustrated it in ...
hypocrites, who should at this very hour be purifying yourselves, in the Temple ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... in the Spirit""Having begun in the Spirit" I have already illustrated the whole ... If
all the world were hypocrites, that would not exonerate you before your God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the work of the holy.htm

The Lamp and the Bushel
... That high claim is illustrated by a very homely metaphor ... Thou shalt not be as the
hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues that they may ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the lamp and the bushel.htm

Why are all Christians hypocrites? Are all Christians hypocrites? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

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