8767 hypocrisy

An outward pretence masking an inner reality. Scripture condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Believers should express their commitment to God in their words and their deeds, as well as in their inner motivation.

The origin of hypocrisy

Jer 17:9 See also Hos 10:2 Israel; Mk 7:21-22 pp Mt 15:19

The expression of hypocrisy

Insincere motives Mt 6:2 See also Mt 6:5,16; Mt 15:7-9; Mt 22:18; Mt 23:5-7

When deeds do not match words Isa 29:13 See also Mt 15:7-8 pp Mk 7:6; Pr 26:24-26; Jer 9:8; Jer 12:2; Eze 33:31; Mt 23:28; Ro 2:17-24; Jas 2:14-26

A tendency to judge others Mt 7:5 pp Lk 6:41 See also Ro 2:1

The alternative to hypocrisy

Heb 10:22 See also Ps 24:3-4; Ps 26:4; Ps 32:2; Jas 3:17; Jas 4:8; 1Pe 2:1-3

Hypocrisy is not to be found in leaders

1Ch 28:8-9 See also Mal 2:6 the true priest; 1Co 4:1-5; 1Ti 3:8; Tit 1:8; Jas 3:1

Examples of hypocrites

Israel’s leaders Jer 6:13 See also Jer 8:8

The Pharisees Mk 12:38-40 See also Mt 23:1-32; Lk 12:1-2,56

Peter and Barnabas Gal 2:12-13 By acting in this way, Peter was denying his own conviction that Gentiles could be saved by faith without having to submit to the law.

Many false teachers Ro 16:17-18 See also Php 1:17; 1Ti 4:2; 2Ti 3:5; Jude 16

Examples of those who did not practise hypocrisy

Jesus Christ 1Pe 2:21-22 See also Isa 53:9; Jn 8:44-46

Paul and his companions 2Co 1:12 See also 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-10

See also