[Greek] ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs), [Latin] hypocrita: pretender, actor, hypocrite, one who puts on a false appearance, insincere person, one who plays a part; Mt. 6:2,5,16, Mt.7:5, Mt. 15:7, Mt.22:18, Mt. 23:13-15, 23,25,27,29, Mt.24:51, Mk.7:6, Lk.11:44,Lk. 12:56, Lk.13:15 
In classical Greek drama, the actor plays a role on the stage, pretending to be someone else. The actor, under the mask, conceals his true feelings.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term references an actor (playing a part on the stage), answerer, orator, interpreter, manner, tone, and outward show. This term essentially means under (hypo-) or behind the mask. The actor becomes the interpreter of the poet (playwright). Human experiences (life) is often compared to the drama on the stage. In addition, the stage can be perceived as a sham and the actor is a deceiver. However, there is no suggestion of evil intent, as the performance (acting or pretending) is still celebrated.
Old Testament: The hypocrite’s actions (hypocrisy) takes on a more serious sense of deception and evil, rather than acting. This deception leads to apostasy and wrongdoing, pertaining to one’s relationship with God and the Law. A righteous appearance covers the true face of evil. He disguises himself when he becomes an evildoer instead of the good man he ought to be according to God’s law. This dissembling is wicked deception in opposition to the truth of God. The Jewish philosophers view hypocrisy in various ways. Such examples include being unwise, an evil worse than death, a means to expose one’s character, deceit, false appearances, pretense, self-delusion, and bold political (strategic) actions.
New Testament: Hypocrites refer to the Jewish authorities (Pharisees, scribes), unbelieving Jews, unfaithful servants, and unfaithful Christians. Jesus attack the scribes and Pharisees for their their outward actions and behavior, also illustrating their lack of inner moral character (integrity) and inner unrighteousness. Their hypocrisy is the failure to do God’s will concealed by the outward appearance of outward conduct. The disciples (and Christians) are not to be like the hypocrites. These things are to be done in concealment in which only God can see. Otherwise, they will face the same fate before God at the judgment.
Scripture:
“The Lord said to him in reply, ‘Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering?'” Lk. 13:15
The Jewish leaders, more concerned about Sabbath rules, were offended that Jesus healed on the sabbath. These leaders permitted the release of the animals on the Sabbath, but not Jesus releasing the crippled woman from her affliction.
“You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” Mt. 7:5
Jesus calls upon His disciples to open their eyes to see their own faults and weaknesses rather than faults of others.
“When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others.” Mt.6:2
These hypocrites seek praise and attention for their actions. They have already received their reward. This is in contrast to Jesus’ instruction to give alms in secret. Then God can repay you in secret.
What is dissembling? To conceal one’s true motives or beliefs.
What is virtue signaling? This the act or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s good character or the moral correctness of one’s position on a particular issue.
Conclusion:
Hypocrite, hypocritical
In Greek Hellenism, this term is aptly described as a metaphor for an actor on the stage. The actor plays a part under (hypo-) the mask. Not surprisingly, the Greek dramas and play can often reflect the human condition and life experiences. There is no negative sense for this term as acting and pretense are celebrated.
In the Old Testament, this term takes on a more serious sense of dissembler, deceiver, and evil-doer against God and the law. The righteous facade covers an inner impurity and evil.
In the New Testament, Jesus condemns the immoral and evil hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. These hypocrites seek praise and attention, cannot see properly, and are easily offended. Jesus warns Christians not to succumb to this fate, being subject to judgment by God.
Update: Evidently, there appears to be a lot of dissembling when it comes to Georgia’s election laws and practices. One side advocates stricter enforcement of voting practices to curtail potential election fraud, including requiring voter ID. The other side is actually dissembling, while really preferring looser voting requirements and universal mail-in ballots. The other side calls this legislation racist and a suppression of minorities’ rights. There are now companies and individuals, virtue signaling and being offended, making a spectacle of themselves by boycotting Georgia. However, a Rasmussen survey recently indicated that nearly 75% of black voters believe that voter ID is necessary in order to ensure a fair and secure election process. (Hypocrites oftentimes do not want to face reality).
