[Greek] ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis), [Latin] simulatio, [Latin] sub iudicio: hypocrisy, pretense, play-acting, playing a part on the stage, pretending, deceit; Mt. 23:28, Mk.12:15, Lk.12:1, Gal.2:13, 1Tim.4:2, Jas.5:12, 1Pet.2:1
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, generally referencing an actor, means answer, playing a part (on the stage), oration (delivery of a speech), manner, tone, and outward show. This term essentially means under (hypo-) or behind the mask. The actor becomes the interpreter of the poet (playwright). The comparison of human experiences (life) with the stage and the actor (conduct and performance) become a common theme associated with this term. In contrast to the Old Testament (Hebrew) culture, there is no suggestion of evil intent concerning this term.
The Epistle of Aristeas 219 states “For you must no appear to be worse than the actors, who study carefully for the role, which it is necessary for them to play, and shape all their actions in accordance with it.” Plato’s Laws 803c states “Thus I say that every man and woman ought to pass through life in accordance with this character, playing at the noblest of pastimes, being other minded that they now are.” Epictetus’ Enchiridon 17 states “Remember that you are an actor in a drama of such sort as the author chooses. For this is your business, to act well the given part.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 2.2.9 states “Now do you really think it harder for you to listen to what she says than for actors when they abuse one another in a tragedy? But an actor, I suppose, doesn’t think that a question put to him will lead to punishment; and so he makes light of it.”
Old Testament: In contrast to Hellenism, this term does not relate to the actor. Instead, this term has an evil sense which is opposed to God’s righteousness. The hypocrite is one who does not fear God, who breaks God’s laws, and who alienates himself from God by his acts. This hypocrisy means evil, wrongdoing, apostasy, and opposition to God. Josephus, a Jewish Hellenistic philosopher, considers that hypocrisy can be utilized for political or strategic purposes. Josephus states that Joseph, while working in a position of authority in Egypt, remains loyal to his Israelite brothers.
Be not faithless to the fear of the Lord, nor approach it with duplicity of heart (Sir.1:28). Those who tell lies to one another speak with deceiving lips and a deceiving heart (Psa.12:2). The impious in heart lay up anger in themselves (Job 36:13). He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a trap (Sir.32:15). He who hates the law is without wisdom, and is tossed about like a boat in a storm (Sir.33:2). For the fool speaks foolishly, planning evil in his heart (Isa.32:6). That the triumph of the wicked is short and the joy of the impious but for a moment? (Job 20:5).
New Testament: As with the Old Testament, this term is viewed in an evil sense. This refers to the sinful nature of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, Peter’s failure to offer table fellowship (with the Gentiles), and other deceitful effects of hypocrisy. The Pharisees, in their outward actions, fail to do God’s will, seeking others’ praise and clinging to human traditions. Instead, Jesus calls His disciples to follow God’s will. Paul admonishes Peter for failing to uphold the principle that Jews and Gentiles belong in the one Church. In the pastoral letters, hypocrisy is found in deceitful spirits and demons, the abuse of swearing oaths, and deceit.
Scripture:
“Beware of the leaven, that is, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.” Lk.12:1
Jesus was referring to the Pharisees’ hypocritical actions. The Pharisees seek outward praise and recognition. The Pharisees’ failure to do God’s will is concealed behind their pious outward appearances.
“And the rest of the Jews (also) acted hypocritically along with him (Peter), with the result that even Barnabus was carried away by their hypocrisy.” Gal.2:13
Paul admonishes Peter failing to offer table fellowship to the Gentiles. The Jews and Gentiles belong to the one Church.
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or earth or with any other oath, but let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No,’ that you may not incur condemnation.” Jas.5:12
Swearing oaths to God was considered very important and binding. However, abuses later occurred by changing and removing important language concerning an oath.
Early Church: This term is also viewed in an evil sense contrary to God. Christians and Jews, due to their opposing faiths, viewed each other as hypocrites. Polycarp views hypocrites as false brethren (who bear the name of the Lord) and yet lead unstable men astray. The Shepherd of Hermes views hypocrites as those who become believers but no sin has dropped away from them. Ignatius views hypocrites as those who show disobedience to the bishop.
Etymology: The Latin noun simulatio means pretence, feigning, simulating (acting like others), and hypocrisy
Conclusion:
Hypocrite, hypocritical, simulation, dissimulation, simulation, judgment
In the Hellenistic era, it is probably no surprise that this term is associated with the actor. It is interesting to discover that there is no explicitly evil sense to this term. It is perhaps inevitable that comparisons (metaphors) of life with the actor and stage occur. This continues through later history.
In the Old Testament, this term begins to have an evil sense, contrary to the ways of God. It is very plausible that this term could be applied in more nuanced ways in reference to Joseph in the Israelite captivity in Egypt.
I think most of us are already familiar with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and others. I never considered that this would also have an evil and sinful sense. I do recall that scripture says that these hypocrites have already received their “reward”. Could this be associated with punishment or chastisement? It is not surprising that Peter’s weak human nature would cause him to fall in hypocrisy. It is also interesting to note that abusing and manipulating oaths can also be a form of hypocrisy. We all must remember God takes His oaths very seriously!
In the early Church, hypocrisy is viewed in a serious sense. Hypocrisy includes leading people astray, disrespecting Church leaders, and failing to stop sinning.
At various points in our life, we all play the hypocrite (under that mask) on life’s stage.
“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” Socrates