In the Bible, a hypocrite is someone who pretends to be virtuous or morally upright while concealing their true nature or actions, often criticizing others for faults they themselves possess (Matthew 7:5). The term emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity in one’s moral and spiritual life.
Scripture
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,
2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat,
3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues,
7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.
9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.”
14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.
15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’”
17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’
19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
20 Whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.
22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.”
28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,
30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’
31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.
32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.
33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?
34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,
35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
Biblical Definition of a Hypocrite
The Bible presents the concept of a hypocrite as deeply intertwined with themes of authenticity, righteousness, and accountability before God. A hypocrite is often described as one who shows outward piety or adherence to religious practices while their heart and actions reflect a different truth. Jesus highlights this perspective in Matthew 23:27-28, where He criticizes the Pharisees, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” This serves as a potent reminder that God looks beyond mere appearances, assessing the condition of the heart.
Furthermore, the biblical definition of hypocrisy challenges believers to cultivate genuine faith rather than superficial conformity. In James 1:22, it is urged that followers of Christ “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This highlights the danger of leading a double life – claiming to uphold biblical values while acting contrary to them. The call to integrity is reiterated throughout scripture, emphasizing the need for one’s faith to manifest in consistent actions and ethical behavior. In short, the biblical depiction of a hypocrite warns against the spiritual dissonance that can arise when our external actions don’t align with our internal beliefs, reinforcing the need for an honest relationship with God and others.
Beyond the admonitions of Jesus and James, the scripture provides additional layers of understanding about what it means to be a hypocrite, particularly in the context of community and interpersonal relationships. Within the wisdom literature, the emphasis often rests on sincerity over pretense. Proverbs, for instance, stresses the importance of honesty, suggesting that those who present falsehoods or deceitful masks are ultimately undermining their own integrity and the fabric of their communities. The wise are rewarded for their truthfulness while hypocrites may face the downfall that results from their duplicity, reinforcing the message that God desires truth in the inward parts, as noted in Psalm 51:6. Moreover, other New Testament writings echo similar sentiments, offering further context to the behavior of a hypocrite. In 1 John 2:4, the writer underscores how one who claims to know God but does not keep His commandments is labeled a liar, revealing that hypocrisy manifests not just in words but also in practical disregard for the teachings of Christ. This assertion implies that true fellowship with God demands authenticity – a life aligned not just in verbal profession but evident in lived reality. Thus, the biblical depiction of hypocrisy serves as a solemn warning, inviting believers to reflect on their true allegiance while fostering a spirit of humility and genuine reflection in their walk of faith.
The Discrepancy Between Belief and Action
In the biblical context, a hypocrite is often characterized by a significant gap between what one professes to believe and how one actually behaves. This inconsistency highlights a lack of authenticity and integrity, as individuals may outwardly display piety or moral superiority while engaging in actions that contradict their stated beliefs. This broader meaning emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s actions with their professed values, as true faith is demonstrated through genuine behavior.
The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Another broader meaning of hypocrisy in the Bible relates to self-righteousness, where individuals elevate themselves above others based on their perceived moral or spiritual superiority. This attitude can lead to judgmental behavior, where hypocrites criticize others for faults they themselves possess. This form of hypocrisy not only distorts one’s understanding of grace and humility but also fosters division and resentment within communities, as it creates an environment where authenticity is sacrificed for the sake of appearances.
The Call for Inner Transformation
The biblical definition of a hypocrite also underscores the need for inner transformation rather than mere outward compliance with religious or moral standards. Hypocrisy is often associated with a superficial adherence to rules without a corresponding change of heart. This broader meaning invites individuals to seek genuine spiritual growth and transformation, emphasizing that true righteousness stems from a sincere relationship with God rather than mere external observance of laws or traditions.
How to Cultivate Authenticity in Faith and Action
Cultivating authenticity in your faith and actions is a beautiful journey that begins with self-reflection and a sincere desire to align your heart with God’s will. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to shape your understanding of who you are in Christ. This means being honest about your struggles and doubts, as God welcomes our vulnerability. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage openness and accountability, creating a safe space for sharing your journey. Remember, authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about being real with yourself and others, acknowledging your flaws while striving to grow in grace. As you live out your faith genuinely, you’ll find that your actions naturally reflect the love and truth of Christ, drawing others to Him through your example. Embrace this process, and let your authenticity shine as a testament to the transformative power of God’s love in your life.
Bible References to the Definition of Hypocrite:
Luke 6:41-42: 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
Matthew 6:1-6: 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 7:1-5: 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”
2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Romans 2:1-3: 1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.
3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?
James 1:22-27: 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
24 for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Isaiah 29:13-16: 13 And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”
15 Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel,
whose deeds are in the dark,
and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?”
16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?
Matthew 15:7-9: 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
8 “‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Mark 7:6-8: 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.
Luke 12:1-3: 1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
1 Peter 2:1-3: 1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Job 27:8-10: 8 For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off,
when God takes away his life?
9 Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him?
10 Will he take delight in the Almighty?
Will he call upon God at all times?
Proverbs 11:9-11: 9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
Matthew 23:13-15: 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.”
14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.
15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.