Exploring Hypocrisy in the Bible from the Perspective of the Aramaic New Testament
When discussing the concept of hypocrisy in the Bible, we often turn to the King James Version of the New Testament, which provides numerous references to the term ldquo;hypocrisy.rdquo; However, a deeper understanding can be gained by examining the use of the term through the lens of the Aramaic New Testament, particularly the Aramaic Eastern Peshitta. This version offers insights that may not be immediately apparent in other translations.
The Use of "Msab Bapa"
The Aramaic Eastern Peshitta, a direct translation from the original Aramaic manuscripts, utilizes the term "Msab Bapa," which means "taking or putting on a face or an appearance." This term can be translated into English as "hypocrisy," "favoritism," "partiality," "pretense," "dissimulation," or "respect of persons." The book "A Compendious Syriac Dictionary" by J. Payne Smith and "Lexicon to Syriac New Testament" by William Jennings further validate this usage. Thus, in both the Aramaic Old and New Testaments, these terms are one and the same when "Msab Bapa" is used.
Definitions and Examples of Hypocrisy in the Bible
Hypocrisy is a term that appears in the Old Testament, such as in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, though it is more prevalent in the New Testament. Here, hypocrisy can be exhibited in various ways, including worldly, legalistic, and satanic dimensions.
Worldly Hypocrisy
Worldly hypocrisy is characterized by people who put on an appearance of goodness or piety to influence others or avoid judgment, as seen in:
Matthew 23:5-7 describes the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were known for their outward displays of religious observance while being inwardly corrupt.
Legalistic Hypocrisy
Legalistic hypocrisy involves a strict adherence to rules while neglecting the spirit of the law. This type is evident in:
Romans 10:3 warns against the partial interpretation of the law, highlighting the danger of focusing solely on outward acts rather than the heart.
Satanic Hypocrisy
Satanic hypocrisy is the deliberate pretense of goodness to mislead and deceive others, as evidenced in:
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 describes how Satan can “transform himself into an angel of light” and use deceptive techniques.
Notable Examples of Hypocrisy in the Bible
Several individuals and groups in the Bible are referenced as examples of hypocrisy. Let us explore them in detail:
Jacob
Jacob's attempt to deceive his brother Esau in Genesis 27:6-35 is a prime example of hypocrisy, as he faked a séance to deceive his father to obtain the blessing rightfully belonging to Esau.
Judah's Sons
Judah's sons, as mentioned in Genesis 37:29-35, displayed hypocrisy when they sold their brother Joseph into slavery and then lied about it to their father, accusing Joseph of being a wilderness predator.
Ehud
The character of Ehud in Judges 3:15-30 is considered a hypocrite. He secretly killed Eglon, the Moabite king, with a left-handed dagger, presenting himself as a peaceful creditor, while his actions were in fact a violent deception.
Delilah
Delilah, who enticed Samson to reveal the secret of his strength, is an example of hypocrisy. Her outward kindness and close relationship with Samson were merely a facade to exploit him, as described in Judges 16:4-20.
Ishmael
Ishmael, the son of Hagar, is depicted as a hypocrite in Jeremiah 41:6-7 when he pretended to help the poor but actually made money through their misfortune.
Herod
In Matthew 2:7-8, Herod’s hypocrisy is evident as he tried to use the magi to find and kill Jesus, while outwardly appearing to be concerned for the child's well-being.
Pharisees
The Pharisees in John 8:4-9
are another notable example of hypocrisy. Although they were known for their strict adherence to religious laws, Jesus criticized their hypocritical behavior, emphasizing the importance of practicing what one preaches.
Judas
Although Judas is a more tragic example, his hypocrisy in betraying Jesus with a kiss and plotting to deliver him for money in Matthew 26:25-49 is evident in his double life and conflicting motives.
Ananias and Sapphira
The couple Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10
displayed hypocrisy by making a show of giving all their property to the Church but keeping a portion for personal gain. Their deception was exposed by the Holy Spirit, leading to immediate judgment.
Peter
Finally, Galatians 2:11-14 highlights Peter's hypocrisy when he withdrew at Antioch in the presence of Gentiles, fearing that he might be criticized by the Jews in Jerusalem. This act of conforming to the Hellenists' expectations demonstrated his inward unregeneracy and inconsistency.
Conclusion
Hypocrisy in the Bible is a recurring theme that emphasizes the importance of sincerity and authenticity in our actions and beliefs. By examining the term and examples through the Aramaic New Testament and exploring the various types of hypocrisy, we can gain deeper insights into the importance of integrity and honesty in our life of faith.