συνυποκρίνομαι (sunupokrinomai)
sunupokrinomai
to join hypocrisy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunupokrinomai describes the act of joining others in hypocrisy or dissembling behavior. It is a compound word built from prefixes meaning "with" and "under," combined with a root related to acting or playing a part. This construction suggests not just personal deceit, but participating in a shared performance that masks true intentions.
This rare word appears only once in the New Testament, in Galatians 2:13. The context shows Barnabas being led astray by the hypocrisy of others regarding table fellowship. Paul uses this specific term to highlight how social pressure can cause even respected leaders to adopt a false front, aligning their actions with a group rather than the truth of the gospel.
The image here is theatrical: individuals stepping onto a stage together and playing roles that contradict their actual beliefs or convictions. It captures the danger of conformity, where the desire to fit in overrides integrity. The word serves as a stark warning about how easily communal norms can distort personal faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word συνυποκρίνομαι paints a vivid picture of social pressure. It describes people stepping onto a shared stage, playing roles that hide who they really are. In Galatians 2:13, even Barnabas, a respected leader, was carried away by this group performance. This reminds us how powerful the desire to fit in can be, often overriding our personal integrity.
It is easy to feel isolated when holding to truth feels unpopular. Yet this word shows that conformity is a universal struggle, not just a personal failing. We are all susceptible to masking our true beliefs to keep the peace or avoid conflict. Recognizing this tendency is the first step toward living with greater honesty and courage in our daily interactions.
May we find strength to drop the mask when it conflicts with what we know is right. Instead of joining a false performance, let us choose the freedom that comes from authentic faithfulness. This kind of integrity builds trust and reflects the genuine love Christ calls us to show others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- acted hypocritically1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνυπεκρίθησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 2:13
And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
This verse uniquely illustrates how social pressure can lead even respected leaders like Barnabas into participating in a false front regarding table fellowship.