ψευδάδελφος (pseudadelphos)
pseudadelphos
false brother
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pseudadelphos refers to a "false brother," specifically someone who claims membership in the Christian community but lacks genuine faith or piety. It combines the word for false with the word for brother, creating a term that highlights the tension between outward profession and inward reality. This label is applied to individuals who present themselves as fellow believers while being devoid of true Christian knowledge.
This rare term appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Paul’s letters where he defends his apostolic authority. In Galatians 2:4, Paul mentions false brothers who infiltrated the community to spy on their freedom. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 11:26, he lists dangers he faced, including encounters with such individuals. The word underscores the seriousness of internal deception within the church.
The specificity of pseudadelphos distinguishes it from general terms for deceit. It points directly to those who misuse the language of kinship to undermine the gospel. By using this term, Paul exposes the threat posed by those who wear the mask of brotherhood while opposing the truth. The word serves as a stark reminder that not all who claim faith truly belong.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term for a false brother describes someone who uses the language of family to hide a lack of genuine faith. Paul encountered these individuals who infiltrated early churches, not to build up the community, but to spy on and restrict the freedom found in Christ. This reality reminds us that outward profession does not always match inward reality.
For your daily walk, this word highlights the importance of discernment. It is wise to evaluate teachings by their fruit and consistency with Scripture, rather than relying solely on a person’s title or social standing within the church. True community is built on shared truth and love, not just proximity.
While deception can be painful, it also clarifies what truly matters. You are encouraged to hold fast to the core truths of the gospel. This focus protects your heart and keeps your faith grounded in Christ alone, rather than in the shifting opinions of those who may not share your commitment to His freedom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- false brothers,2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψευδαδέλφους,1×
- ψευδαδέλφοις,1×
Key Verses
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II Corinthians 11:26
I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers;
Paul lists this danger alongside physical threats to show that internal deception is as serious a risk to the church as external persecution.
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Galatians 2:4
This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage,
This verse reveals their specific motive: they entered secretly to undermine the liberty believers have in Christ Jesus.