ψευδής (pseudēs)
pseudēs
false
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective pseudēs describes something or someone as false, lying, or deceitful. In the New Testament, it appears in only three verses, yet its application is sharp and specific. The sources note that it can modify both people and abstract things, capturing the essence of untruthfulness rather than just a single instance of error.
Its usage highlights a character trait or inherent quality. For example, Acts 6:13 applies it to false witnesses who fabricate testimony against Stephen, while Revelation 2:2 commends the church in Ephesus for testing those who claim apostolic status and finding them to be pseudēs—false in their claims. The word also appears substantively in Revelation 21:8, where "the liar" is listed among those excluded from the new Jerusalem.
Etymologically, it derives from the verb pseudomai, meaning to lie or deceive. This root connection emphasizes that falseness is an active deception, not merely a passive mistake. Translators consistently render it as "false" or "liar," preserving the stark moral distinction between truth and deceit found in these brief but significant passages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pseudēs points to a deep character flaw rather than a simple mistake. It describes someone whose nature is defined by deceit. In Acts 6:13, it labels those who fabricated testimony against Stephen. This shows that the Bible takes lying seriously because it destroys trust and harms innocent people.
Revelation 2:2 reminds us that discernment is vital. The church in Ephesus tested those claiming to be apostles and found them false. This encourages believers to examine teachings carefully, ensuring they align with truth rather than accepting claims at face value.
Revelation 21:8 places liars among those excluded from the new Jerusalem. This stark warning highlights that God values honesty above all. For your faith, this means living transparently and rejecting deception in your own life and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- liars,1×
- false.1×
- false1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψευδέσιν,1×
- ψευδεῖς.1×
- ψευδεῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 6:13
and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
The word identifies the specific nature of the witnesses who fabricated testimony against Stephen.
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Revelation of John 2:2
“I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.
It describes the result of testing those claiming apostolic status, confirming their lack of authenticity.
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Revelation of John 21:8
But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
The term appears substantively as 'all liars,' listing them among those separated from God's presence.