ψευδομάρτυρ (pseudomartur)
pseudomartur
false witness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pseudomartur means a false witness, describing a person who gives untrue testimony in a legal or formal setting. It combines the root for "false" with a term related to bearing witness, creating a clear label for someone who lies under oath or in a public declaration.
Scripture uses this specific word only twice, highlighting its serious nature. In Matthew 26:60, it describes the false accusers who sought to condemn Jesus, illustrating how fabricated evidence was used against him. Paul also employs it in 1 Corinthians 15:15, where he argues that if witnesses were lying about the resurrection, the entire Christian faith would be built on a lie.
The term carries significant theological weight because it attacks the foundation of truth. By identifying these individuals as pseudomartur, the text emphasizes that their testimony is not merely mistaken but deliberately deceptive. This distinction matters when considering the reliability of biblical accounts and the integrity required in Christian witness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pseudomartur points to a deliberate lie told in a serious setting, where truth matters most. In Matthew 26:60, it describes those who fabricated evidence against Jesus. Their false testimony could not stand because God’s truth is stronger than human deception. This shows that lies may rise quickly, but they never outlast the reality of what is true.
In 1 Corinthians 15:15, Paul uses this word to defend the resurrection. He argues that if witnesses lied about Christ rising from the dead, our faith would be built on nothing. But since the truth stands firm, we can trust God’s promises. This word reminds us that honesty is not just a moral choice but a reflection of God’s own nature.
When you face pressure to compromise your integrity, remember that truth endures. You do not need to defend yourself with lies or fear. God sees the heart and honors those who speak what is real. Rest in the fact that Christ has already won the victory over falsehood, and you can live freely in His light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- false witnesses3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψευδομάρτυρες2×
- ψευδομαρτύρων1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:60
and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
This verse shows the word applied to those who tried to condemn Jesus with fabricated evidence, highlighting how human deception fails against divine truth.