ψεῦδος (pseudos)
pseudos
lie
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pseudos refers to a conscious falsehood or intentional lie, encompassing anything that is not what it appears to be. In the New Testament, it stands in direct opposition to truth (alētheia), serving as the defining characteristic of deception rather than mere mistake.
This word carries significant theological weight in John’s writings and Paul’s letters. Jesus identifies the devil as the father of pseudos, using it to describe his fundamental nature as a deceiver (John 8:44). Similarly, Paul warns that those who reject the truth will delight in pseudos, finding comfort in perverse precepts (2 Thessalonians 2:11).
The sources highlight its use in Revelation to mark what is excluded from the New Jerusalem. Those who practice pseudos are barred from the holy city (Revelation 21:27; 22:15), underscoring that integrity is essential for communion with God. It also describes the "signs and wonders of falsehood" used by opposing forces to lead people astray (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pseudos describes more than a simple mistake; it points to a deliberate turn away from reality toward deception. In our daily lives, this can look like hiding our true struggles or pretending everything is fine when it is not. The Bible invites us to drop these masks, recognizing that integrity is the foundation of healthy relationships with God and others.
When we choose honesty, even when it is difficult, we align ourselves with the character of Christ. Ephesians 4:25 encourages us to put away falsehood and speak truth to our neighbors because we are connected as members of one body. This transparency allows grace to flow where secrets once created distance.
Ultimately, this word reminds us that God’s nature is pure light with no shadow of darkness. We can rest in the assurance that He knows our hearts completely and still loves us. By walking in the truth, we find freedom from the heavy burden of deception and enter into a deeper, more authentic communion with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- falsehood,2×
- a lie2×
- of falsehood1×
- lie1×
- falsehood.1×
- falsehood1×
- a lie,1×
- [is] false,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψεῦδος4×
- ψεῦδος,2×
- ψεύδει,2×
- ψεῦδος.¶1×
- ψεύδους1×
Key Verses
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John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.
This verse identifies the devil as the 'father of lies,' establishing falsehood as a spiritual force opposed to God's truth.
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Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
Here the word is translated as 'falsehood' in an ethical command to speak honestly within the Christian community.
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Revelation of John 21:27
There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
This occurrence specifies that anything causing a lie is excluded from the New Jerusalem, highlighting the finality of truth in eternity.