ψεῦσμα (pseusma)
pseusma
falsehood
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pseusma refers to a specific instance of falsehood or a lie. Derived from the verb for lying, it denotes the concrete product of deception rather than the abstract concept of dishonesty. In Scripture, this term appears only once, in Romans 3:7, where Paul discusses how human untruth highlights God’s faithfulness.
Thayer’s Lexicon notes that this lie involves a breaking of faith with God, suggesting that pseusma carries significant theological weight beyond simple verbal deceit. It represents the perfidy or betrayal inherent in sinning against divine truth. This usage distinguishes it from general untruths, framing it as a rupture in the relationship between humanity and God.
Translators typically render pseusma as "lie" or "falsehood," capturing its direct and stark nature. The single occurrence in Romans emphasizes the contrast between human deception and divine reliability. By using this specific term, Paul underscores the gravity of sin as a fundamental distortion of reality that opposes God’s truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pseusma points to a concrete lie, a specific instance where reality is twisted. In Romans 3:7, Paul uses it to describe how human untruth can paradoxically highlight God’s faithfulness. This shows that our failures do not nullify His character; instead, they often serve as a backdrop against which His truth shines brighter.
For your daily walk, this offers deep comfort. You may feel that your mistakes or deceptions have disqualified you from God’s grace. Yet Scripture teaches that human falsehood cannot override divine reliability. Your sin does not create a greater lie than God’s promise.
When you stumble, remember that God’s truth remains intact. He is not surprised by your weakness, nor is He defeated by it. His faithfulness stands firm regardless of your performance. This assurance allows you to rest in His grace rather than striving for perfection on your own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lie1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψεύσματι1×
Key Verses
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Romans 3:7
For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
Paul uses this term to argue that human untruth cannot invalidate God's truth, but instead highlights His glory.