πρόφασις
prophasis
pretense
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the provided data, the Greek word πρόφασις (prophasis) is used seven times in the Bible to convey the idea of pretense. This term refers to a superficial appearance or a false outward show, often masking the true intentions or inner reality. The significance of πρόφασις in the Bible lies in its use to expose hypocrisy, deception, and hidden motives. It highlights the discrepancy between what people present to the world and their actual inner nature. In essence, πρόφασις is a tool for uncovering the authenticity or falsity of one's actions, words, and intentions. The seven occurrences of πρόφασις in the Bible underscore its importance in revealing the complexities of human behavior, highlighting the tension between appearance and reality. This nuance encourages the reader to look beyond surface-level impressions and to seek a deeper understanding of individuals and situations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don’t enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.
Mark 12:40those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
Luke 20:47who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation.”
John 15:22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.
Acts 27:30As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,
Philippians 1:18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
1 Thessalonians 2:5For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),