πρόφασις (G4392) — Greek Lexicon

πρόφασις

próphasis

G4392 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A motive given or apparent reason for an action or statement, often as a pretext or excuse. The term primarily means an ostensible or stated purpose, especially one that disguises the true intention. In some contexts, it denotes an external display or show, distinct from the underlying reality, functioning as an excuse, justification, or pretext.

Semantic Range

pretext, excuse, ostensible reason, outward display, pretense, cover, show

Root / Etymology

From the compound of πρό ('before', 'in front of') and the verbal root φαίνω ('to show', 'to appear'). The idea is of something 'put forward' (πρό) as an 'appearance' (φαίνω) — hence a 'pretext' or outward display.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πρόφασις referred to a cause, justification, or reason cited, which could be genuine or contrived. In Hellenistic and New Testament contexts, it more frequently denotes a pretext, excuse, or spurious justification—something put forward to conceal one's real motive. It can also mean 'outward display' or 'pretended motive.' The distinction between πρόφασις ('pretext, excuse') and more neutral terms for 'reason' (e.g., αἰτία) is significant: πρόφασις often implies disingenuousness or concealment. Standard English translations like 'pretense' and 'pretext' usually capture the New Testament sense, but sometimes under-communicate the connotation of conscious deception. Used in both the New Testament (e.g., Mark 12:40; John 15:22) and wider Koine literature with these meanings. In the Septuagint, usage aligns with this sense, primarily as a cover or justification for action, whether valid or deceptive.

Translation Consistency

primary "pretext" 6 occurrences

Most P2 renderings use “pretext,” and the SILEX definition emphasizes an ostensible or stated reason that disguises the true intent. “Pretext” captures that sense of a false or surface reason better than more neutral options like “excuse,” so it provides the most accurate and consistent single-word choice for all forms of G4392.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):

"excuse" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of πρό and φαίνω; an outward showing, i.e. pretext:--cloke, colour, pretence, show.

Root Family

πρόφασις (prophasis) — pretext, ostensible reason, outward show, excuse, pretense

Root προφασ- to show forth, to put forward as a reason, to display outwardly

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4392-01`	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	for a pretense	by a pretext	by a pretext	6
`G4392-02`	πρόφασιν	prophasin	`N ACC F SG`	excuse	a pretext	excuse	1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4392-01`	Matthew 23:14	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	for a pretense	by a pretext	by a pretext
`G4392-01`	Mark 12:40	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	for a pretense	by a pretext	by a pretext
`G4392-01`	Luke 20:47	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	for a pretense	by a pretext	by a pretext
`G4392-02`	John 15:22	πρόφασιν	prophasin	`N ACC F SG`	excuse	a pretext	excuse
`G4392-01`	Acts 27:30	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	under pretense	by a pretext	by a pretext
`G4392-01`	Philippians 1:18	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	pretense	by a pretext	by a pretext
`G4392-01`	1 Thessalonians 2:5	προφάσει	prophasei	`N DAT F SG`	pretext	by a pretext	by a pretext

← G4391 Greek Lexicon G4393 →