ψευδομαρτυρέω
pseudomartyréō
G5576 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To give false testimony; to bear witness to something untrue or deceptive in a formal or judicial setting. The term encompasses both intentionally delivering false evidence and the act of misleading through spoken testimony, particularly in legal or quasi-legal proceedings.
Semantic Range
to bear false witness, to provide false or misleading testimony, to falsely accuse, to act as a fraudulent witness, to give deceptive evidence
Root / Etymology
From ψευδομάρτυρ (false witness), a compound of ψευδής (false, lying) and μάρτυς (witness). The verb suffix -έω denotes the act of doing or becoming something related to the compound noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek, ψευδομαρτυρέω specifically refers to the act of presenting false information as testimony, especially in judicial contexts. It is less common in earlier Greek literature but appears in Hellenistic and New Testament sources where judicial matters are discussed. The verb carries the connotation of a formal act (not mere lying), tied closely to legal processes or situations requiring official testimony. The Septuagint uses this term in rendering prohibitions against bearing false witness (cf. Ex 20:16), linking it to a broader ethical concern within Israelite and Judean law. In the New Testament, ψευδομαρτυρέω is typically used in legal or religious settings, such as accusations or trials, and is distinct from more general terms for lying (e.g., ψεύδομαι). Standard English translations like 'to bear false witness' or 'to give false testimony' convey the main sense but may not fully communicate the formal, judicial nuance carried in Greek usage.
Translation Consistency
The primary sense is giving formal/judicial testimony; 'testify' naturally captures that action and can be qualified (e.g. 'falsely testify') to mark the deceit. It is more specific to courtroom/witness contexts than 'lie' or 'bear' and more natural than the technical 'falsify,' so it best fits the typical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ψευδομάρτυρ; to be an untrue testifier, i.e. offer falsehood in evidence:--be a false witness.
Root Family
ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō) — to give false testimony, to testify falsely, to bear false witness
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5576-03 |
ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς | pseudomartureses | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
bear false witness | you should testify falsely | bear false witness | 2 |
G5576-01 |
ἐψευδομαρτύρουν | epseudomarturoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
gave false testimony | they were falsely testifying | they were falsely testifying | 2 |
G5576-02 |
ψευδομαρτυρήσεις | pseudomartureseis | V FUT ACT IND 2P SG |
you shall bear false witness | you will testify falsely | you will testify falsely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5576-02 |
Matthew 19:18 | ψευδομαρτυρήσεις | pseudomartureseis | V FUT ACT IND 2P SG |
you shall bear false witness | you will testify falsely | you will testify falsely |
G5576-03 |
Mark 10:19 | ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς | pseudomartureses | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
bear false witness | you should testify falsely | bear false witness |
G5576-01 |
Mark 14:56 | ἐψευδομαρτύρουν | epseudomarturoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were giving false testimony | they were falsely testifying | they were falsely testifying |
G5576-01 |
Mark 14:57 | ἐψευδομαρτύρουν | epseudomarturoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
gave false testimony | they were falsely testifying | they were falsely testifying |
G5576-03 |
Luke 18:20 | ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς | pseudomartureses | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
bear false witness | you should testify falsely | bear false witness |