ψευδομαρτυρέω

I testify falsely

Definition

The verb ψευδομαρτυρέω means to give false testimony or bear false witness. It specifically denotes the act of lying under oath or making a deceptive statement in a formal, legal, or moral context, thereby committing perjury. In the New Testament, it consistently refers to violating the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16), as seen when Jesus lists commandments including 'Do not bear false witness' (Matthew 19:18, Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20). The term also appears in the specific context of the false witnesses who testified against Jesus during his trial (Mark 14:56-57).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used six times in the New Testament, primarily in lists of commandments that summarize the second table of the Law. It appears in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) when Jesus is questioned about eternal life or the commandments, and in Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 13:9) as part of his summation of the Law through love. The two occurrences in Mark 14 are unique, describing the specific, failed attempts to find consistent false testimony against Jesus during his trial before the Sanhedrin.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from ψευδής (pseudēs, G5571), meaning 'false' or 'lying,' and μαρτυρέω (martyreō, G3140), meaning 'to bear witness' or 'testify.' It literally means 'to bear false witness.' This construction directly reflects the language of the Greek Septuagint translation of the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it directly links to the integrity of testimony and truthfulness, which are foundational to God's character and his covenant community. Bearing false witness undermines justice, relationships, and social order, which is why it is prohibited in the Decalogue. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Jesus's trial narratives, highlighting the profound injustice he endured, and reinforces the New Testament's teaching that love fulfills the Law by requiring truthful speech (Romans 13:9-10).

In the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, giving testimony was a solemn act with serious legal and social consequences. False testimony in a court setting could lead to severe penalties for the accused. The commandment against it was understood not just as a prohibition against courtroom perjury, but against any deceitful speech that harms a neighbor's reputation or rights. This broader ethical understanding is assumed in the New Testament usage.

ψεύδομαι (pseudomai, G5574) — a more general verb meaning 'to lie' or 'speak falsely,' not necessarily in a formal testimonial context. καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreō, G2649) — means 'to testify against,' but does not inherently carry the sense of falsehood.

Word Details

Scripture References