συνυποκρίνομαι

I dissemble with

Definition

The verb συνυποκρίνομαι means 'to dissemble with' or 'to join in hypocrisy.' It describes the act of pretending or acting insincerely alongside others, specifically in a shared, deceptive manner. In its sole New Testament occurrence, Galatians 2:13, it refers to Barnabas and other Jewish Christians who, under pressure, joined Peter in withdrawing from fellowship with Gentile believers, thereby acting hypocritically in unity with him. The word emphasizes a collective, complicit hypocrisy rather than an individual act.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Galatians 2:13. It describes a specific event in Antioch where Barnabas and other Jewish Christians were 'carried away' into the hypocrisy initiated by Peter (Cephas), who stopped eating with Gentile Christians out of fear of those from James. The usage highlights a group joining in a pretense that contradicts the truth of the gospel, making it a powerful term for communal moral failure.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together') and the verb ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai, meaning 'to pretend,' 'to act,' or 'to play a part'). ὑποκρίνομαι itself comes from the world of theater, meaning to act on stage. Thus, συνυποκρίνομαι literally means 'to act hypocritically together with' someone, intensifying the sense of shared, collaborative pretense.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it pinpoints the danger of communal hypocrisy within the church, especially regarding the core gospel truth of unity in Christ. In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul confronts this behavior because it undermined the doctrine of justification by faith alone and created a false, works-based distinction between Jewish and Gentile believers. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing how hypocrisy can be a collective, influential force that distorts gospel community and requires bold, apostolic correction.

In its original setting, the root concept of 'hypocrisy' (ὑπόκρισις) was strongly associated with Greek theater, where an actor wore a mask to play a role. Applying this to daily life meant presenting a false outward appearance. The compound with 'syn' (together) adds a layer of social pressure and group conformity, a highly relevant concept in the honor-shame culture of the ancient Mediterranean, where public reputation and group solidarity often dictated behavior.

ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai, G5271) — The root verb meaning to pretend or act hypocritically, generally as an individual. συνυποκρίνομαι adds the crucial element of doing this 'together with' others.

Word Details

Scripture References