Matthew 6:2

[Salty]

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets...

Strongs states that the word hypocrite could be translated as:

1. one who answers, an interpreter
2. an actor, stage player
3. a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite

Which of the three do you think is the most appropriate in this passage?

 

[JonShaff]

I'm going with "actor/stage player", and I Agree with Gill:

They put on an appearance of religion and holiness but inwardly they are wicked.

 

[agedman]

A pretender is an actor, stage player.

But those definitions indicate that the audience in some manner is aware that what is presented by an actor, pretender, stage player is intentionally not the person, but an assumed role presented for the amusement.

Therefore, I like the assignment of such are “fakers.”

“Fakers” perform a role that is misleading and fraudulent.

The “audience” more often is unaware until it is revealed often with devastating effects.

 

[Deacon]

Each definition works - hypocrites are those with false faces, actors. They work in a theater.

Theater is designed so actors can be seen

• Dat, da da daaaa… Jesus doesn’t want His disciples to blow the horn before a gift is given.
• Theater requires full body participation; Jesus says, “don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”
• Theater is for show – Jesus says give in secret

Rob