Meaning of Hypocrite

Hypocrite Hypocrite is a Greek word that is just spelled a little differently than it is in English (hypokritai). However, we give the English word a nuance that isn’t implied in Greek. The first part of the Greek word, hypo, means under, and the second part, kritai, means judge (it’s where we get the English words critical and criticize). So in the Bible, a hypocrite is a ‘lesser judge,’ or one who is very judgmental of the actions or conduct of others. This differs from the meaning in English: Someone who doesn’t follow his own advice. The Scribes and Pharisees were referred to as Hypocrites by Jesus, because, they commonly condemned the actions of others to make themselves look superior. And like anyone who tends to be critical of others, they likely failed in the same ways as those whom they condemned… and that would also make them fit the English definition. However, the Bible meaning is basically, ‘judgmental.’ Being too judgmental is a very serious flaw, which is common to those who think of themselves as being very righteous. It is reported that the Pharisees especially thought themselves to be more righteous than others, and it was their opinion that they would be the only ones to be found righteous by God. But notice what Jesus said would happen to those who are too judgmental (Matthew 7:1): ‘Do not judge [others], so you won’t be judged. For the [rules] by which you judge others Are the rules they will use to judge you; And the standards you are setting for them Are the standards that they’ll set for you.’