hypocrite

Everyday

1. A person who says that others should behave in a good way but does not behave that way themselves, or pretends to be good when they are not. tree →
2. (Bible) Jesus called some religious leaders hypocrites for praying to be seen rather than from the heart. tree →

In the lessons

In ethics and stories it describes someone whose actions do not match their words. In Bible lessons Jesus warned against being a hypocrite. Phrases: a hypocrite, call someone a hypocrite, don't be a hypocrite.

Examples

• He tells us not to eat sweets, but he eats them all the time — what a hypocrite! tree →
• It would be hypocritical to shout at others for shouting. tree →
• Jesus told people not to pray like the hypocrites, just to be seen. tree →
• She didn't want to be a hypocrite, so she started recycling too. tree →
• Calling someone a hypocrite is a strong accusation. tree →
• The story's hero discovers the king is a hypocrite. tree →
• A hypocrite deceives no one but himself. tree →

Note

Noun for the quality: hypocrisy. Adjective: hypocritical. Spelling: hypo-crite, with y. Pronounced HIP-o-krit.

In Jewish tradition

In the JPS Job verse the word means a godless or flattering person who has no real faith, and who cannot stand before God.

Interpretation. Job says that someone false in heart could not dare to face God, so his willingness to face Him shows he is sincere. Tradition reads this as a trust that God sees the heart.

Examples

• This also shall be my salvation, that a hypocrite cannot come before Him. (Writings JOB.13.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun for the quality: hypocrisy. Adjective: hypocritical. Spelling: hypo-crite, with y. Pronounced HIP-o-krit.