Metaphysical meaning of hypocrite (mbd)
hypocrite (Gk.)--answer; answering voice; echo; interpreter; imitator; play-actor; dissembler; pretender; impostor.
Meta. Hypocrite, in classic Greek, means an actor in a theater; so the word came to mean any one who pretended to be one thing while really he was something far different.
Appearing to be lovingly thoughtful for others, while thinking only of self and reputation, is to deserve only the reward of a hypocrite. No wise man would seek the reward of empty applause, which might satisfy the boastful giver. A modest man asks the approval of Spirit only (see Matt. 6:1-18).________________________
Preceding Entry: Hymenaeus
