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In the context of the Bible, the concept of "pretending" often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit, hypocrisy, and insincerity. The act of pretending is generally seen as contrary to the values of truthfulness and integrity that are emphasized throughout Scripture.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several instances where pretending is depicted unfavorably. One notable example is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob pretends to be his brother Esau in order to deceive their father Isaac and receive the blessing meant for the firstborn (Genesis 27:6-29). This act of deception leads to significant familial strife and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit.

Another example is found in the account of King David and the Philistines. David, fleeing from Saul, pretends to be insane before Achish, the king of Gath, to avoid harm (1 Samuel 21:12-15). While this act of pretense is a strategic move for survival, it highlights the complexities and moral ambiguities that can arise in situations of desperation.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently condemns the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocrisy, which can be understood as a form of pretending. InMatthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Here, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for pretending to be righteous while harboring corruption within.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of pretense in his letters. InPhilippians 1:15-18 , Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. He writes, "The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice." Paul recognizes that even when the motives are insincere, the proclamation of Christ can still have a positive impact.

Theological Implications

Theologically, pretending is often linked to the broader concept of sin, as it involves a departure from truth and authenticity. The Bible calls believers to live lives of sincerity and truthfulness, reflecting the character of God, who is described as a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). Pretending, therefore, is seen as a failure to live up to the divine standard of honesty and integrity.

The call to authenticity is further emphasized in passages such asEphesians 4:25 , which states, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." This exhortation underscores the importance of truthfulness in maintaining the unity and health of the Christian community.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the biblical admonition against pretending encourages believers to examine their own lives for areas of hypocrisy or insincerity. It calls for a commitment to truth in all interactions, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or spiritual practices. By striving for authenticity, Christians can better reflect the character of Christ and serve as witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel.6238. ashar -- to be or become rich
... rich NASB Word Usage become rich (4), becomes rich (1), enrich (2), enriched (1),
gain (1), gain wealth (1), made...rich (1), makes rich (2),pretends to be...

7326. rush -- to be in want or poor
... root Definition to be in want or poor NASB Word Usage am a poor (1), destitute
(1), lack (1), poor (18), poor man (2),pretends to be poor (1)....

Marcion Untrue to his Theory HePretends that his Gods are Equal...
... of Marcion. Chapter VI."Marcion Untrue to His Theory HePretends that His
Gods are Equal, But He Really Makes Them Diverse. Then...

Arius, on Being Recalled, Presents a Recantation to the Emperor...
... Book I. Chapter XXVI."Arius, on being recalled, presents a Recantation
to the Emperor, andpretends to accept the Nicene Creed....

Hypocrisy
... We mean now, generally, by a hypocrite, a man whopretends to be one thing, while
he is another; whopretends to be pious and good, while he is leading a...

Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation?
... on Job 36:13, "Dissemblers and crafty men prove the wrath of God," says that "the
dissembler simulates one thing and does another: hepretends chastity, and...

"If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness...
... all the parts in man, that neither mind, nor mouth, nor hands, answer one another,
nor all of them, nor any of them answer that holy calling a manpretends to....

The Preface.
... myself obliged to give him a particular answer; but since his book is made up chiefly
of railing and gross misconstructions, and all that hepretends to say...

Of Lying Defamation.
... it without any restraint in all places, at all times, and what the others are fain
to whisper, they proclaim, like our new Engine, whichpretends to convey a...

Secret Sins
... I can forgive the man who riots openly, and makes no profession of being better,
but the man who fawns, and cants, andpretends, and prays, and then lives in...

Slum Novelists and the Slums
... The missionary at leastpretends to have a version of the man's lot for all time;
the journalist onlypretends to have a version of it from day to day....

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... In sum, no one thatpretends any thing to religion, can ever be offended with any
method that you take for the reforming of such as profess none at all....

Pretends (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordancePretends (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 13:7 There is
that pretendeth himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is...

Pretense (9 Occurrences)

Diviner (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who professes divination; one whopretends
to predict events, or to reveal occult things, by supernatural means....

Pretender (1 Occurrence)
... was excluded by law. 3. (n.) One whopretends, simulates, or feigns.
Multi-Version Concordance Pretender (1 Occurrence). Luke 6:42...

Pretending (4 Occurrences)

Conjurer (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) One who practices magic arts; one whopretends to act by the aid super natural
power; also, one who performs feats of legerdemain or sleight of hand....

Counterfeit (3 Occurrences)
... was a counterfeit. 6. (n.) One whopretends to be what he is not; one who
personates another; an impostor; a cheat. 7. (vt) To imitate...

Soothsayer (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary One whopretends to prognosticate future events.
Baalam is so called (Joshua 13:22; Hebrews kosem, a "diviner...

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