The Greek noun hupokritēs (ὑποκριτής) originally meant an actor on stage — one who plays a role while wearing a mask. It then took on the meaning of a pretender or hypocrite: someone who performs religion outwardly while their heart is far from God. Jesus uses this word with devastating force in His condemnation of Pharisaic religion.
Hupokritēs is one of Jesus's sharpest words. His seven 'Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees' in Matthew 23 use it repeatedly: 'Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!' The hypocrite's sin is not merely outward non-conformity but a fundamental split between appearance and reality. They pray to be seen (Matthew 6:5), fast with sullen faces (Matthew 6:16), and clean the outside of the cup while inside is full of greed (Matthew 23:25). The hypocrite makes religion a performance. Jesus calls His followers to integrity — to be what they appear to be, to let their inner light shine outward genuinely.