Greek word · G4392

πρόφασις

prophasis

pretense

The reason someone gives for an action. Usually it means a pretext or ostensible motive that hides the real one, so 'cover', 'excuse', 'for show'. In classical historians it can also mean an alleged or real cause (Thucydides 1.23 contrasts stated grievances with 'the truest cause').

Appears 6 times in 6 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

πρό-φασις, -εως, ἡ

(φήμι), [in LXX: Psalms 141:4 (עֲלִילָה), ??עֲלִילָה), ??Daniel 6:4-5(5-6) (עִלָּה) Proverbs 18:1, Hosea 10:4 * ;]

a pretence, pretext: Matthew 23:1 (WM, R, txt., om.), Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47 John 15:22, Acts 27:30, Philippians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 2:5.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Mark 12:40

Range of meaning

The reason someone gives for an action. Usually it means a pretext or ostensible motive that hides the real one, so 'cover', 'excuse', 'for show'. In classical historians it can also mean an alleged or real cause (Thucydides 1.23 contrasts stated grievances with 'the truest cause').

Against the English

KJV, WEB and ESV 'for a pretence/pretense' is the most exact. BSB and NIV 'for a show' and NASB 'for appearance's sake' stress the display. NLT expands to 'pretend to be pious… in public'. All are fair. 'Pretext' best keeps the idea that the prayers serve another goal.

Used elsewhere in the period

Paul uses the word for a cover for greed: 'nor with a pretext for greed (προφάσει πλεονεξίας)' in 1 Thessalonians 2:5. In Philippians 1:18 'whether in pretext or in truth (εἴτε προφάσει εἴτε ἀληθείᾳ)' contrasts it with sincerity. In John 15:22 it means 'excuse'. Josephus uses it often for pretexts in political manoeuvring.

From the study of 1 Thessalonians 2:5

Range of meaning

The stated reason or appearance a person puts forward, especially when it differs from the real reason. It can mean pretext, pretence, excuse, or ostensible motive.

Against the English

'Pretext' (BSB, ESV, NASB) is accurate. KJV/WEB 'cloke/cloak' is a good image: something wrapped over the real thing to hide it. NIV turns it into a mask. All capture the idea of a respectable surface hiding something else.

Used elsewhere in the period

Thucydides (1.23) famously separates the 'truest prophasis' (the real cause) of the Peloponnesian War from the grievances openly given. In the NT: the scribes who 'for a pretence (prophasei) make long prayers' while devouring widows' houses (Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47), a close parallel of religious display covering greed; Phil 1:18 'whether in pretence or in truth'; Acts 27:30, where sailors pretend to lay out anchors.

From the study of John 15:22

Range of meaning

What is put forward to account for an action: a stated reason, very often a false or cover reason. So 'pretext', 'pretence', 'excuse', 'cloak'.

Against the English

'Excuse' (BSB, WEB, most modern versions) is fair, but modern 'excuse' can just mean 'a valid reason'. The Greek word pictures a front or cover held up in front of something. The KJV's 'cloke' keeps that picture well.

Used elsewhere in the period

Elsewhere in the New Testament: Mark 12:40 (long prayers 'as a pretence'), Philippians 1:18 ('in pretence or in truth'), 1 Thessalonians 2:5 ('a cloak for greed'), Acts 27:30. The Greek of Psalm 141:4 (LXX 140:4) prays not to be drawn 'to make excuses (prophaseis) in sins', a close parallel. Greek historians use the word for the reason that is given, often as opposed to the true one.

Where it appears

Mark · 1

  1. Mark 12:40 προφάσει as a pretext

    They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

    Here: 'As a pretext', 'for appearance's sake'. The word means the reason a person puts forward, which hides the real one. The prayers are a cover story and a reputation that buys trust.

Luke · 1

  1. Luke 20:47 προφάσει as a pretext

    They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

    Here: 'By way of pretext' or 'for appearance's sake'. The prayers are a front: the stated motive is piety, but the real motive is something else.

John · 1

  1. John 15:22 πρόφασιν excuse

    If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.

    Here: Something held up in front as a cover: an alleged reason, a pretext. After Jesus has come and spoken, they have no cover story left to put between themselves and their guilt.

Acts · 1

  1. Acts 27:30 προφάσει under pretense

    Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they let the lifeboat down into the sea.

Philippians · 1

  1. Philippians 1:18 προφάσει in pretext

    What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

    Here: "Under a pretext": the reason given in public masks the real one. The rivals present their preaching as zeal for Christ, but the real driver is rivalry with Paul (1:15, 17).

1 Thessalonians · 1

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 προφάσει a pretext

    As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

    Here: The reason a person shows in public that hides the real one. Here the 'front' would be preaching, and greed would be the real motive behind it. The KJV's 'cloke' fits the picture exactly.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.