A dissembler, in biblical terms, refers to an individual who conceals their true motives, thoughts, or feelings under a false appearance. This concept is closely related to hypocrisy, deceit, and insincerity, which are consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and moral failings associated with dissembling.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 26:24-26 : "A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." This passage warns against trusting those who speak with hidden malice, emphasizing that their true nature will eventually be revealed.

2. Psalm 55:21 : "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords." Here, the psalmist describes the duplicity of a dissembler, whose outwardly gentle words mask violent intentions.

3. Matthew 23:27-28 : "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." Jesus condemns the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy, likening them to dissemblers who maintain a façade of righteousness while harboring corruption within.

4. James 3:14 : "But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth." This verse cautions against the internal attitudes that lead to dissembling, urging believers to be truthful and transparent.

Theological Implications:

Dissembling is fundamentally at odds with the Christian call to integrity and truthfulness. The Bible teaches that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6) and that believers are to walk in the light, as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). Dissemblers, by contrast, operate in darkness, using deception to achieve their ends.

The act of dissembling is often linked with pride and self-interest, as individuals seek to manipulate others for personal gain or to maintain a certain image. This behavior is antithetical to the humility and selflessness exemplified by Christ, who is described as "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, dissembling undermines trust and community, as it erodes the foundation of honest relationships. The Bible encourages believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to let their "yes" be "yes," and their "no," "no" (Matthew 5:37). These principles foster an environment of authenticity and mutual respect, which is essential for the health of the Christian community.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of dissemblers serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of deceit and hypocrisy. Believers are called to a higher standard of truthfulness and integrity, reflecting the character of God in their interactions with others.(n.) One who dissembles; one who conceals his opinions or dispositions under a false appearance; a hypocrite.5273. hupokrites -- one who answers, an actor, a hypocrite
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: hupokrites Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-ok-ree-tace') Short Definition: a hypocrite, dissembler Definition: (lit ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5273.htm - 7k5956. alam -- to conceal
... blind, dissembler, hide self, secret thing. A primitive root; to veil from
sight, ie Conceal (literally or figuratively) -- X any ...
/hebrew/5956.htm - 6k

To the Dissembler.
... LVI."To the Dissembler. Dost thou dissemble with the law that was given with such
public announcement, crying out in the heavenly word of so many prophets? ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lvi to the dissembler.htm

Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation?
... but in the outward action: wherefore a gloss on Job 36:13, "Dissemblers and crafty
men prove the wrath of God," says that "the dissembler simulates one thing ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether hypocrisy is the same.htm

The Instructions of Commodianus in favour of Christian Discipline
... LIV.--Of Fugitives. LV.--Of the Seed of the Tares. LVI.--To the Dissembler.
LVII.--That Worldly Things are Absolutely to Be Avoided. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/

Modesty, the Flower of Manners
... [706]. In opposition to this (modesty), could I not have acted the dissembler? I
hear that there has even been an edict set forth, and a peremptory one too. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter i modesty the flower.htm

Sins May be Divided into Corporeal and Spiritual Both Equally ...
... He is no dissembler of, nor double-dealer with, [8438] His own clear-sightedness.
What (shall we say of the fact) that will is the origin of deed? ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter iii sins may be divided.htm

Conversational Phrases
... He has a queer conception of the proprieties. He is a poor dissembler [dissemble =
conceal behind a false appearance]. He is anything but obtuse. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ix conversational phrases.htm

Under the Trials of this Life.
... Thy crown, thy jewel, thy good name Is cover'd by the world with shame. For he who
can't dissembler play, The world as fool will spurn away. 'Tis true, alas! ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/under the trials of this.htm

The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail.
... he was desired to subscribe his name, but refused; which, when reported to the council,
gave great offence, and brought him under some suspicion of a dissembler ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr hugh 2.htm

Matt. xix. 16
... not say he was not fond of money, and under subjection to his wealth, since Christ
in fact convicted him of being such a character, yet a dissembler I would by ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxiii matt xix 16.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of ...
... For if he saw himself to be a dissembler now, if he had known himself at this time
to be full of duplicity and guile, then he did not know with Whom he was ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon l on the words.htm

Dissembler (1 Occurrence)
... under a false appearance; a hypocrite. Multi-Version Concordance Dissembler
(1 Occurrence). Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart ...
/d/dissembler.htm - 6k

Dissembled (3 Occurrences)

/d/dissembled.htm - 7k

Dissemblers (1 Occurrence)

/d/dissemblers.htm - 6k

Apphus
... later when they became "leaders of the people." The common explanation of the word
"Apphus" relates it to the Syriac choppus, "the dissembler"; but Torrey ...
/a/apphus.htm - 7k

Hypocrite (10 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary One who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be
what he is not; a dissembler in religion. Our Lord severely ...
/h/hypocrite.htm - 10k

Dissembler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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