The term "pretendeth" is an archaic form of the verb "pretend," which means to make a false display or claim, often with the intention to deceive. In the context of the Bible, pretending is generally associated with hypocrisy, deceit, and falsehood, which are condemned throughout Scripture.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 13:7 : "One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." This verse highlights the futility and deception involved in pretending to be something one is not. It underscores the theme that true value is not found in outward appearances but in one's inner character and relationship with God.

2. 1 Samuel 21:13 : "So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands, scribbling on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard." Here, David pretends to be insane to escape from King Achish of Gath. While this act of pretense served a strategic purpose for David's survival, it also illustrates the complexity of human behavior and the moral dilemmas faced by biblical figures.

3. Luke 20:20 : "Keeping a close watch on Him, they sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Him in something He might say, so that they could hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor." This passage describes the Pharisees and scribes sending spies to trap Jesus with their questions. Their pretense of sincerity is a clear example of hypocrisy, which Jesus frequently rebuked.

Theological Implications:

Pretending, as depicted in the Bible, is often linked to the broader theme of hypocrisy. Jesus' teachings in the New Testament frequently address the issue of religious leaders who pretend to be righteous while harboring sinful intentions. In Matthew 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."

The Bible calls for authenticity and integrity in one's relationship with God and others. Pretending, in the form of hypocrisy or deceit, is seen as a barrier to true faith and genuine community. Believers are encouraged to live transparently, reflecting the truth of the Gospel in their actions and words.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, pretending is often associated with a lack of trust in God's provision and a reliance on human cunning. The Bible encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to be honest in their dealings. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight."

In summary, the concept of "pretendeth" in the Bible serves as a caution against deceit and hypocrisy, urging believers to pursue truthfulness and integrity in their walk with God.

Unkindness
... I cannot use a friend as I use Thee. When that my friend pretendeth to [59] a place,. ...
Yet use I not my foes as I use Thee. Footnotes: [59] pretendeth to, seeks. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xlviii unkindness.htm

The Evil and Its Remedy
... into the depths and power of its doctrines, or felt the influence of them upon his
heart, knows nothing whatever, and all the knowledge he pretendeth to is but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the evil and its remedy.htm

part ii
... drone, that refuseth God's service all his life, under pretense of preparing for
it, and lets men's souls pass on to perdition, while he pretendeth to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... make it as plain as he can; but that a man should purposely cloud the matter in
strange words, and hide his mind from the people, whom he pretendeth to instruct ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... his neighbour's intentions otherwise than as they are evidently expressed by words,
or signified by overt actions, is a slanderer; because he pretendeth to know ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... to minister at his altar. and whosoever besides pretendeth to worship God,
worshippeth him not aright. His offering is like that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

A Preacher from the Dead
... not believe it. In fact, he doth believe it; but he pretendeth not to do
so, and is an infidel in spite of himself. But certainly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a preacher from the dead.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... Dost thou know thyself to be guilty, not as the hypocrite pretendeth to know it,
but dost thou know it consciously, sensitively, dost thou weep over it? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the work of the holy.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... Every one in a profession, and that hath crowded into the vineyard, pretendeth to
repentance; now of every such soul, God expecteth that the fruits of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... Nothing certainly in nature is more ridiculous than a self-conceited wit, who deemeth
himself somebody, and greatly pretendeth to commendation from so pitiful ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

Pretendeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pretendeth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 13:7 There
is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is ...
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Pretends (1 Occurrence)
... Pretends (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 13:7 There is that pretendeth himself rich, yet
hath nothing; there is that pretendeth himself poor, yet hath great wealth. ...
/p/pretends.htm - 6k

Pretending (4 Occurrences)

/p/pretending.htm - 7k

Pretenders (2 Occurrences)

/p/pretenders.htm - 6k

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