What the Bible Says About Lying

What the Bible Says About Lying

1. Introduction: The Lie About Lying

Lying is so deeply embedded in human behavior that it often passes without conscience. We call it strategy, diplomacy, or even kindness. Culture teaches us to bend the truth if it means avoiding offense or gaining advantage. But Scripture never offers such latitude. From Genesis to Revelation, lying is condemned without exception—not merely as a mistake, but as a reflection of Satan’s nature and a pathway to eternal judgment.

The Bible does not treat lying as a gray area. It is a dividing line between truth and falsehood, between the image of Christ and the imitation of Satan. Let's look at what the Bible says about lying.

2. Greek Word Study: What Is Lying, Biblically?

Before we examine lying in practice, we must define it biblically. Scripture uses specific Greek words that reveal not just the act, but the nature and character of lying:

• ψεῦδος (pseudos) – Strong’s G5579: "a falsehood, deliberate lie". Used in Revelation 21:8 to describe those thrown into the lake of fire.

• ψευδής (pseudēs) – Strong’s G5571: "a liar, deceitful person". The root of modern words like “pseudo-intellectual” or “pseudo-Christian.”

• δολός (dolos) – Strong’s G1388: "deceit, trickery, bait". Often tied to manipulation and hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:1).

There is no biblical concept of an innocent or virtuous lie. All deception falls under God’s judgment, regardless of intention. These terms speak not just to what someone does—but to what someone is if they walk in deception.

3. Lying Originated With Satan

Lying is not a neutral action. It is a reflection of the enemy himself.

"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father! That one was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because the truth is not in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44, LEB)

Context Note: Jesus spoke these words not to pagans, but to religious leaders. The most dangerous lies are not external but theological—when those who claim to speak for God distort His truth.

In Genesis 3:4, Satan’s lie—"You will not surely die"—sparked the fall of mankind. Every distortion of God's Word finds its root in that same whisper.

4. God Hates Lying — Twofold in Proverbs

The Lord’s hatred of lying is made explicit:

"There are six things that Yahweh hates, and seven things are abominations of his soul: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood... a false witness who utters lies, and one who sends out discord between brothers." (Proverbs 6:16–19, LEB)

Context Note: Of the seven abominations, two involve lies—emphasizing the weight of this sin in God’s sight.

"Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who act faithfully are his delight." (Proverbs 12:22, LEB)

There is no acceptable form of lying. God does not merely dislike dishonesty; He abhors it.

5. Lying Brings Judgment

The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is perhaps the clearest example of God’s swift judgment for lying:

"You have not lied to people but to God!" (Acts 5:4, LEB)

"So Ananias, when he heard these words, fell down and died. And great fear came on all those who heard about it." (Acts 5:5, LEB)

Context Note: This event occurred in the New Testament church—under grace. It wasn’t Old Covenant wrath; it was divine discipline among believers.

Paul writes to the Colossians:

"Do not lie to one another, because you have taken off the old man together with his deeds." (Colossians 3:9, LEB)

And again:

"But we have renounced shameful hidden things, not behaving with craftiness or adulterating the word of God..." (2 Corinthians 4:2, LEB)

Lying is not compatible with the new life in Christ. It belongs to the old man.

6. Eternal Consequences: Liars Are Condemned

Lying is not a trivial offense—it leads to eternal damnation.

"But for the cowardly and unbelievers and detestable persons and murderers and sexually immoral people and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8, LEB)

"Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral people and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." (Revelation 22:15, LEB)

Context Note: These verses are conclusive. No one who practices lying will inherit the kingdom. It is not hyperbole—it is eternal reality.

7. Types of Lies Condemned in Scripture

Scripture identifies several categories of lying:

• False witness – "You shall not testify against your neighbor with a false witness." (Exodus 20:16, LEB)

• Flattery and Manipulation – "They speak falseness to one another; with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak." (Psalm 12:2, LEB)

• Withholding Truth – Abraham's "half-truth" about Sarah in Genesis 12 still brought judgment.

• Strategic Deception – Jacob’s impersonation of Esau was condemned despite his role in God’s plan.

• “White lies” – No such category exists in the Bible. Every lie is sin.

8. Common Rationalizations Refuted

Modern excuses do not hold up under the weight of Scripture:

• “It’s harmless” – “All liars... their place will be in the lake of fire.” (Revelation 21:8, LEB)

• “It spares feelings” – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.” (Proverbs 27:6, LEB)

• “It’s technically true” – Abraham’s partial truth in Genesis 12 was still deceit.

• “God uses liars” – God may use anyone, but He never excuses their sin.

God is holy. He doesn’t grade sin on a curve.

9. Christians Must Be People of Truth

The mark of a true believer is radical honesty:

"Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25, LEB)

"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your "Yes" be yes and your "No" be no, so that you may not fall under judgment." (James 5:12, LEB)

"Let your statement be 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, LEB)

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6, LEB)

Context Note: Jesus doesn’t just speak truth. He is the truth. Lying therefore is more than sin—it is a denial of His identity.

10. Conclusion: Lying Isn’t Small — It’s Satanic

To lie is not simply to err—it is to imitate the father of lies. A lifestyle of dishonesty is incompatible with genuine conversion. Those who lie, manipulate, or misrepresent truth reveal a heart that does not belong to Christ.

The gospel calls us to confession, not concealment. The cross does not excuse sin but invites us to die to it. Jesus is the truth—and His people must be marked by it.

As Paul writes:

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor..." (Ephesians 4:25, LEB)