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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Imposture</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/i/imposture.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/27-64.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/i/imposture.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Imposture</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/i/impostors.htm" title="Impostors">◄</a> Imposture <a href="/topical/i/impotent.htm" title="Impotent">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Imposture, in a biblical context, refers to the act of deceiving others by pretending to be someone or something that one is not. This concept is addressed throughout Scripture, where it is often associated with false prophets, deceitful workers, and those who lead others astray from the truth of God.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>The Old Testament provides several examples of imposture, particularly in the context of false prophets and deceptive practices. In <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20-22</a>, God warns the Israelites about false prophets who presume to speak in His name without His command: "But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die." This passage underscores the seriousness of claiming divine authority without genuine commission from God.<br><br>Jeremiah also confronts imposture among the prophets of his time. In <a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16</a>, the Lord says, "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD." Here, the false prophets are depicted as impostors who mislead the people with their own fabrications rather than the truth of God.<br><br><b>New Testament References</b><br><br>The New Testament continues to address the issue of imposture, particularly in the context of false teachers and antichrists. Jesus Himself warns against impostors in <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a>, saying, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of impostors who appear harmless but are dangerous.<br><br>The Apostle Paul frequently warns the early church about imposture. In <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a>, he writes, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness." Paul emphasizes the cunning nature of impostors who disguise themselves as righteous to deceive believers.<br><br>In 1 <a href="/john/4.htm">John 4:1</a>, the Apostle John advises believers to test the spirits to discern the truth: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This instruction highlights the need for discernment in identifying imposture.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>Imposture is a significant concern in biblical theology because it represents a direct challenge to the truth of God's revelation. The presence of impostors can lead believers away from sound doctrine and into error. The Bible consistently calls for vigilance, discernment, and adherence to the truth as revealed in Scripture to guard against the dangers of imposture.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>For believers today, the biblical warnings against imposture serve as a reminder to remain grounded in the Word of God and to exercise discernment in spiritual matters. Engaging with Scripture, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and being part of a faithful community of believers are essential practices to safeguard against deception. The call to "test the spirits" remains relevant, urging Christians to evaluate teachings and claims against the truth of the Bible.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) The act or conduct of an impostor; deception practiced under a false or assumed character; fraud or imposition; cheating.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/schaff/the_person_of_christ/ii_the_hypothesis_of_imposture.htm"><span class="l">The Hypothesis of <b>Imposture</b>.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE PERSON OF CHRIST. II."The Hypothesis of <b>Imposture</b>. REIMARUS. <b>...</b> It resorts<br> either to <b>IMPOSTURE</b>, or ENTHUSIASM, or POETICAL FICTION. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../schaff/the person of christ/ii the hypothesis of imposture.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/a_treatise_on_the_soul/chapter_lvii_magic_and_sorcery_only.htm"><span class="l">Magic and Sorcery Only Apparent in their Effects God Alone Can <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> What after this shall we say about magic? Say, to be sure, what almost<br> everybody says of it"that it is an <b>imposture</b>. But it is <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter lvii magic and sorcery only.htm</font><p><a href="/library/schaff/the_person_of_christ/the_legendary_hypothesis_renan.htm"><span class="l">The Legendary Hypothesis. --Renan.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the historical character of the gospel-record, he is equally hostile to all miracles,<br> which, in his oracular opinion, "always imply <b>imposture</b> or fraud;" and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../schaff/the person of christ/the legendary hypothesis renan.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/the_decretals/introductory_notice_to_the_decretals.htm"><span class="l">Introductory Notice to the Decretals.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Clement and his successors during the ante-Nicene ages, are, in fact, the manufactured<br> product of the ninth century,"the most stupendous <b>imposture</b> of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/the decretals/introductory notice to the decretals.htm</font><p><a href="/library/clement/exhortation_to_the_heathen/chapter_ii_the_absurdity_and_impiety.htm"><span class="l">The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Perish, then, the man who was the author of this <b>imposture</b> among men, be he Dardanus,<br> who taught the mysteries of the mother of the gods, or Eetion, who <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm</font><p><a href="/library/abbott/darius_the_great/chapter_iii_smerdis_the_magian.htm"><span class="l">Smerdis the Magian.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In order to prevent these court ladies from being the means, in any way, of discovering<br> the <b>imposture</b> which he was practicing, the magian continued to keep <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../abbott/darius the great/chapter iii smerdis the magian.htm</font><p><a href="/library/schaff/the_romance_of_m_renan_and_the_christ_of_the_gospels/preface.htm"><span class="l">Preface.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the sons of men; yet he pities him as the victim of delusion, and apologizes<br> for him as the accessory to, or the accomplice in, acts of <b>imposture</b> and fraud. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../schaff/the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/preface.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lardner/a_vindication_of_three_of_our_blessed_saviours_miracles/answer_to_the_jewish_rabbys.htm"><span class="l">Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an <b>imposture</b>;<br> or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../answer to the jewish rabbys.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hippolytus/the_extant_works_and_fragments_of_hippolytus/piece_xxxii_but_many_who.htm"><span class="l">But Many who are Hearers of the Divine Scriptures...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But many who are hearers of the divine Scriptures, [1967] and have them in their<br> hand, and keep them in mind with understanding, will escape his <b>imposture</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xxxii but many who.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leo/writings_of_leo_the_great/letter_xlii_to_ravennius_bishop.htm"><span class="l">Letter Xlii. To Ravennius, Bishop of Arles.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> To Ravennius, Bishop of Arles. Leo the Pope to his well-beloved brother Ravennius.<br> He asks him to deal with the <b>imposture</b> of a certain Petronianus. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xlii to ravennius bishop.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/i/imposture.htm"><span class="l"><b>Imposture</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> imposition; cheating. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Imposture</b> (1 Occurrence). Matthew<br> 27:64 So give orders for the sepulchre to be securely <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/imposture.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/enchantment.htm"><span class="l">Enchantment (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> They were a constant incentive to idolatry, clouded the mind with superstition,<br> tended and were closely allied to <b>imposture</b> (Matthew 24:24). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/enchantment.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/creeds.htm"><span class="l">Creeds</span></a><br><b>...</b> Creed 2. The Nicene Creed (1) Origin, Date, Character (2) "Filioque" Clause 3. The<br> Athanasian Creed (1) Authorship (2) Question of <b>Imposture</b> (3) Value and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/creeds.htm - 28k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/impotent.htm"><span class="l">Impotent (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/impotent.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/creed.htm"><span class="l">Creed</span></a><br><b>...</b> Creed 2. The Nicene Creed (1) Origin, Date, Character (2) "Filioque" Clause 3. The<br> Athanasian Creed (1) Authorship (2) Question of <b>Imposture</b> (3) Value and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/creed.htm - 43k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jugglery.htm"><span class="l">Jugglery</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Sleight of hand; trickery; deception. 2. (n.)<br> Trickery; <b>imposture</b>; as, political jugglery. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jugglery.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/guarded.htm"><span class="l">Guarded (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> day, for fear his disciples should come by night and steal the body, and then tell<br> the people that he has come back to life; and so the last <b>imposture</b> will be <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/guarded.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/impostors.htm"><span class="l">Impostors (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/impostors.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/imposition.htm"><span class="l">Imposition (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4. (n.) An excessive, arbitrary, or unlawful exaction; hence, a trick or deception<br> put on laid on others; cheating; fraud; delusion; <b>imposture</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/imposition.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/falsehood.htm"><span class="l">Falsehood (107 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) Treachery; deceit; perfidy; unfaithfulness. 4. (n.) A counterfeit; a false<br> appearance; an <b>imposture</b>. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FALSEHOOD. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/falsehood.htm - 36k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/imposture.htm">Imposture: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Imposture (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/27-64.htm">Matthew 27:64</a></span><br />So give orders for the sepulchre to be securely guarded till the third day, for fear his disciples should come by night and steal the body, and then tell the people that he has come back to life; and so the last <span class="boldtext">imposture</span> will be more serious than the first."<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/i/imposture.htm">Imposture</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unable.htm">Unable (102 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/omnipotence.htm">Omnipotence (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/womb.htm">Womb (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/withered.htm">Withered (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/walked.htm">Walked (178 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/imposture.htm">Imposture (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/impoverish.htm">Impoverish (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/impossible.htm">Impossible (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/folk.htm">Folk (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mother's.htm">Mother's (102 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/powerless.htm">Powerless (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cripple.htm">Cripple (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crippled.htm">Crippled (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ancient.htm">Ancient (64 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/agitated.htm">Agitated (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/steppeth.htm">Steppeth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/troubled.htm">Troubled (244 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lystra.htm">Lystra (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strength.htm">Strength (517 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jehovah.htm">Jehovah (20094 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/servant.htm">Servant (738 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/y/yahweh.htm">Yahweh (6653 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ascension.htm">Ascension (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sat.htm">Sat (222 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sitting.htm">Sitting (201 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/halt.htm">Halt (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/miracle.htm">Miracle (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/law.htm">Law (670 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/man.htm">Man (26072 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord.htm">Lord (59401 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/messenger.htm">Messenger (235 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabeel.htm">Tabeel (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/i/impostors.htm" 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