Note 2 at Mt. 22:18: The word "hypocrite" comes from the Greek word "hupokrites," meaning "the playing of a part on the stage; an actor." It was a custom for Greek and Roman actors to use large masks when acting to disguise their true identity. Hence, hypocrisy became "the feigning of beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; insecurity (American Heritage Dictionary).

In the New Testament, this word is used only in the Synoptics (the first three gospels of the New Testament) and is used exclusively by the Lord. It is used 15 times in Matthew (Mt. 6:2,5,16; 7:5; 15:7; 16:3; 22:18; 23:13- 15,23,25,27,29; 24:51), once in Mark (Mk. 7:6), and four times in Luke (Lk. 6:42; 11:44; 12:56; 13:15; see note 6 at Mk. 7:6, p. 189).