Lexical Summary goés: Sorcerer, enchanter, deceiver Original Word: γόης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance seducer. From goao (to wail); properly, a wizard (as muttering spells), i.e. (by implication) an imposter -- seducer. HELPS Word-studies 1114 góēs – originally, a sorcerer (in ancient Greek literature); in NT times, 1114 (góēs) is a swindler – a shameless cheat pretending to use supernatural power; an actor (cheap imposter), looking for self-gain, i.e. posing to be someone he isn't. 1114 /góēs ("a charlatan"), used only in 2 Tim 3:13, refers to a seducer (properly, a wailer) – a fraud who "sounds off" like a whining enchanter. This person uses their verbal spells and incantations to give the (false) impression they can do miracles. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom goaó (to wail) Definition a wailer, a sorcerer, a swindler NASB Translation impostors (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1114: γόηςγόης, γοητος, ὁ (γοάω to bewail, howl); 1. a wailer, howler: Aeschylus choëph. 823 (Hermann, et al. γοητής). 2. a juggler, enchanter (because incantations used to be uttered in a kind of howl). 3. a deceiver, impostor: 2 Timothy 3:13; (Herodotus, Euripides, Plato, and subsequent writers). Strong’s Greek 1114 designates individuals who traffic in deception under a religious or mystical guise—spell-casters, charlatans, or pretenders to spiritual power. Their defining trait is the manipulation of others through fraudulent “signs,” persuasive speech, and counterfeit authority. Occurrence in Scripture The term appears once in the New Testament, in Paul’s final epistle: “while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Here Paul warns Timothy that such figures will intensify as the last days progress, forming part of a broader pattern of escalating wickedness listed in 2 Timothy 3:1–9. Historical Background In classical Greek culture, γόητες were itinerant wonder-workers who offered incantations for a fee, claimed secret knowledge, and performed funerary laments to summon the dead. Their reputation for sleight of hand, occult formulas, and emotional manipulation made them synonymous with fraud. By the first century the term carried a heavily negative connotation denoting spiritual trickery rather than legitimate religious practice. Biblical Context and Theological Themes 1. End-Time Deception 2. Counterfeit Power versus Divine Power 3. Self-Deception Paul notes that impostors are themselves “being deceived.” Scripture consistently links rejecting truth with God’s judicial handing over to delusion (Romans 1:24–28; 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12). Relationship to Other Biblical Terms • μάγος (magos, “magician” in Matthew 2:1 and Acts 13:6) underscores occult artisanship. Strong’s 1114 overlaps with each term, stressing fraudulent performance rather than substance. Implications for Christian Ministry 1. Guarding Sound Doctrine Paul’s antidote to impostors is persistent proclamation of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14–17; 4:1–5). The God-breathed Word equips believers to discern truth from theatrical deception. 2. Pastoral Vigilance Elders must watch for charisma divorced from doctrinal fidelity (Titus 1:10–11). Popularity, miracles, or prophetic claims are insufficient tests; conformity to apostolic teaching remains primary (1 John 4:1–6). 3. Congregational Discernment The whole church is urged to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). False wonder-workers often exploit emotional needs; solid catechesis and communal accountability provide protection. 4. Evangelistic Clarity Genuine gospel ministry contrasts sharply with manipulative showmanship. Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 2:1–5—eschewing rhetorical flash so that faith rests on God’s power—offers a timeless corrective. Practical Discernment Guide • Examine message content: does it align with the full counsel of Scripture? Summary Strong’s 1114 highlights a perennial threat: persuasive personalities who cloak deception in a veneer of spiritual power. Scripture predicts their rise, unmasks their strategies, and supplies the antidote—unwavering devotion to the inspired Word and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Vigilance, doctrinal fidelity, and Christ-centered ministry remain the surest safeguards against the allure of modern-day γόητες. |
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