Lexical Summary dolos: Deceit, guile, treachery Original Word: δόλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance craft, deceit, guile, subtilty. From an obsolete primary verb, dello (probably meaning to decoy; compare deleazo); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile -- craft, deceit, guile, subtilty. see GREEK deleazo HELPS Word-studies 1388 dólos – properly, bait; (figuratively) deceit (trickery) using bait to alure ("hook") people, especially those already festering in excessive, emotional pain (brought on by themselves). 1388 /dólos ("deceit motivated by guile") uses decoys to snare (deceive) people which implies treachery to exploit the naive (undiscerning) – baiting them through (with) their own greed. [1388 (dólos) is the root of: 1386 (dólios), 1387 (dolióō) and 1389 (dolóō).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the root del- Definition a bait, fig. craft, deceit NASB Translation deceit (9), stealth (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1388: δόλοςδόλος, δόλου, ὁ (from δέλω, to catch with a bait ((?); Latindolus, cf. Curtius, § 271); see δελεάζω above); properly, bait, Homer, Odyssey 12, 252; a lure, snare; hence, craft, deceit, guile: Matthew 26:4; Mark 14:1; Mark 7:22; John 1:47 (48); Acts 13:10; 2 Corinthians 12:16; Romans 1:29; 1 Thessalonians 2:3 (οὐκ ἐστι ἐν δόλῳ, there is no deceit under it); 1 Peter 2:(1), 22, and Revelation 14:5 Rec., after Isaiah 53:9; λαλεῖν δόλον to speak deceitfully (Psalm 33:14 Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1388 denotes the presence or practice of deceit, guile, or treachery. In Scripture it consistently describes the subtle, often hidden, manipulation that opposes the character of God and undermines covenant relationships among His people. The New Testament uses the term eleven times, portraying a clear contrast between the crooked designs of the natural heart and the transparent righteousness required of the redeemed. Old Testament Background Although the word itself is Greek, the Septuagint regularly employs it to render Hebrew terms for deceit (notably mirmah). Key passages shape the biblical theology of deceit: “Blessed is the man… in whose spirit is no deceit” (Psalm 32:2); “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceit” (Psalm 34:13). These texts supply the framework later echoed by Peter (1 Peter 3:10) and point toward the Messiah, foretold as one “in whom there was no deceit” (Isaiah 53:9, LXX). Occurrences in the Gospels and Acts Matthew 26:4 and Mark 14:1 report the conspirators’ plan to seize Jesus “by stealth” (δόλῳ), highlighting the opposition’s cloak-and-dagger tactics at the very hour God was openly fulfilling redemption. Mark 7:22 lists deceit as a heart-level sin issuing from within fallen humanity. John 1:47 portrays the commendation of Nathanael: “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” Jesus identifies authentic covenant identity with guilelessness, recalling Jacob’s transformation from deceiver to Israel (Genesis 27; 32). Acts 13:10 records Paul’s denunciation of Elymas as “full of all deceit,” a Spirit-filled rebuke that exposes a sorcerer’s counterfeit ministry. Pauline Usage Romans 1:29 locates deceit among the catalogue of depraved social sins marking a godless culture. 2 Corinthians 12:16 (“I caught you by trickery”) uses the term rhetorically; Paul refutes the notion that he lured the Corinthians through underhanded means. 1 Thessalonians 2:3 declares that apostolic preaching “does not arise from deceit,” grounding gospel ministry in transparent integrity. Petrine Emphasis Peter makes the richest theological application. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of Character. Deceit is antithetical to God, “in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). To engage in guile is to align with the serpent, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Historical and Ministry Implications Early Christian communities distinguished themselves from surrounding cultures through candor in commerce, testimony, and fellowship. Patristic writers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian cited believers’ refusal to swear falsely as evidence of the gospel’s power. Throughout church history reform movements have called God’s people back to transparent dealings—whether confronting indulgence merchants in the sixteenth century or combating prosperity frauds today. For contemporary ministry, Strong’s 1388 confronts all forms of manipulative leadership—emotional coercion, financial exploitation, or misrepresentation of results. Evangelists and pastors must eschew “craftiness” that distorts statistics, promises miracles on demand, or embellishes accounts for effect. Discipleship likewise addresses everyday practices: misleading tax filings, online anonymity used for slander, curated social media personas, and the casual spin of half-truths. Practical Application • Examine motives in service: Are generosity, preaching, or hospitality performed to curry favor? Summary Strong’s 1388 surfaces wherever Scripture contrasts the dark artistry of deception with the radiant simplicity of divine truth. It warns, exposes, and instructs, while ultimately magnifying Jesus Christ, the One in whom no deceit was found—and who therefore delivers His people from deceitful hearts to become, like Nathanael, true Israelites indeed. Forms and Transliterations δολον δόλον δολος δόλος δολου δόλου δόλους δολω δόλω δόλῳ dolo dolō dóloi dólōi dolon dólon dolos dólos dolou dólouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:4 N-DMSGRK: τὸν Ἰησοῦν δόλῳ κρατήσωσιν καὶ NAS: Jesus by stealth and kill KJV: Jesus by subtilty, and INT: Jesus by trickery they might seize and Mark 7:22 N-NMS Mark 14:1 N-DMS John 1:47 N-NMS Acts 13:10 N-GMS Romans 1:29 N-GMS 2 Corinthians 12:16 N-DMS 1 Thessalonians 2:3 N-DMS 1 Peter 2:1 N-AMS 1 Peter 2:22 N-NMS 1 Peter 3:10 N-AMS Strong's Greek 1388 |
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