Lexical Summary planos: Deceiver, misleading, seducer Original Word: πλάνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deceiver, seducerOf uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), i.e. (by implication) an impostor or misleader; --deceiver, seducing. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4108 plános (a substantival adjective, derived from 4105 /planáō, "wander") – a deceiver, trying to get others to also veer off God's course (path of safety). See 4105 (planáo). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition wandering, leading astray (adjective), a deceiver (subst.) NASB Translation deceitful (1), deceiver (2), deceivers (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4108: πλάνοςπλάνος, πλανον, wandering, roving; transitively and tropically, misleading, leading into error: πνεύματα πλανᾷ, 1 Timothy 4:1 (πλάνοι ἄνθρωποι, Josephus, b. j. 2, 13, 4). ὁ πλάνος substantively (Cicero, others,planus), as we say, a vagabond, 'tramp,' impostor (Diodorus, Athen., others); hence, universally, a corrupter, deceiver, (Vulg.seductor): Matthew 27:63; 2 Corinthians 6:8; 2 John 1:7. (Cf. ὁ κοσμοπλάνος, 'Teaching' etc. 16, 4 [ET].) Topical Lexicon Scope of the Term The word group behind Strong’s 4108 gathers ideas of wandering from the truth, intentional misleading, and the character of one who lures others away from sound doctrine. The contexts show a spectrum that runs from malicious slander (against Jesus) to the subtler operations of false teachers and spirits. Always in view is a breach of truth that endangers faith. Canonical Distribution Matthew 27:63; 2 Corinthians 6:8; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 John 7 (twice). These occurrences form three concentric circles: (1) the historic charge leveled at Christ, (2) assaults on apostolic credibility, and (3) the last-days proliferation of spiritual and doctrinal fraud. Matthew 27:63 – Human Accusation Against Jesus The chief priests and Pharisees approach Pilate: “Sir, we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again’” (Matthew 27:63). Ironically, the only time the term is applied to the Lord, it is spoken by those whose unbelief blinds them to the veracity of His words. Their charge underscores the antithesis between truth incarnate and the religious system that rejected Him. Historically, Rome is portrayed as indifferent, but the religious elite brand the Messiah with the very sin they themselves commit—subverting the faith of Israel. 2 Corinthians 6:8 – Apostolic Vindication Paul catalogs the paradoxes of ministry: “through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as impostors, yet genuine” (2 Corinthians 6:8). The accusation that apostles were πλάνοι is part of the price of gospel labor. The term appears on the lips of opponents, not the Spirit, highlighting how easily the world confuses steadfast faithfulness with fraud. Paul’s response is not defensive rhetoric but transparent integrity—“yet genuine.” For churches today the verse supplies a template: withstand mislabeling by demonstrating authentic, holy life. 1 Timothy 4:1 – Demonic Origin of Deception “Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). Here πλάνοις modifies “spirits,” exposing deception as more than human error; it is energized by demonic agency. The pastoral context prepares Timothy—and every shepherd after him—to expect doctrinal drift and to answer it with rigorous teaching, prayer, and disciplined community life. 2 John 7 – Christological Litmus Test “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist” (2 John 7). John identifies the root issue: denial of the incarnation. The plural “many deceivers” shows the breadth of the threat; the singular “the deceiver” personifies the ultimate adversary. Orthodoxy centers on Jesus’ full deity and real humanity; to deviate is to align with antichrist. The verse supplies the church with a non-negotiable test for teachers and movements. Theological Themes 1. Truth versus falsehood: Scripture never treats deception neutrally; it is a moral and spiritual violation. Historical Background Early church writers testified that Gnostic and Docetic teachers denied the fleshly coming of Christ, fulfilling 2 John 7. Rabbinic sources record slanders against Jesus as a sorcerer or deceiver, mirroring Matthew 27:63. By the second century, the term was often used of heretical wanderers who travelled from house to house seeking support—a pattern John counters by urging believers not to receive them (2 John 10). Practical Ministry Considerations • Discernment: Every generation must weigh teachings against the apostolic witness of Scripture. Concluding Reflection Strong’s 4108 gathers the church into sober alertness: the charge of deception was hurled at Christ, used against His emissaries, and now marks the final struggle for truth in a deceived world. The answer is unwavering allegiance to the incarnate, crucified, risen Lord, proclaimed and embodied by a people who walk in the light. Forms and Transliterations πλανοι πλάνοι πλανοις πλάνοις πλανος πλάνος planoi plánoi planois plánois planos plánosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:63 Adj-NMSGRK: ἐκεῖνος ὁ πλάνος εἶπεν ἔτι NAS: alive that deceiver said, KJV: that deceiver said, INT: that deceiver said while 2 Corinthians 6:8 Adj-NMP 1 Timothy 4:1 Adj-DNP 2 John 1:7 Adj-NMP 2 John 1:7 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 4108 |
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