Lexical Summary apataó: To deceive, to lead astray Original Word: ἀπατάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deceive. Of uncertain derivation; to cheat, i.e. Delude -- deceive. HELPS Word-studies 538 apatáō (from 539 /apátē) – properly, deceive, using tactics like seduction, giving distorted impressions, etc. 538 /apatáō ("lure into deception") emphasizes the means to bring in error (delusion). [This means of deception with 538 (apatáō) is often sensual (personal desires, pleasure; cf. A. Deissmann).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apaté Definition to deceive NASB Translation deceive (1), deceived (1), deceives (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 538: ἀπατάωἀπατάω, ἀπάτω; 1 aorist passive ἠπατήθην; (ἀπάτη); from Homer down; to cheat, deceive, beguile: τήν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ (R T Tr WH marginal reading, αὑτοῦ G, ἑαυτοῦ L WH text), James 1:26; τινα τίνι, one with a thing, Ephesians 5:6; passive 1 Timothy 2:14 (where L T Tr WH ἐξαπατηθεῖσα), cf. Genesis 3:13. (Compare: ἐξαπατάω.) Topical Lexicon Overview The verb ἀπατάω (Strong’s Greek 538) conveys the act of misleading, whether by deliberate fraud or by subtle distortion of reality. Its three New Testament appearances trace a spectrum that runs from external deception (Ephesians 5:6) through self-deception (James 1:26) to the primal deception that opened the door to human sin (1 Timothy 2:14). In each setting, deception is presented as diametrically opposed to God’s character and redemptive purpose. Biblical Occurrences Ephesians 5:6: “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.” Here the verb warns believers not to be carried away by persuasive yet hollow arguments that would minimize sin. The context links deception to moral laxity and divine judgment. James 1:26: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.” The focus shifts from external voices to an internal self-misleading. A person can profess devotion while simultaneously nullifying it through an ungoverned tongue; thus the heart becomes the agent and the victim of deception. 1 Timothy 2:14: “And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman, who, having been deceived, fell into transgression.” Paul recalls the fall narrative to illustrate how deception introduced transgression into human experience. The verse reinforces the lethal connection between believing falsehood and committing sin. Intertextual Echoes and Thematic Connections The New Testament’s use of ἀπατάω deliberately evokes Genesis 3, where the serpent’s craftiness culminates in Eve’s deception. By employing the same verb family Paul signals continuity: the ancient tempter still operates through counterfeit words (Ephesians 5) and inward rationalizations (James 1). The vocabulary also resonates with Jesus’ Olivet discourse, “See that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4), underscoring a consistent biblical alarm against doctrinal and moral imposture. Moral and Pastoral Dimensions 1. Guarding the Mind: Ephesians 5:6 locates deception in verbal content—“empty words.” Discipleship therefore demands theological discernment, measuring every claim by the full counsel of Scripture. Historical Reception in the Early Church Patristic writers frequently cited these passages when combating heresies. Irenaeus linked Ephesians 5:6 to Gnostic notions that minimized bodily sin, arguing that “empty words” imperil souls. Chrysostom, expounding James 1:26, urged vigilance over speech as the first line of defense against self-inflicted deceit. Tertullian referenced 1 Timothy 2:14 to illustrate the cunning by which the adversary subverts divine order. Implications for Discipleship and Ministry Preaching: Sermons grounded in Ephesians 5:6 should expose contemporary “empty words”—any cultural narrative that redefines sin or downplays judgment. Counseling: James 1:26 offers a diagnostic tool; repeated tongue-failures may reveal a deeper self-deception requiring repentance and Spirit-enabled transformation. Teaching: 1 Timothy 2:14 supplies a biblical anthropology that explains why humanity is susceptible to lies and why truthful proclamation remains essential. Apologetics: The term underscores the ethical stakes of epistemology; deception is never neutral but always a precursor to disobedience and divine wrath. Contemporary Relevance Digital media has multiplied persuasive yet vacuous words. The command “Let no one deceive you” calls Christians to cultivate critical listening shaped by Scripture. Likewise, self-branding platforms tempt believers to project an image incongruent with inner reality, repeating the self-deception James condemns. Finally, cultural revision of the fall narrative—casting it as liberation rather than transgression—mirrors the primeval ἀπάτη and must be answered with the gospel’s truth. Summary Strong’s 538 spotlights deception as a formidable and multifaceted threat: external, internal, and primordial. The New Testament employs the term to summon believers to doctrinal vigilance, moral integrity, and humble reliance on the Spirit of truth. Where deception is unmasked and rejected, the church walks in the light and displays the freedom for which Christ has set her free. Forms and Transliterations απατά απατατω απατάτω ἀπατάτω απατηθείσα απατηθής απατηθήσεται απατήσαί απατήσει απατήσεις απατήση απάτησον απατήσω απατων απατών ἀπατῶν ηπατηθη ηπατήθη ἠπατήθη ηπατήθην ηπάτησάν ηπάτησας ηπάτησάς ηπάτησε ηπάτησεν apatato apatatō apatáto apatátō apaton apatôn apatōn apatō̂n epatethe epatḗthe ēpatēthē ēpatḗthēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 5:6 V-PMA-3SGRK: Μηδεὶς ὑμᾶς ἀπατάτω κενοῖς λόγοις NAS: Let no one deceive you with empty KJV: Let no man deceive you with vain INT: No one you let deceive with empty words 1 Timothy 2:14 V-AIP-3S James 1:26 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 538 |
    |