Lexical Summary apoplanaó: To lead astray, to mislead, to cause to wander Original Word: ἀποπλανάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mislead, seduce. From apo and planao; to lead astray (figuratively); passively, to stray (from truth) -- err, seduce. see GREEK apo see GREEK planao HELPS Word-studies 635 apoplanáō (from 575 /apó, "away from" and 4105 /planáō, "wander") – properly, lead someone astray, i.e. away from where they (properly) belong. 635 (apoplanáō) focuses back to the cause, i.e. the source of the straying (wandering) and then connects to the needless pains arising from it (note the prefix, apo). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and planaó Definition to cause to go astray NASB Translation lead astray (1), wandered away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 635: ἀποπλανάωἀποπλανάω, ἀποπλάνω; 1 aorist passive ἀπεπλανήθην; to cause to go astray, tropically, to lead away from the truth to error: τινα, Mark 13:22; passive to go astray, stray away from: ἀπό τῆς πίστεως, 1 Timothy 6:10. ((Hippocrates); Plato, Ax., p. 369 d.; Polybius 3, 57, 4; Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon Root Idea of the Termἀποπλανάω conveys the picture of being lured off a true course—whether geographically, morally, or doctrinally. In Scripture it describes a calculated effort to detach someone from the path of truth so that the person ends up in danger or ruin. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Mark 13:22 – Jesus forewarns that “false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect”. Here ἀποπλανάω underscores the eschatological assault on God’s people through counterfeit miracles designed to fracture their loyalty to the genuine Messiah. 2. 1 Timothy 6:10 – Paul observes that “by craving [money], some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows”. The verb depicts gradual spiritual drift fueled by covetous desire, culminating in self-inflicted anguish. Theological Themes • Deception as a Strategic Weapon: Both passages reveal deception as deliberate, not accidental. Whether through spectacular religious claims (Mark 13) or subtle materialism (1 Timothy 6), the enemy aims to draw believers away from wholehearted devotion to Christ. • Vulnerability of the Undiscerning Heart: Jesus’ warning reaches even the “elect,” emphasizing that genuine believers must remain vigilant. Paul’s counsel shows that unchecked appetites open a door to the same danger. • Apostasy and Accountability: ἀποπλανάω is never value-neutral; it marks a move from orthodoxy to error. In each context the individual holds responsibility—either to resist seductive teaching or to curb ungodly cravings. Historical Context Mark 13 looks ahead to tumultuous days preceding Jerusalem’s fall and the Lord’s return. The first-century environment abounded with messianic pretenders promising liberation from Rome. Jesus’ prophecy proved accurate when impostors such as Simon bar Giora and others surfaced, each claiming special authority while ensnaring many. 1 Timothy addresses the house-churches of Ephesus, a prosperous port city. Its affluent culture fostered love of wealth. Paul writes as seasoned missionary to a young pastor, urging protection of the flock against the lure of riches that could derail their faith. Christological Implications Because deception targets the identity and sufficiency of Christ, ἀποπλανάω ultimately concerns one’s response to Him. False christs in Mark mimic His power; love of money in Timothy competes with His lordship. Both threads exhort believers to prize Christ above spectacular experiences and material security. Pastoral Application • Guard Doctrine: Churches must test miraculous claims and teachings by Scripture (1 John 4:1). Sound exposition of the Word is the primary safeguard against spiritual wandering. • Cultivate Contentment: Intentional disciplines of generosity and stewardship mute the love of money that leads to departure from the faith. • Shepherd the Vulnerable: New believers and those under trial are prime targets for deception. Strengthening them through discipleship and communal accountability combats the risk described by ἀποπλανάω. Warnings for the Last Days Mark 13 places ἀποπλανάω within end-time birth pains, reminding modern readers that escalating deception will characterize the closing age. Believers are called to “stay alert” (Mark 13:23) because miraculous signs alone cannot authenticate a messenger; fidelity to Scripture does. Assurance Amid Danger While the verb shows the real peril of wandering, Scripture equally affirms God’s preserving grace. Jesus’ prayer for His followers (John 17:11) and Paul’s confidence in God’s keeping power (2 Timothy 4:18) encourage believers that vigilant faith cooperates with divine protection. Conclusion ἀποπλανάω stands as a sober reminder that spiritual drift—whether dramatic or gradual—begins with yielding to deceit. The church’s antidote lies in unwavering devotion to Christ, rigorous discernment by Scripture, and contentment rooted in the gospel. Forms and Transliterations απεπλανηθησαν απεπλανήθησαν ἀπεπλανήθησαν απεπλάνησαν απεπλάνησε αποπλαναν αποπλανάν ἀποπλανᾷν ἀποπλανᾶν αποπλανήσει apeplanethesan apeplanēthēsan apeplanḗthesan apeplanḗthēsan apoplanā̂in apoplananLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 13:22 V-PNAGRK: πρὸς τὸ ἀποπλανᾷν εἰ δυνατὸν NAS: in order to lead astray, if KJV: to seduce, if INT: to deceive if possible 1 Timothy 6:10 V-AIP-3P Strong's Greek 635 |
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