### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb δελεάζω (deleázō, `{{G1185}}`) is derived from the noun δέλεαρ (délear), which refers to "bait" or "lure." Consequently, the core meaning of deleázō is "to catch with bait," primarily in the context of fishing or hunting. Figuratively, and more commonly in the New Testament, it extends to "to entice," "to allure," "to beguile," or "to ensnare" someone through deceptive means or attractive temptations. The term implies a cunning and often insidious drawing in, leading an unsuspecting individual into a trap, error, or moral compromise. It is not merely an attraction, but a luring into a state of harm or sin, often by presenting something seemingly desirable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Deleázō appears in the New Testament in three significant instances, each shedding light on the nature of temptation and spiritual deception:
1. **[[James 1:14]]**: "But each person is tempted when he is lured (δελεαζόμενος) and enticed (ἐξελκόμενος) by his own desire."
* Here, deleázō describes the internal mechanism of temptation. It portrays personal desire (ἐπιθυμία, `{{G1939}}`) as the "bait" that draws an individual into sin. The passive voice ("is lured") indicates that the person is the object of this enticement, but the agency is their own internal, unbridled desire. This verse emphasizes human culpability in the face of temptation, suggesting that sin's power lies not merely in external pressure, but in the internal appetite for what is forbidden or harmful.
2. **[[2 Peter 2:14]]**: "They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice (δελεάζοντες) unstable souls."
* In this context, deleázō is used actively to describe the deceptive practices of false teachers or ungodly individuals. These corrupt agents, characterized by their own moral depravity, actively "lure" or "beguile" those who are spiritually weak or wavering ("unstable souls"). The enticement here is external and predatory, aimed at drawing others into their sinful ways.
3. **[[2 Peter 2:18]]**: "For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice (δελεάζουσιν) with sensuality by the passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error."
* Similar to [[2 Peter 2:14]], this verse further elaborates on the methods of these false teachers. They use "empty boasts of folly" and appeal to "sensuality" and "passions of the flesh" as their "bait" to ensnare new converts or those who have recently turned from error. The term highlights the insidious and manipulative nature of their evangelism, which preys on human weakness rather than appealing to truth and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of deleázō is enriched by its relationship to several other Greek terms:
* **δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`):** The root noun, meaning "guile," "deceit," or "craftiness." Deleázō embodies the act of employing such deceit to ensnare.
* **πειρασμός (peirasmos, `{{G3986}}`):** "Temptation" or "trial." Deleázō describes a specific, crucial stage within the process of peirasmos—the initial luring or enticement that draws one towards sin. [[James 1:14]] explicitly links the two.
* **ἐπιθυμία (epithymia, `{{G1939}}`):** "Desire" or "lust." As seen in [[James 1:14]], epithymia serves as the internal "bait" that makes one susceptible to being deleázō-ed.
* **πλανάω (planáō, `{{G4105}}`):** "To lead astray," "to deceive," or "to wander." Being deleázō-ed often results in planáō, leading one away from truth and into error.
* **ἀπάτη (apatē, `{{G539}}`):** "Deceit" or "delusion." This term describes the deceptive quality inherent in the act of deleázō.
* The imagery of deleázō draws heavily on the world of fishing and hunting, implying a deliberate, calculated act to capture. This connection underscores the predatory nature of sin and those who propagate it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of deleázō is profound, illuminating key aspects of the human spiritual condition and the nature of evil:
* **The Insidious Nature of Temptation:** Deleázō reveals that temptation is not always overt but can be a subtle, alluring process. It highlights how sin often presents itself in an attractive, deceptive guise, much like bait. This underscores the need for spiritual discernment and vigilance.
* **Human Responsibility:** [[James 1:14]] is critical in assigning responsibility. While external forces or malicious agents may deleázō, the ultimate susceptibility lies within the individual's own desires. This emphasizes that yielding to temptation is not merely a passive act but involves a drawing out by one's own internal appetites, leading to moral culpability.
* **The Danger of False Teachers:** The use of deleázō in 2 Peter paints a stark picture of the predatory and destructive nature of false teachers. They are depicted as actively, cunningly, and immorally luring vulnerable souls into spiritual ruin. This warns believers of the need to test spirits and adhere to sound doctrine, recognizing that spiritual danger often comes disguised as appealing falsehood.
* **The Call to Holiness and Discernment:** Understanding deleázō compels believers to cultivate self-control over their desires and to develop keen spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the deceptive lures of the world, the flesh, and the devil. It reinforces the biblical call to walk circumspectly and to guard one's heart against all forms of enticement to sin.
### Summary
Deleázō (`{{G1185}}`) signifies "to lure," "to entice," or "to beguile," drawing its primary meaning from the act of catching with bait. In the New Testament, this term powerfully describes both the internal process of temptation, where one is drawn by their own ἐπιθυμία (desire) into sin ([[James 1:14]]), and the external, deceptive tactics employed by false teachers who cunningly ensnare vulnerable souls through appeals to sensuality and folly ([[2 Peter 2:14]], [[2 Peter 2:18]]). The word underscores the insidious, predatory, and often subtle nature of temptation and spiritual deception. It highlights human responsibility in yielding to one's own desires while simultaneously serving as a potent warning against those who actively deleázō others away from truth and righteousness.
TRV