### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diastréphō**, represented by `{{G1294}}`, is defined as to distort, misinterpret, or morally corrupt. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys an active and intentional turning away from what is true or right, suggesting a deliberate twisting of a person, a message, or a way of life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1294}}` is used to describe profound spiritual and moral corruption. Jesus uses it to characterize the people of his time as a "faithless and **perverse** generation" ([[Matthew 17:17]], [[Luke 9:41]]). The term is also used in a legal accusation against Jesus, where his enemies claim, "We found this fellow **perverting** the nation" [[Luke 23:2]]. The Apostle Paul uses it to confront Elymas the sorcerer for attempting to "pervert the right ways of the Lord" [[Acts 13:10]]. It also serves as a warning about future leaders who will speak "perverse things, to draw away disciples" [[Acts 20:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of perversion:
* `{{G571}}` **ápistos** (disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith): This word is directly linked to `{{G1294}}` in Jesus's lament over the "**faithless** and perverse generation" [[Matthew 17:17]], indicating that a lack of faith can be a foundation for moral distortion.
* `{{G4646}}` **skoliós** (warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse): This term is used in parallel with `{{G1294}}` to describe the world as a "**crooked** and perverse nation" [[Philippians 2:15]], highlighting a state of being morally twisted and contrary to God's standard.
* `{{G645}}` **apospáō** (to drag forth, i.e. ... retire (personally or factiously)): This word reveals the motive behind perversion. False teachers speak "perverse things" for the express purpose **to draw away** disciples after them [[Acts 20:30]].
* `{{G2190}}` **echthrós** (an adversary (especially Satan)): Paul identifies the one who perverts the ways of the Lord as an "**enemy** of all righteousness," showing that such actions are a form of active hostility toward God [[Acts 13:10]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1294}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating a core element of spiritual conflict.
* **Active Opposition to God:** The word describes a deliberate effort to corrupt what is good. Elymas the sorcerer is not simply mistaken; he is actively seeking "to pervert the right ways of the Lord" and is called an "enemy of all righteousness" [[Acts 13:10]].
* **A Characteristic of Faithlessness:** Jesus's joining of "faithless" and "perverse" suggests that a generation that rejects faith is inherently distorted and turned aside from the truth [[Matthew 17:17]].
* **The Nature of False Teaching:** Perversion is the primary tool of those who wish to mislead. Paul warns that men will arise from among the believers themselves "speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" [[Acts 20:30]].
* **The World's Condition:** Believers are described as shining like lights in the midst of a "crooked and perverse nation" [[Philippians 2:15]]. This establishes perversion as the default moral state of a world alienated from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1294}}` signifies much more than a simple error. It denotes a willful distortion of truth, a corruption of morality, and a turning away from the straight path of God. From the characterization of a whole generation to the specific actions of false teachers, **diastréphō** highlights a conscious opposition to divine truth and righteousness, making it a critical term for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare and deception in the New Testament.
TRV