### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dólios**, represented by `{{G1386}}`, is a term for **guileful** or **deceitful**. Derived from δόλος, its meaning is specific and pointed. According to usage statistics, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text, making its single appearance highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G1386}}` is found in [[2 Corinthians 11:13]], where it describes false apostles. In this verse, such individuals are labeled as "**deceitful** workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." The word directly modifies "workers," indicating that their labor or ministry is characterized by guile and intentional misrepresentation, rather than genuine service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{G1386}}` is illuminated by the words used alongside it:
* `{{G5570}}` **pseudapóstolos** (a spurious apostle, i.e. pretended pracher:--false teacher): This term appears in the same verse and identifies the subject of the deception. These are not true apostles but impostors who are only pretending [[2 Corinthians 11:13]].
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (a toiler; figuratively, a teacher:--labourer, worker(-men)): This word for "worker" is qualified by **dólios**. While a true **ergátēs** can be a "workman that needeth not to be ashamed" [[2 Timothy 2:15]] or a laborer in God's harvest [[Matthew 9:37]], the use of **dólios** marks these specific workers as evil [[Philippians 3:2]] and false.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1386}}` is concentrated in its warning against spiritual imposture.
* **Identifying False Teachers:** The word is a key descriptor for identifying false leaders. It specifies that their danger lies in their **deceitful** nature, as they are `{{G5570}}` "false apostles" who actively work to mislead [[2 Corinthians 11:13]].
* **The Nature of Spiritual Work:** By describing "workers" as **deceitful**, the term contrasts corrupt spiritual labor with genuine service. A true "labourer" is worthy of his reward [[1 Timothy 5:18]], but a **deceitful** one operates under a pretense.
* **Appearance of Righteousness:** The surrounding phrase "transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" [[2 Corinthians 11:13]] shows that the deceit is an active masquerade. The word `{{G1386}}` highlights the intentional, guileful effort to appear legitimate while being fundamentally false.
### Summary
In summary, **dólios** `{{G1386}}` is a sharply focused term for deceit. Though it appears only once, its placement in [[2 Corinthians 11:13]] provides a critical theological warning. It defines the character of false apostles as not merely mistaken, but as guileful workers who intentionally counterfeit the work of Christ's true apostles. The word serves as a permanent caution against those who masquerade as servants of God.
TRV