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.
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.
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.
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.
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