### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
* **Lemma:** δολιόω (dolióō)
* **Transliteration:** dolióō
* **Base Definition:** "to be guileful," "to use deceit."
* **Etymology:** This verb is derived from the adjective δόλιος (dolios, `{{G1389}}`), which itself stems from the noun δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`). The root δόλος carries the primary meaning of "bait," "trap," "cunning," "deceit," or "guile."
* **Semantic Range:** δολιόω signifies the active practice of deceit. It implies not merely possessing a deceitful character, but engaging in deliberate, cunning, and often insidious actions designed to mislead, ensnare, or harm. The emphasis is on the *employment* of trickery and artifice, often with a hidden, malicious intent. It goes beyond simple falsehood to denote a strategic and manipulative form of deception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb δολιόω (dolióō) appears only once in the New Testament, within a crucial theological argument by the Apostle Paul.
* **Romans 3:13:** "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit (ἐδολιοῦσαν)."
* This verse is part of a series of Old Testament quotations (a "catena") compiled by Paul in [[Romans 3:10-18]] to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Jew and Gentile. Paul is building a case for the necessity of God's righteousness apart from the law.
* The phrase "with their tongues they have used deceit" (ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν) is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Psalm 5:9]] (LXX Psalm 5:10). In its original context, the psalmist laments the wickedness of his enemies, whose words are likened to an "open sepulchre," signifying their putrid, death-dealing nature. Their speech is not merely false but actively destructive and treacherous.
* In Paul's argument, the use of δολιόω highlights the pervasive corruption of human communication. The "tongues" are instruments through which the inner depravity of the "throat" (representing the source of speech and, metaphorically, the heart) manifests. The imperfect tense (ἐδολιοῦσαν) in the Greek suggests a habitual or continuous practice of deceit, underscoring that this is a characteristic, not an isolated incident, of fallen humanity. This active, cunning deception is presented as a fundamental aspect of the human condition apart from divine grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`):** The noun from which δολιόω is derived, meaning "deceit," "guile," "trickery." This noun is much more common in the New Testament, appearing in contexts like the absence of guile in Nathanael ([[John 1:47]]), the deceitfulness of false teachers ([[2 Peter 2:3]]), or the deceitfulness of sin ([[Hebrews 3:13]]). Understanding the noun's broad application helps illuminate the active nature of the verb.
* **δόλιος (dolios, `{{G1389}}`):** The adjective, meaning "deceitful," "guileful," "treacherous." It directly describes the quality of being prone to or characterized by deceit.
* **ἀπάτη (apatē, `{{G539}}`):** "Deceit," "deception," "delusion." While similar, ἀπάτη often refers to the act or result of deceiving, or even the state of being deceived. δολιόω, by contrast, emphasizes the *active employment* of cunning methods.
* **ψεύδομαι (pseudomai, `{{G5574}}`):** "To lie," "to speak falsely." Lying is a component of deceit, but δολιόω suggests a more intricate, strategic, and often hidden form of manipulation than a simple spoken falsehood.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`):** "Covetousness," "greed." Often linked with deceit, as greed frequently motivates deceptive practices ([[Ephesians 4:19]]).
* **Old Testament Counterparts:** In the Septuagint (LXX), δολιόω frequently translates Hebrew terms such as מִרְמָה (mirmah, `{{H4820}}`), meaning "deceit," "treachery," or עָוֶל (avel, `{{H5766}}`), "iniquity," "wrongdoing," particularly when these terms are associated with the malicious and deceptive use of speech or actions. The direct quotation in [[Romans 3:13]] from [[Psalm 5:9]] (LXX 5:10) exemplifies this connection.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular appearance, the theological weight of δολιόω in [[Romans 3:13]] is profound, as it forms a critical part of Paul's foundational argument for human sinfulness and the necessity of grace.
* **Universal Depravity:** The inclusion of δολιόω in Paul's comprehensive indictment of humanity underscores the pervasive nature of sin. It is not merely that individuals occasionally falter, but that an active, insidious deceit is a deep-seated characteristic of the unredeemed human heart. The "throat" and "tongue" symbolize the outward manifestation of an inward corruption that taints human interaction and communication.
* **The Nature of Sin:** δολιόω reveals sin as more than a mere transgression of a rule; it is an active perversion of truth, integrity, and genuine relationship. Deceit, by its very nature, seeks to obscure reality, manipulate others, and ultimately sow discord and destruction. This reflects the character of the "father of lies" ([[John 8:44]]), highlighting the spiritual battle against deception.
* **The Need for Redemption:** The bleak depiction of humanity's propensity for δολιόω emphasizes the utter inability of humanity to save itself through its own efforts or adherence to law. If deceit is so deeply ingrained, then only a radical, divine intervention can bring about transformation. This sets the stage for Paul's exposition of justification by faith in Christ, through which God's righteousness is imputed, cleansing the heart from such pervasive guile.
* **Contrast with Christ:** The active practice of δολιόω stands in stark contrast to the character of Jesus Christ. As [[1 Peter 2:22]] states, quoting [[Isaiah 53:9]], "who committed no sin, nor was any deceit (δόλος, `{{G1388}}`) found in His mouth." Christ's perfect truthfulness and absence of guile mark Him as the righteous one, uniquely qualified to atone for the sins of a humanity steeped in deceit.
### Summary
The Greek verb δολιόω (G1387), meaning "to use deceit" or "to be guileful," is rooted in the concept of cunning trickery. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Romans 3:13]], quoting [[Psalm 5:9]] (LXX), is strategically placed by Paul to highlight the universal and habitual practice of deceit by fallen humanity. This active, cunning use of the tongue for malicious purposes underscores the pervasive corruption of the human heart. Theologically, δολιόω serves as a powerful testament to humanity's deep-seated depravity, emphasizing that sin is an active perversion of truth that necessitates divine redemption. It further contrasts sharply with the perfect truthfulness and integrity of Jesus Christ, who alone is free from all guile and capable of delivering humanity from its bondage to deceit.
TRV