from an obsolete primary verb, (probably meaning to decoy; compare δελεάζω); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile:--craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.
Transliteration:dólos
Pronunciation:dol'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`) is derived from an obsolete primary verb likely meaning "to decoy," and is closely related to δελεάζω (deleazō, "to bait, entice"). At its core, δόλος signifies a "trick" or "bait," extending semantically to "wile," "craft," "deceit," "guile," or "subtlety." It denotes a deliberate, cunning act of deception, often with the intention of ensnaring or misleading someone for personal gain or malicious purpose. Unlike a simple error or misunderstanding, δόλος implies a calculated, insidious design, a hidden trap laid with malevolent intent. It speaks to the treacherous manipulation of truth or trust, often involving duplicity or insincerity. The nuance of "bait" suggests an attractive lure that conceals a dangerous snare, highlighting the deceptive and destructive nature of the act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`) appears frequently in the New Testament, consistently carrying its negative connotation of deceit and treachery.
One of its most significant occurrences is in the description of Jesus Christ: "He committed no sin, nor was any deceit [δόλος] found in his mouth" [[1 Peter 2:22]], a direct quotation from [[Isaiah 53:9]] (LXX). This verse profoundly contrasts Christ's perfect integrity with the pervasive deceit of humanity, establishing Him as the supreme example of truth and transparency. Similarly, Nathanael is commended by Jesus as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile [δόλος]!" [[John 1:47]], indicating that freedom from deceit is a highly valued characteristic.
Conversely, δόλος is often attributed to those who oppose God and His truth. The chief priests and scribes sought to seize Jesus "by cunning [δόλος] and kill him" [[Mark 14:1]] (cf. [[Matthew 26:4]]), illustrating their treacherous and underhanded methods. Paul, in defending the integrity of his ministry, asserts that their "exhortation did not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit [δόλος]" [[1 Thessalonians 2:3]], distinguishing his genuine proclamation from the deceptive practices of false teachers. He further warns against being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes [δόλος]" [[Ephesians 4:14]], highlighting the destructive power of deceptive teachings within the church.
The term also appears in lists of vices that believers are called to renounce. Peter exhorts believers to "rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit [δόλος] and hypocrisy and envy and all slander" [[1 Peter 2:1]], placing δόλος alongside other grave moral failures that are antithetical to Christian living. This underscores that deceit is not merely an external act but an internal disposition that must be purged.
### Related Words & Concepts
δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`) is intricately connected to a network of terms and concepts in the biblical lexicon, both in Greek and Hebrew.
**Greek Equivalents/Related Terms:**
* **ἀπάτη (apatē, `{{G538}}`):** Often translated "deceit" or "delusion," apatē emphasizes the misleading or delusive aspect, often leading to error or spiritual blindness. While δόλος focuses on the cunning act, apatē highlights the resulting deception.
* **μεθοδεία (methodeia, `{{G3180}}`):** Meaning "schemes" or "wiles," particularly used for the devil's tactics ([[Ephesians 6:11]]), this term points to the strategic and systematic nature of deception, aligning with the calculated aspect of δόλος.
* **ψευδός (pseudos, `{{G5579}}`):** "Falsehood" or "lie," focusing on the untruth itself. δόλος is the *means* by which pseudos is often propagated.
* **ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis, `{{G5272}}`):** "Hypocrisy," which involves a pretense or acting a part, is a form of deceit closely related to δόλος, as it involves presenting a false persona.
**Hebrew Conceptual Equivalents (from the Old Testament, often translated by δόλος in the Septuagint):**
* **מִרְמָה (mirmah, `{{H4820}}`):** "Deceit," "treachery," "fraud." This term, like δόλος, often describes the cunning and treacherous actions of individuals ([[Psalm 5:6]]) or the deceitfulness of the heart ([[Jeremiah 17:9]]).
* **רְמִיָּה (remiyah, `{{H7423}}`):** "Deceit," "fraud," "negligence." It carries a similar sense of untrustworthiness and cunning.
**Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:**
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`):** "Truth," the direct antithesis of deceit.
* **ἁπλότης (haplotēs, `{{G572}}`):** "Sincerity," "simplicity," "generosity," implying an absence of duplicity.
* **εἰλικρίνεια (eilikrineia, `{{G1505}}`):** "Purity," "sincerity," "transparency."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`) is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the character of Christ, the essence of sin, and the call to holiness for believers.
Firstly, δόλος stands in stark contrast to the very nature of God. God is truth ([[John 14:6]]), light ([[1 John 1:5]]), and utterly without deceit or falsehood. Any form of δόλος is therefore an affront to His character and a manifestation of rebellion against His divine order.
Secondly, the sinless perfection of Jesus Christ is underscored by the absence of δόλος in His mouth ([[1 Peter 2:22]]). This highlights His complete integrity, His unwavering commitment to truth, and His unblemished purity. Christ's life is the ultimate embodiment of transparency and sincerity, offering a radical alternative to the world's pervasive deceit. He did not manipulate or trick, but spoke and acted with divine authority and truth.
Thirdly, δόλος is consistently presented as a characteristic of fallen humanity and a tool of spiritual evil. It is a fundamental aspect of the "old self" that believers are called to put off ([[Colossians 3:9]]). The devil himself is the "father of lies" ([[John 8:44]]), and his methods often involve cunning and deceitful schemes ([[Ephesians 6:11]]). Those who practice δόλος are often associated with the unrighteous and are subject to divine judgment.
Finally, for the believer, the renunciation of δόλος is a crucial aspect of sanctification and a mark of genuine faith. To live "without guile" is to reflect the character of Christ and to walk in integrity before God and humanity. This involves cultivating honesty, transparency, and sincerity in all interactions, resisting the temptation to manipulate or deceive for personal gain or advantage. It is a call to align one's inner disposition with the truth of the Gospel.
### Summary
δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`) denotes a deliberate, insidious act of deception, a cunning trick or bait designed to ensnare. It carries the strong connotation of treachery, duplicity, and calculated manipulation. Biblically, δόλος is consistently portrayed as antithetical to the character of God and the perfect integrity of Jesus Christ, in whose mouth no guile was found. It is a prominent feature of the fallen human condition and a primary tactic employed by spiritual forces of evil and false teachers. Believers are exhorted to divest themselves of all δόλος, embracing truth, sincerity, and transparency as essential marks of their new life in Christ. The presence of δόλος signifies a departure from divine truth and righteousness, while its absence is a commendable virtue reflecting spiritual purity and alignment with God's nature.
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