### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **planáō**, represented by `{{G4105}}`, describes the act of roaming from safety, truth, or virtue. It appears **51 times** across **37 unique verses** and carries meanings such as to go astray, deceive, err, seduce, or wander. This term covers a range of scenarios, from a sheep wandering from its flock to deliberate spiritual deception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4105}}` is used to illustrate several forms of deviation from truth. It is used to depict a state of being lost, as seen in the parable of the lost sheep that has **gone astray** [[Matthew 18:12]]. It also serves as a direct warning against being **deceived** by false teachers and prophets who will arise and **deceive** many ([[Matthew 24:5]], 11). The ultimate source of this deception is identified as Satan, the great **dragon** who **deceiveth** the whole world [[Revelation 12:9]]. The term also describes erring due to ignorance of the scriptures and the power of God [[Matthew 22:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the concepts of deception and false teaching:
* `{{G5578}}` **pseudoprophḗtēs** (false prophet): This term identifies a spurious or pretended religious impostor. False prophets arise to **shew** great signs and wonders in order to **deceive** [[Matthew 24:24]].
* `{{G5580}}` **pseudóchristos** (false Christ): A spurious Messiah. These figures will also arise alongside false prophets to **deceive** even the elect, if possible [[Matthew 24:24]].
* `{{G1228}}` **diábolos** (devil): This word refers to Satan, the ultimate traducer and false accuser. He is the one who **deceived** the nations and was cast into the lake of fire [[Revelation 20:10]].
* `{{G1114}}` **góēs** (seducer): An imposter or wizard. Evil men and **seducers** will become worse and worse, **deceiving** and being **deceived** [[2 Timothy 3:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4105}}` is significant, highlighting the constant danger of straying from divine truth.
* **Spiritual Wandering:** Believers are described as having been like **sheep** **going astray** before returning to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, illustrating a natural state of being lost without divine guidance [[1 Peter 2:25]].
* **Active Deception:** Scripture repeatedly warns of active agents of deception. This includes false prophets who rise to **deceive** many [[Matthew 24:11]] and figures like **Jezebel**, who teaches and **seduces** God's servants [[Revelation 2:20]].
* **Internal and Self-Deception:** The danger of being led astray is not only external. Scripture warns that if we claim to have no sin, we **deceive** ourselves and the truth is not in us [[1 John 1:8]].
* **The Root of Error:** A primary cause of error is a failure to understand scripture. Jesus states, "Ye do **err**, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" [[Matthew 22:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4105}}` is a critical term that encompasses more than simple wandering. It functions as a solemn warning about the various ways one can be led away from truth and virtue, whether through ignorance, the influence of false teachers, self-deception, or the ultimate deception of Satan. It underscores the necessity of remaining vigilant and grounded in the knowledge of God and His word.
TRV