### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **plánē**, represented by `{{G4106}}`, denotes **error, deceit, or delusion**. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition describes both objective **fraudulence** and a subjective **straying from orthodoxy or piety**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4106}}` is used to describe a departure from truth and righteousness. It is set in direct opposition to the truth, as seen in the distinction between "the spirit of truth, and the spirit of **error**" [[1 John 4:6]]. The term serves as a warning against being influenced by false teachers, lest believers be "led away with the **error** of the wicked" [[2 Peter 3:17]]. It can also refer to the consequences of sin, such as receiving the "recompence of their **error**" for those working "that which is unseemly" [[Romans 1:27]]. In a notable act of divine judgment, God sends a "strong **delusion**" to those who reject the truth [[2 Thessalonians 2:11]], and the chief priests feared a "last **error**" concerning the resurrection that would be worse than the first [[Matthew 27:64]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of straying from truth:
* `{{G1388}}` **dólos** (guile): This word means "a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile." It is used alongside `{{G4106}}` to clarify that an exhortation was not of **deceit** or in **guile** [[1 Thessalonians 2:3]].
* `{{G5579}}` **pseûdos** (a falsehood): This term for a "lie, lying" is the object of the **delusion** `{{G4106}}` sent by God, causing people to believe a **lie** [[2 Thessalonians 2:11]].
* `{{G4879}}` **synapágō** (to take off together): Meaning "to seduce, passively, yield," this verb describes the danger of being "led away with" the **error** of the wicked [[2 Peter 3:17]].
* `{{G1185}}` **deleázō** (to entrap): Defined as to "allure, beguile, entice," this describes the method used by those who live in **error** to **allure** others through the lusts of the flesh [[2 Peter 2:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4106}}` is significant, highlighting the dangers of departing from God's truth.
* **Departure from Orthodoxy:** The word fundamentally marks a straying from divine truth. It is used to differentiate between the "spirit of truth" and the "spirit of **error**" [[1 John 4:6]] and to caution against being carried about by every wind of doctrine [[Ephesians 4:14]].
* **Moral and Spiritual Corruption:** `{{G4106}}` is closely tied to sinful behavior. It is linked to the **error** of Balaam, who ran greedily for reward [[Jude 1:11]], and to those who received in themselves the recompence of their **error** for their unseemly acts [[Romans 1:27]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The term is used to describe divine judgment where God sends a "strong **delusion**" upon those who do not believe the truth, leading them into falsehood [[2 Thessalonians 2:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4106}}` is not about a simple mistake but signifies a serious deviation from divine truth and piety. It encompasses active **deceit** and **fraudulence**, as well as the state of being in **delusion** or **error**. From the cunning craftiness of false teachers [[Ephesians 4:14]] to the final judgment on those who believe a lie [[2 Thessalonians 2:11]], **plánē** serves as a critical biblical warning about the consequences of abandoning orthodoxy.
TRV