Word Study for G538 (ἀπατάω)

apatáō /ap-at-ah'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootof uncertain derivation

Meaningto cheat, i.e. delude

KJV usagedeceive.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of apatáō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word apatáō, represented by G538, carries the meaning to cheat or delude. Of uncertain derivation, this term is used to describe the act of deceiving. It appears 6 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its specific application in contexts of spiritual and personal delusion.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its scriptural occurrences, G538 is used to warn against various forms of deception. It is a caution against being led astray by "vain words," which provoke the wrath of God Ephesians 5:6. The word also describes a state of self-delusion, where an individual may seem religious but fails to control their tongue, thereby deceiving their own heart and rendering their religion vain James 1:26. In a foundational context, it is noted that Adam was not deceived, but the woman, "being deceived," fell into transgression 1 Timothy 2:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the nature and consequences of the deception described by G538:

G1380 dokéō (to think; by implication, to seem): This word is used in connection with self-deception, where a man may seem to be religious while actually deceiving his heart James 1:26.
G2756 kenós (empty (literally or figuratively)): Deception is often carried out through vain or empty words, highlighting the hollow nature of the arguments used to mislead Ephesians 5:6.
G3847 parábasis (violation:--breaking, transgression): This term points to the direct result of being deceived. In 1 Timothy 2:14, being deceived led directly to being "in the transgression."

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G538 is significant, underscoring the dangers of being deluded.

Internal vs. External Religion: The use of G538 in James 1:26 draws a sharp distinction between the outward appearance of religion and the internal reality of a deceived heart, emphasizing that true faith requires control and sincerity, not just seeming to be devout.
The Danger of False Doctrine: In Ephesians 5:6, the word serves as a direct warning against being misled by hollow teachings. This deception through "vain words" is presented as a serious offense that incurs divine judgment.
Deception as a Prelude to Sin: The account in 1 Timothy 2:14 establishes a pattern where being deceived is the critical step that leads to transgression. It links the act of delusion to the entrance of sin and its consequences.

Summary

In summary, G538 is a potent term that defines more than simple trickery. It illustrates the grave spiritual danger of delusion, whether it is self-inflicted through a lack of self-control James 1:26, imposed by others through empty speech Ephesians 5:6, or foundational to humanity's fall into transgression 1 Timothy 2:14. The word serves as a biblical caution to guard the heart and mind against being cheated of the truth.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 4 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
Present Active Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Ephesians, 1 Timothy, and James (1 verse each); never once in the other 24.

Ephesians

1 Timothy

James

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.