Brief Overview of δελεάζω (G1185: deleázō)

Deleázō (pronounced deh-leh-AH-zoh) is a Greek verb that carries the meaning of “enticing” or “luring.” It is derived from the root word δέλεαρ (délear), which means “bait” or “lure.” The verb is often used in contexts that imply deception or trickery, where someone or something is drawn in by an enticing but potentially harmful or deceptive offer.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: δέλεαρ (délear), meaning “bait” or “lure.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.

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Primary Meanings:

• To Entice or Lure: The primary meaning of δελεάζω is to attract or tempt someone by offering something appealing. It implies the use of bait or an allure that captures attention, often with deceptive or harmful intent.
• To Deceive: In certain contexts, the word can also imply deceiving someone by leading them into a trap or harmful situation through enticing means.

Scripture References

1. James 1:14: “But each person is tempted when he is lured (δελεάζω, deleázō) and enticed by his own desire.”

• Transliteration: deleázō

1. 2 Peter 2:14: “They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice (δελεάζω, deleázō) unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!”

• Transliteration: deleázō

1. 2 Peter 2:18: “For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice (δελεάζω, deleázō) by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.”

• Transliteration: deleázō

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Early Christian Literature) defines δελεάζω as “to entice, lure, or bait.” The lexicon emphasizes that the word carries connotations of leading someone into a trap through attractive but deceptive means. BDAG highlights the verb’s usage in contexts where temptation or deceit is involved, often leading to moral or spiritual downfall.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes δελεάζω as “to beguile or entice.” Thayer’s notes that the word is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe how individuals are drawn into sin or error through deceptive enticements. It emphasizes the word’s connotation of deceit and trickery.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports this definition by noting that δελεάζω is used in contexts of temptation, where individuals are lured away from righteousness through deceitful means. Vine’s highlights that the verb is often associated with moral and spiritual deception.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δελεάζω as “to lure” or “to entice,” focusing on its application in leading someone into a trap or deceptive situation.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Odyssey”: In this epic, the concept of luring or enticing is a common theme, particularly in the encounters with the Sirens, who use their enchanting songs to lure sailors to their doom. Although δελεάζω is not explicitly used, the idea of deceptive enticement is central to the narrative.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus often describes scenarios where individuals are lured into traps or deceived by promises of wealth or power. The theme of enticing someone into a harmful situation reflects the use of δελεάζω in later literature.
3. Sophocles’ “Antigone”: In this tragedy, characters are often enticed by promises of power or safety, leading to their downfall. While δελεάζω is not used, the concept of being lured into error through deceit is a key element of the plot.

Summary

Deleázō (G1185) is a Greek verb meaning “to entice” or “to lure,” derived from the root δέλεαρ (délear), meaning “bait” or “lure.” It is used to describe the act of attracting someone by offering something appealing, often with deceptive or harmful intentions. In the New Testament, δελεάζω appears in contexts where individuals are led into sin or error through temptation and deceit. The word’s connotations of trickery and deception are reflected in classical Greek literature, where similar themes of enticement and moral downfall are prevalent. The verb plays a significant role in understanding the dynamics of temptation and the consequences of being lured into harmful situations.