Brief Overview of γόης (G1114: goēs)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γόης (transliterated as goēs and pronounced as “go-ace”) carries the connotation of a sorcerer, magician, or deceiver. It originates from a root meaning “to wail or chant,” which reflects the idea of someone who practices incantations or spells. In the classical and biblical context, a goēs is typically associated with one who uses deceptive practices, often through the manipulation of spiritual or mystical forces, to lead others astray or to achieve personal gain.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, γόης is discussed with a focus on its negative connotations. BDAG describes the term as one who practices magic or deception, often with the intent to mislead. Thayer’s similarly notes the word’s association with sorcery and trickery, emphasizing its usage in a derogatory sense. Strong’s Concordance points out that the word is derived from the Greek verb goēteuō, meaning to charm or bewitch, thus reinforcing the idea of deceit.

The word γόης appears in the New Testament, specifically in 2 Timothy 3:13, where it describes individuals who are “impostors” or “deceivers,” engaging in evil practices and leading others astray while themselves being deceived. This usage highlights the moral and spiritual dangers associated with such individuals, portraying them as both perpetrators and victims of deception.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, the term γόης was often used to describe individuals who practiced forms of sorcery or magic, usually with malevolent intentions. For example, in the writings of Plato, the term is used to refer to those who employ spells and incantations to deceive the masses. Similarly, the poet Homer uses the term to describe individuals who manipulate spiritual forces through cunning and deceit. In the tragedies of Euripides, goēs is employed to depict characters who engage in magical practices, often leading to disastrous outcomes.

These classical references to γόης consistently emphasize the word’s association with deception and manipulation, whether through magical means or rhetorical trickery.

Summary:
The term γόης (G1114), transliterated as goēs, refers to a sorcerer, magician, or deceiver, one who engages in deceptive practices often involving incantations or spiritual manipulation. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s Concordance highlight the word’s negative connotations, portraying goēs as someone who leads others astray while being deceived themselves. The word appears in 2 Timothy 3:13, where it is used to describe deceptive individuals involved in evil practices. In classical Greek literature, goēs was associated with those who practiced sorcery or used cunning to manipulate others, often resulting in moral and spiritual corruption. The consistent theme across these references is the association of goēs with deceit, making it a term that warns against the dangers of such individuals.