Brief Overview of ἀπάτη (Strong’s G539)

The Greek word ἀπάτη (apate) is a noun that means “deception” or “trickery.” It refers to the act or state of deceiving someone or misleading them through falsehood or trickery. The term is used to describe situations where someone is led to believe something that is not true, often involving deliberate deceit or cunning.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπάτη as “deception” or “trickery.” This definition highlights the term’s focus on the act of deceiving or misleading others. Strong’s provides a basic understanding of ἀπάτη as related to the concept of deceitful actions or falsehood.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG describes ἀπάτη as “deception” or “delusion.” It elaborates that the term involves the state of being deceived or the process of deceiving someone. BDAG notes that ἀπάτη can refer to both the act of deceiving and the result of such deception, emphasizing its application in contexts of trickery and misleading behavior.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀπάτη as “deception” or “trickery,” with a focus on its use in contexts where someone is intentionally misled. The lexicon highlights that ἀπάτη involves an element of deceit that affects a person’s perception or understanding, leading them to believe false information.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s explains ἀπάτη as “deception,” “delusion,” or “fraud.” It emphasizes that the term is used to describe the act of deceiving someone or the state of being deceived. Thayer’s notes that ἀπάτη is related to actions or schemes designed to mislead and trick individuals into believing falsehoods.

In summary, ἀπάτη (apate) means “deception” or “trickery,” referring to both the act of deceiving and the state of being deceived. Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s provide a comprehensive understanding of the term, illustrating its application in contexts involving deceit and misleading actions.