Brief Overview of πεισμονή (Strong’s G3988: peismonē)

Strong’s G3988: From πείθω; persuasion, especially in a negative sense of being influenced against truth. In NT context, refers to false persuasion leading believers away from gospel truth. Used uniquely in Galatians to warn against deceptive teaching undermining faith in Christ’s sufficiency.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πεισμονή represents persuasion that leads away from truth, particularly in context of false teaching. In Galatians, Paul uses it to address influences drawing believers away from gospel freedom. Early church writers employed it to warn against heretical teachings. Today, it reminds us to discern between true and false spiritual persuasion.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πεισμονή, peismonē, [pays-mo-NAY]
• Detailed pronunciation: pays-mo-NAY (emphasis on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πείθω (to persuade)
• Suffix: -μονή (forms abstract noun)
• Indicates state or result of persuasion

D – Defining Meanings

• False persuasion
• Misleading influence
• Deceptive conviction

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived noun

Translation Options:

• Persuasion – Neutral translation
• False influence – Contextual meaning
• Deceptive teaching – Interpretive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πειθώ [peithō, pay-THO] – persuasion generally
• ἀπάτη [apatē, a-PA-tay] – deception
• πλάνη [planē, PLA-nay] – error, wandering

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First Declension
• Feminine Gender
• Nominative: πεισμονή
• Genitive: πεισμονῆς
• Dative: πεισμονῇ
• Accusative: πεισμονήν
• Cross-references: πείθω (to persuade)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes negative connotation. Thayer’s notes contrast with true gospel. LSJ traces rhetorical usage. Vine’s highlights its unique NT occurrence. Moulton and Milligan show rare usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“This persuasion [πεισμονή] does not come from Him who calls you.” (Galatians 5:8)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πεισμονή warns us about influences that draw us from gospel truth. Christ’s sufficiency challenges all persuasions that add to or subtract from His finished work. This encourages believers to stay grounded in pure gospel truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. Rare word even in classical Greek
2. Became technical term in early church heresy discussions
3. Influenced development of Christian apologetics

Strong’s G3988: From πείθω; persuasion, especially in a negative sense of being influenced against truth. In NT context, refers to false persuasion leading believers away from gospel truth. Used uniquely in Galatians to warn against deceptive teaching undermining faith in Christ’s sufficiency.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #FalseTeaching #Persuasion #Deception #GospelTruth #Galatians #Discernment #HereticTeaching #Influence #PaulEpistles #BiblicalWarning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​