Brief Overview of δολιόω (G1387: dolióō)

• δολιόω (dolióō) [do-lee-OH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word δόλιος (dólios), which means “deceitful” or “cunning.” The verb form dolióō implies the act of deceiving or leading astray through trickery.
• Part of Speech: Verb.
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Primary Meanings

• To Deceive: The primary meaning of dolióō is “to deceive” or “to lead astray.” It emphasizes the action of causing someone to believe something false, often with the intent to mislead or betray.
• To Beguile: Another related meaning is “to beguile,” which involves charming or enchanting someone in a deceptive way.
• To Corrupt: The verb can also convey the idea of corrupting or misleading someone, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The verb dolióō is formed from the adjective dólios (deceitful) by adding the verb-forming suffix “-όω.” This suffix indicates an action or process, transforming the adjective into a verb that denotes the act of deceit.
• Usage in Context: Dolióō is used in contexts where the act of deceiving or misleading is emphasized. It reflects the deliberate action of causing someone to believe something that is untrue.
• Negative Connotation: The verb carries a strong negative connotation, indicating intentional deceit or trickery. It is often used in moral or ethical discussions to describe actions that are dishonest or underhanded.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: The lexicon defines dolióō as “to deceive” or “to ensnare.” It highlights the verb’s usage in contexts where deceit is a central theme, particularly in relation to moral or ethical conduct.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s defines dolióō as “to deceive” or “to beguile,” emphasizing the act of leading someone astray through deceitful means. The lexicon also notes its association with negative moral behavior.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists dolióō as “to ensnare” or “to deceive,” focusing on the action of misleading or tricking someone. It connects the verb to its root dólios (deceitful).
• Scripture References:
• Psalm 119:110 (LXX): “The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.”
• Jeremiah 9:8 (LXX): “Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully (dolióō): with his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he lays his ambush.”
• Job 15:35 (LXX): “They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepares deceit (dolióō).”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Homer, Iliad: In the context of the Iliad, dolióō is used to describe the deceitful strategies employed by characters during warfare, reflecting the cunning nature of their actions.
• Euripides, Medea: The verb appears in Medea to describe the deceitful actions of characters who manipulate others for their own gain, highlighting the theme of betrayal in the play.
• Herodotus, Histories: Dolióō is used by Herodotus to describe the deceptive tactics employed by political figures to achieve their goals, emphasizing the negative consequences of deceit.

Summary of δολιόω (G1387: dolióō)

The Greek verb δολιόω (dolióō), transliterated as dolióō and pronounced [do-lee-OH-oh], means “to deceive” or “to beguile.” Derived from the adjective dólios (deceitful), dolióō emphasizes the action of deceiving or leading someone astray through trickery or falsehood. This verb is used in the Septuagint to describe deceitful actions and is often associated with negative moral behavior. In classical Greek literature, dolióō appears in works such as the Iliad, Medea, and Histories, where it describes the cunning or deceitful strategies of characters. The verb carries a strong negative connotation, underscoring the deliberate and harmful nature of deceitful actions.