Brief Overview of δολόω (G1389: dolóō)

• δολόω (dolóō) [do-LOH-oh]
• Etymology: The verb δολόω (dolóō) is derived from the noun δόλος (dólos), which means “deceit” or “guile.” The root conveys the idea of crafting or shaping something with deceitful intent.
• Part of Speech: Verb.
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Primary Meanings

• To Deceive: The primary meaning of δολόω (dolóō) is “to deceive” or “to ensnare.” It carries the sense of misleading someone through crafty or deceptive means.
• To Falsify: Another significant meaning is “to falsify” or “to adulterate.” This use implies the act of corrupting something, often to mislead or deceive others about its true nature.
• To Distort: The verb can also mean “to distort” or “to tamper with,” particularly in the context of altering something to fit a deceitful agenda.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The verb δολόω (dolóō) is directly related to the noun δόλος (dólos), retaining its connotation of deceit. As a verb, it describes the active process of engaging in deceitful behavior.
• Usage in Context: The verb is often used in contexts where the act of deception is deliberate and premeditated. It involves not just lying, but the intentional manipulation or distortion of facts or truths.
• Connotation: Like its noun form, δολόω (dolóō) carries a negative connotation, often associated with moral and ethical corruption.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: This lexicon defines δολόω (dolóō) as “to deceive” or “to corrupt,” highlighting its use in contexts where something is intentionally altered or falsified to mislead others.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s notes that δολόω (dolóō) refers to the act of adulterating or corrupting something, particularly with the intention of deceiving. It is used in the New Testament to describe deceitful behavior.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ includes δολόω (dolóō) under the entry for δόλος, emphasizing the verb’s role in the action of deception or trickery.
• Scripture References:
• 2 Corinthians 4:2: “But we have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully (δολόω); but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
• Acts 13:10: “And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert (δολόω) the right ways of the Lord?”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Plato, Republic: In discussions about justice and the nature of truth, δολόω (dolóō) is used to describe the act of twisting or distorting words or concepts to deceive.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses the term to describe the deceitful tactics of political leaders who alter the truth to suit their own ends.
• Homer, Odyssey: In the Odyssey, δολόω (dolóō) is employed to depict the cunning and deceitful actions of characters who seek to manipulate others through falsified words or promises.

Summary of δολόω (G1389: dolóō)

The Greek verb δολόω (dolóō), transliterated as dolóō and pronounced [do-LOH-oh], primarily means “to deceive,” “to falsify,” or “to distort.” Derived from the noun dólos, which denotes “deceit,” this verb encapsulates the action of engaging in deceitful behavior, particularly by altering or manipulating information to mislead others. The word appears in both biblical and classical Greek texts, often with a strong negative connotation, associated with moral corruption and dishonesty. Whether in the context of Scripture or ancient literature, dolóō highlights the active process of deception and its impact on truth and righteousness.