δολόω
dolóō
G1389 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To deceive, to act with guile or cunning, to distort or adulterate; primarily, to use deceit or trickery in speech or behavior, and by extension, to tamper with, misrepresent, or falsify something, particularly in contexts involving integrity or authenticity (e.g., texts, teachings, or intentions). The term can signify both overtly deceptive actions and more subtle forms of manipulation or alteration, especially with regards to truth or purity.
Semantic Range
to act deceitfully, to deceive, to adulterate, to falsify, to misrepresent, to corrupt, to handle something in a crafty or insidious manner
Root / Etymology
From δόλος ('bait, snare, deceit'), with the verbal suffix -όω, forming a denominative verb. The root δολ- is related to cunning or craftiness in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
δολόω is rare in classical Greek, but attested in Koine Greek, notably in the Septuagint and New Testament. In earlier Greek, related words like δόλος primarily refer to literal baiting or trapping (e.g., in hunting or warfare), and then extend to cunning and deceit. In Koine usage, δολόω moves from physical deceit to more abstract senses, such as adulterating or corrupting the integrity of something (particularly speech, doctrine, or text). In 2 Corinthians 4:2, for example, Paul uses it to describe 'tampering with' or 'adulterating' the message in a way that distorts its original truth or intent. English translations may render it as 'act deceitfully', 'adulterate', or 'falsify', but the word encompasses both personal guile and the falsification of a thing's integrity. The verb stands in contrast to εἰλικρινής ('pure, sincere') and ἀδόλος ('without deceit'). Not used of a kind of falsehood that is open and obvious, but rather of insidious, crafty, or subtly misleading distortion. Distinct from ψεύδομαι ('to lie'), as δολόω emphasizes the craft and intent to ensnare or corrupt, rather than simple untruth. The word appears mainly in Jewish and Christian Hellenistic literature; its non-biblical attestation is limited.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δόλος; to ensnare, i.e. (figuratively) adulterate:--handle deceitfully.
Root Family
δολόω (doloō) — to deceive, to act with guile, to falsify, to tamper with
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1389-01 |
δολοῦντες | dolountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
deceiving | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1389-01 |
2 Corinthians 4:2 | δολοῦντες | dolountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
deceiving |