πλάνος
plános
G4108 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily, one who leads astray or deceives; a misleader. In various contexts, the term refers to a person who causes others to err, either by false teaching, misleading claims, or moral seduction. The core meaning is that of being deceptive or causing someone to wander from the right path. In some usages, it extends to one who is morally or spiritually misleading, including false prophets or teachers.
Semantic Range
deceiver, impostor, misleader, seducer (in the sense of spiritual or moral deception), one who leads into error, one who causes to wander
Root / Etymology
From the root πλανα- ('to wander, to err'), with the adjective-forming suffix -ος. The term πλάνος is related to the verb πλανάω/πλανῶ ('to lead astray, to cause to wander'), sharing the same semantic field. No direct non-Greek influence is attested; the root itself is established in ancient Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, πλάνος is used of persons or even beings (such as spirits) who mislead others or deceive. This includes philosophical, religious, or moral contexts where someone is considered a corrupter or seducer. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it most often appears in the context of religious deception—false teachers, false prophets, or those who lead others into error. English translations often render the word as 'deceiver' or 'seducer,' but these may not fully convey the nuance of leading into error or causing someone to go astray, which is central to the Greek term. The noun is closely related to πλάνη ('error, wandering'). The word does not necessarily carry the idea of malicious intent but focuses on the act and result of leading astray. Use in 'seducing' (in older translations) referred not only to sexual temptation but to tempting or enticing someone away from truth or right conduct.
Translation Consistency
πλάνος primarily denotes one who leads others into error by deception or false teaching. 'Deceiver' is the most natural, concise English noun that captures the typical semantic range (deceiver, misleader, impostor, seducer) and aligns with the attested English renderings in the P2 data.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), i.e. (by implication) an impostor or misleader; --deceiver, seducing.
Root Family
πλανα- (plános) — to wander, to lead astray, to deceive
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4108-01 |
πλάνοι | planoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
deceivers | misleaders | deceivers | 2 |
G4108-03 |
πλάνος | planos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
deceiver | a misleader | a deceiver | 2 |
G4108-02 |
πλάνοις | planois | ADJ.A DAT N PL |
deceitful | to misleading things | deceitful | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4108-03 |
Matthew 27:63 | πλάνος | planos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
deceiver | a misleader | a deceiver |
G4108-01 |
2 Corinthians 6:8 | πλάνοι | planoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
deceivers | misleaders | deceivers |
G4108-02 |
1 Timothy 4:1 | πλάνοις | planois | ADJ.A DAT N PL |
deceitful | to misleading things | deceitful |
G4108-01 |
2 John 1:7 | πλάνοι | planoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
deceivers | misleaders | deceivers |
G4108-03 |
2 John 1:7 | πλάνος | planos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
deceiver | a misleader | a deceiver |