ἀπατάω
apatáō
G538 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cause someone to be mistaken or misled, to deceive, lead into error, or delude through trickery, false impressions, or misleading promises. The basic sense is to cause someone to hold a false belief or expectation, particularly in a manner intended to exploit or manipulate. Can also include self-deception or seduction into error.
Semantic Range
to deceive, delude, mislead, cause to err, seduce, cheat, trick (intentionally), lead astray, cause someone to hold a mistaken belief
Root / Etymology
apparent connection to the root ἀπάτη (apátē, 'deceit, trick, fraud'), likely derived from the verb-forming suffix -άω. Exact etymology uncertain, but etymological relationship with ἀπάτη is probable.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἀπατάω occurs primarily in Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament and Hellenistic literature, often in moral or rhetorical contexts referring to deluding, misleading, or tempting someone (e.g., into sin or error). In classical Greek, the more common term is ἐξαπατάω ('to deceive thoroughly, mislead completely'), but ἀπατάω is attested in later prose and Hellenistic sources. In the New Testament, the verb often refers to leading someone astray spiritually, especially through persuasive arguments or false expectations (e.g., Ephesians 5:6, 'let no one deceive you with empty words'). The semantic range closely overlaps with related verbs such as πλανάω ('to lead astray, cause to wander'), but ἀπατάω typically stresses the aspect of intentional deception rather than mere error. Standard English translations as 'deceive' or 'delude' capture the primary sense but often understate the potential nuance of seduction, manipulation, or enticement. In the LXX (Septuagint), rare but associated with luring or seducing into error or idolatry. Connotations may include both active trickery and passive allowing/misleading into error. Not limited to religious contexts, but common there in Koine use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; to cheat, i.e. delude:--deceive.
Root Family
ἀπατ- (exapatáō) — to deceive, to lead astray
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G538-01 |
ἀπατάτω | apatato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
deceive | let him deceive | let deceive | 1 |
G538-02 |
ἀπατῶν | apaton | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
deceives | deceiving | deceiving | 1 |
G538-03 |
ἠπατήθη | epatethe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
was deceived | was deceived | was deceived | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G538-01 |
Ephesians 5:6 | ἀπατάτω | apatato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
deceive | let him deceive | let deceive |
G538-03 |
1 Timothy 2:14 | ἠπατήθη | epatethe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
was deceived | was deceived | was deceived |
G538-02 |
James 1:26 | ἀπατῶν | apaton | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
deceives | deceiving | deceiving |