δελεάζω
I allure, entice by a bait
Definition
The verb δελεάζω means to allure, entice, or lure, using the imagery of baiting a trap or hook to catch prey. In the New Testament, it consistently describes the process of temptation, where a person is drawn into sin by their own desires (James 1:14) or by the deceptive promises of false teachers (2 Peter 2:14, 18). The word implies a deceptive attraction, where something harmful is presented as desirable, exploiting internal weaknesses or ignorance.
Biblical Usage
This word is used three times, exclusively in the General Epistles. In James 1:14, it describes the internal process of temptation, where a person is 'lured and enticed' by their own evil desire. In 2 Peter, it characterizes the external activity of corrupt false teachers who 'entice' unstable people (2 Peter 2:14) and 'entice by fleshly desires' those who are escaping from error (2 Peter 2:18). The pattern shows temptation originating both from within and from deceptive external influences.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek noun δέλεαρ (delear), meaning 'bait' or 'lure.' The verb form literally means 'to bait a hook' or 'to catch with bait.' This root gives the word its strong metaphorical sense of using an attractive but deceptive means to trap or ensnare someone.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant for understanding the nature of sin and deception. It highlights temptation not as a blunt force, but as a seductive process that exploits desire. In James, it clarifies the origin of sin within human nature, while in 2 Peter, it warns against the danger of spiritual deception from false teachers. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the cunning, attractive, and trapping quality of evil.
In a culture familiar with fishing and hunting, the metaphor of baiting a trap or hook was immediately vivid. The bait conceals the deadly hook, perfectly illustrating how temptation presents sin as desirable while hiding its destructive consequences. This cultural understanding underscores the deliberate and deceptive nature of the enticement described.
πειράζω (peirazō, G3985) — to test or try, often with a neutral or negative connotation of tempting to sin. πλανάω (planaō, G4105) — to lead astray or deceive, focusing on the error rather than the enticing process.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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