δολόω

I adulterate, corrupt

Definition

The verb δολόω means to corrupt, adulterate, or tamper with something, particularly by deceitful means. In its only New Testament occurrence, it describes the act of 'handling the word of God deceitfully' (2 Corinthians 4:2). This implies a deliberate falsification or distortion of the message for dishonest gain or advantage. The core idea is not merely making a mistake, but actively and cunningly corrupting something pure or truthful.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 4:2. Here, the Apostle Paul contrasts his own ministry of openly setting forth the truth with the practice of others who 'adulterate' or 'corrupt' the word of God. The context is a defense of Paul's apostolic integrity against false teachers who were peddling a distorted gospel for personal benefit. The usage is entirely negative, describing a serious ethical and spiritual failure in handling divine revelation.

Etymology

The verb δολόω (doloō) is derived from the noun δόλος (dolos, G1388), which means 'deceit,' 'guile,' or 'trickery.' It belongs to a word family centered on cunning and treachery. The verb form carries the sense of acting with δόλος—to do something deceitfully. Thus, its meaning of 'adulterate' or 'corrupt' is specifically an act performed with guile and intent to deceive, not a simple dilution.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the grave responsibility of handling God's word truthfully. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, it underscores the integrity required in gospel ministry and condemns any manipulation of scripture for personal agenda, popularity, or profit. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that Paul is not just accusing opponents of being mistaken, but of engaging in a deliberate, deceitful corruption of the Christian message—a warning that remains critically relevant for teachers and believers today.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of δόλος (deceit) was often associated with cunning intelligence, but in a negative moral sense. The specific action of 'adulterating' could refer to diluting wine or corrupting documents for gain. Paul's use of this term would resonate with an audience familiar with merchants who tampered with goods or scribes who altered texts dishonestly. It paints the false teachers as spiritual charlatans, corrupting the most valuable commodity—the word of God—for their own benefit.

δολιόω (dolioō, G1387) — A very close synonym, also meaning 'to deceive' or 'use deceit,' with nearly identical root meaning. πλανάω (planaō, G4105) — Means 'to lead astray' or 'deceive,' focusing more on the misleading outcome than the cunning method. φθείρω (phtheirō, G5351) — Means 'to corrupt' or 'destroy,' often in a physical or moral sense, but without the specific connotation of 'guile' inherent in δολόω.

Word Details

Scripture References