δολιόω (dolioō)
dolioō
to deceive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dolioō means to practice deceit or to act with fraud. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Romans 3:13. In this context, Paul quotes Psalm 5:6 to describe the moral condition of those who reject God, highlighting their tendency toward dishonesty and trickery.
Its root comes from dolios, which relates to cunning or craftiness. The sources note its use in the Septuagint, such as in Numbers 25:18, where it describes the deceptive tactics used against Israel. This background emphasizes that the word carries a sense of calculated dishonesty rather than simple error.
Translators typically render dolioō as "deceive" or "act deceitfully." Its scarcity in the New Testament underscores the seriousness of the charge Paul brings against unrighteousness. By using this specific term, the text points to a deliberate and skilled form of falsehood that distorts truth for personal gain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dolioō describes a calculated form of dishonesty, one that relies on cunning rather than simple error. Paul uses this rare term in Romans 3:13 to highlight the depth of human sinfulness when people turn away from God. It is not merely a white lie or a momentary lapse in judgment; it is a practiced deceit that distorts truth for personal gain.
Understanding this word helps us see why honesty is so vital in our walk with Christ. When we recognize the danger of calculated deceit, we are reminded of our need for God's grace and truth. It invites us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our words reflect integrity rather than manipulation.
This reminder encourages us to pursue a life marked by transparency and trust in God. By relying on His truth, we can overcome the temptation toward deceit and live in a way that honors Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were practicing deceit;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδολιοῦσαν·1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:13
“Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” “The poison of vipers is under their lips.”
Paul uses this rare term to describe the calculated deceit of those who reject God, emphasizing the seriousness of their moral condition.