δόλος (dolos)
dolos
deceit
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dolos refers to deceit or guile, carrying a sense of crafty trickery designed to trap or mislead. Its etymology links it to baiting or snaring, suggesting that this kind of deception is not merely a lie but an entrapment intended to catch the unsuspecting. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from personal character descriptions to broader lists of sinful behaviors.
This word surfaces in significant passages, such as when Jesus notes deceitfulness as part of the heart’s corruption (Mark 7:22) or when Peter instructs believers to rid themselves of all dolos (1 Peter 2:1). It also describes the tactics of spiritual opposition, as seen in Paul’s warning about those who use cunning to distort the truth (2 Corinthians 12:16). The term emphasizes the malicious intent behind the falsehood, highlighting a deliberate effort to ensnare others through dishonest means.
Translators typically render dolos as "deceit," "guile," or "cunning," depending on the context. While "deceit" captures the general idea of untruthfulness, the word’s connection to snaring adds a layer of danger and manipulation. This nuance is important for understanding how Scripture views dishonesty not just as a moral failing but as an active threat to community trust and spiritual integrity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dolos describes more than a simple lie; it implies a crafty trap designed to ensnare someone who is unsuspecting. In our daily lives, this can look like manipulation disguised as concern or advice given with hidden agendas. Scripture warns us that such behavior damages trust and harms community relationships, making it a serious obstacle to living in peace with others.
Yet there is good news for those seeking integrity. Jesus praised Nathanael as a man in whom there was no deceit, showing that honesty is a mark of genuine faith. When we choose transparency over cunning, we reflect the character of Christ, who Himself knew no guile. This choice frees us from the heavy burden of maintaining false appearances and allows us to build relationships grounded in truth.
Living without deceit does not mean being naive. It means refusing to use trickery as a tool for personal gain or control. By putting away this kind of manipulation, we create space for genuine love and mutual respect to grow. This path invites us to walk in the light, where our words and actions align, bringing peace to our hearts and stability to our communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- deceit3×
- deceit,2×
- trickery;1×
- trickery1×
- stealth1×
- deceit.1×
- by trickery1×
- by guile1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δόλῳ3×
- δόλος2×
- δόλῳ·1×
- δόλου,1×
- δόλου1×
- δόλος,1×
- δόλον.1×
- δόλον1×
Key Verses
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John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Jesus uses this term to identify Nathanael’s genuine character, showing that the absence of deceit is a mark of true discipleship.
-
I Peter 2:1
Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
Peter places deceit alongside other destructive sins, urging believers to actively remove it as they grow in spiritual maturity.
-
Mark 7:22
covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
Jesus lists deceit among the evils that come from within the human heart, highlighting its internal origin rather than just external action.
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I Peter 3:10
For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
This verse connects the avoidance of deceit directly to the promise of a long and good life, linking ethical speech with divine blessing.