δολόω (doloō)
doloō
to distort
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb doloō means to adulterate or corrupt something by mixing in a false element. In the New Testament, it appears only once, where Paul describes how some people distort the message of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:2). The word suggests a deliberate act of tampering, much like adding water to wine to weaken its quality.
Its root relates to deception or craftiness, implying that the corruption is not accidental but intentional. While similar words exist for simple lying, doloō carries the specific nuance of adulterating truth by presenting a modified version as genuine. This usage highlights the seriousness with which early Christians viewed the integrity of their teaching.
Translators typically render this word as "distort" or "corrupt," emphasizing that the original message has been altered for deceptive purposes. The single occurrence in Scripture serves as a warning against those who would twist divine truth for personal gain, preserving the purity of the gospel's presentation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word doloō describes a deliberate act of tampering with something pure, much like adding water to wine to weaken its quality. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, where Paul contrasts his own ministry with those who distort the message of the gospel. He refuses to handle the word of God deceitfully, choosing instead to manifest the truth openly before every person’s conscience.
This rare usage reminds us that integrity in sharing faith is not optional but essential. When we present biblical truths, we are called to preserve their original purity rather than altering them for personal gain or comfort. The seriousness with which early Christians viewed this issue highlights how vital it is to guard against subtle distortions that can creep into our teaching.
For your daily walk, this means approaching Scripture with honesty and humility. Instead of twisting its meaning to fit modern trends or personal preferences, let the gospel speak in its fullness. Trust that God’s Word remains powerful even when presented plainly, without embellishment or compromise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- falsifying1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δολοῦντες1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:2
But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Paul uses this word to contrast his transparent handling of the gospel with those who distort it for deceptive purposes.