πλανάω (planaō)
planaō
to lead astray
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb planao means to cause someone to stray from a path, whether that path is physical or moral. In Scripture it often describes deception, where false teachers or demonic forces lead people away from the truth (Matthew 24:4; Revelation 12:9). The passive form is equally common, depicting those who wander into error or sin without intending to do so (Hebrews 3:10; 1 Peter 2:25).
Its root idea is movement away from a safe or correct direction. This word appears frequently in the New Testament’s warnings against false prophets and in Paul’s letters urging believers not to be misled by bad company (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 6:7). Translators often use "deceive" for the active sense and "err" or "go astray" for the passive, capturing both the intentional trickery and the unintentional wandering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word planaō describes a movement away from a safe path, whether that is an intentional deception by false teachers or an unintentional wandering into error. In Matthew 18, Jesus uses the image of a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has gone astray. This shows that being led off course is not always a matter of stubborn rebellion; sometimes it is a quiet drift that leaves us feeling lost and alone.
Scripture warns us frequently against those who seek to lead others astray, yet it also offers grace for those who have simply erred. Hebrews notes that leaders should deal gently with those who are going astray because they too are surrounded by weakness. This reminds us that our faith community is meant to be a place of correction and restoration, not just judgment.
When you feel yourself drifting from the truth or being misled by confusing teachings, remember that the Shepherd seeks you out. You do not have to navigate these dangers alone. The same God who warns against deception also provides the truth to keep your feet on the right path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is deceiving3×
- they will mislead.2×
- may mislead.2×
- do be misled,2×
- you may be led astray;1×
- you err.1×
- with those going astray,1×
- were deceived1×
- we deceive1×
- wandering1×
- to mislead1×
- to deceive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλανῶν3×
- πλανᾷ3×
- πλανῆσαι2×
- πλανᾶσθε·2×
- πλανᾶσθε,2×
- πλανᾶσθε2×
- πλανώμενοι2×
- πλανήσῃ.2×
- πλανήσουσιν.2×
- πλανηθῇ2×
- ἐπλάνησεν1×
- ἐπλανήθησαν,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?
This verse uses the word to describe a sheep that has physically wandered off, illustrating Jesus' concern for those who have drifted away from the flock.
-
Matthew 24:4
Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
Jesus issues a direct command to be watchful because many will intentionally try to lead believers away from the truth in the last days.
-
Hebrews 3:10
Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, ‘They always err in their heart, but they didn’t know my ways.’
Here the passive sense is highlighted, showing God's displeasure with a generation that constantly erred in their hearts due to a lack of knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word planaō mean?
How is planaō different from other words for sin?
Does this word appear in the Old Testament?
What does it mean to be 'deceived' in 1 Corinthians?
Every Occurrence (38 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 7 verses
“What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go…
Matthew 18:13If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…
Matthew 22:29But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 24:4Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
Matthew 24:5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.
Matthew 24:11Many false prophets will arise and will lead many astray.
Matthew 24:24For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if…