Bible Encyclopedias
Beguile

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bē̇ -gı̄l ´: In 2 Peter 2:14 the King James Version (compare James 1:14 ) the word δελεάζω , deleázo , is translated "beguile," and means particularly to "entice," "catch by bait." Doubtless Peter got this idea from his old business of fishing, baiting the hook to beguile the fish. In Romans 7:11; Romans 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:18 the word is ἐξαπατάω , exapatáō , and means "to cheat" or "to thoroughly deceive." The thought is to be so completely deceived as to accept falsehood for the truth, believing it to be the truth. In Colossians 2:4 , Colossians 2:18 the King James Version; James 1:22 the word is παραλογίζομαι , paralogı́zomai , and means "to miscalculate," "to be imposed upon." It refers particularly to being beguiled by mere probability. See DECEIT; DELUSION .