Deceive (538) (apatao from apate = deceit, that which gives a false impression, whether by appearance, statement or influence) (Click in depth study of the root word apate) means to lead astray, mislead, cheat, delude, beguile, seduce into error. Apatao means to cause someone to have misleading or erroneous views concerning the truth. The chief sense in the NT is that of ethical enticement (or probably more accurately enticement to unethical thought, words, and deeds), specifically of enticing to sin. There are only 3 uses of apatao in the NT - Eph. 5:6; 1Ti 2:14; James 1:26 It is helpful to see the English definitions of the words by which one could translate apatao... Deceive (from Latin decipere = ensnare, cheat) means to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness; deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness Beguile means to lead astray by underhandedness & stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving; deceive by wiles (tricks or stratagems intended to ensnare or deceive = attempts to entrap or deceive with false allurements) Mislead means to lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit Delude means to mislead the mind or judgment of; implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth The present imperative with a negative commands them to stop an action already in progress or forbidding of a continuation of being deceived. Wuest translates it this way "let no one keep on deceiving you". Stop letting them seduce you and lead you astray into error using big religious words that "contain" nothing of truth or reality (Contrast God's Word Dt 32:47 which is not an idle Word but in fact is your life, cp 2Ti 1:13, 4:2, 3, 4, 5) and especially in regard to arguments they use to justify continuing in a sinful, immoral lifestyle all the while being deceived into thinking they are saved! (cp Jude 1:4) This is the same old deceptive, empty lie "Hath God really said?" (Ge 3:1). Yes He has and the context makes it abundantly clear that those who practice the things just mentioned as their lifestyle are destined for eternal separation from the Kingdom and Christ and God! (Gal 5:20, 21, 1Cor 6:9, Mt 7:21, 22, 23, 26, 27 1Jn 3:4, 8) Do not be deceived, even if the one who says it has been to seminary or has a Thd after his name. It is still the age old lie that God is not serious about His commands and warnings. The verb Apatao is used 28 times in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge 3:13; Ex 22:16; 15" class="scriptRef">Jdg. 14:15; 16:5; 2Sa 3:25; 1Ki. 22:20-21; 18.32" class="scriptRef">2Ki 18:32; 2Chr 18:2, 19, 20; 32:11, 15; Job 31:27; 36:16; Ps. 77:2; 78:36; Pr. 24:15; Is 36:14, 18; 10" class="scriptRef">37:10; Jer 4:10; 20:7, 10; 38:22; 49:8. Here is a representative use... Genesis 3:13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived (Lxx = apatao) me, and I ate." Judges 14:15 Then it came about on the fourth day that they said to Samson's wife (Delilah), "Entice (Lxx = apatao) your husband, that he may tell us the riddle, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire. Have you invited us to impoverish us? Is this not so?" Judges 16:5 And the lords of the Philistines came up to her, and said to her, "Entice (Lxx = apatao) him, and see where his great strength lies and how we may overpower him that we may bind him to afflict him. Then we will each give you eleven hundred pieces of silver." As noted, apatao is used only 3 times in the NT, the other two uses being... 1 Timothy 2:14 And it was not Adam (he sinned with his eyes open) who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression. James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless Let's summarize the 3 NT uses of apatao which describe three instances where we can be deceived... by vain, empty, idle words of others (Eph 5:6) by Satan (1Ti 2:14) by vain, external, empty religiosity (instead of a genuine, "internal" [heart] relationship with Jesus) (James 1:26) Wayne Barber explains the "pathogenesis" of being deceived writing that First of all for me to be deceived, I am going to have to trust you. I am not going to be deceived by someone who I already have a question about. It is going to be someone who has my ear. It is going to be someone who has my time. When I am listening to them, then I am going to be deceived. The word "deceive" means to be led astray. You are walking on a path and all of a sudden something gets your ear. You trust what you are hearing and all of a sudden you start turning that way. That is what it means to be deceived. (Ephesians 5:6-7: Don't Be Deceived) John Piper asks... What does the deceiver say? Who do you think it is today that does what the deceiver does in verse 6 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience"? I would answer that the deceiver is the person today who says that gospel obedience can't be motivated by these words in verses 5 and 6. The deceiver is the person who says that the preaching of wrath belongs only to the law, and produces only legalistic fear. This is not true. If it were true, Paul wouldn't warn his readers—professing Christians—about the danger of falling short of the kingdom and falling under the final wrath of God. The point of introducing the wrath of God and the danger of missing out on the kingdom of Christ is not to enslave people to unwilling and burdensome obedience. The point is this: evangelical obedience from a renewed mind and a heart brimming with joy and thanksgiving is not optional. (Ephesians 5:3-6: The Enthronement of Desire) Empty words - False excuses for sins. Words without content. "Hollow" words, words that have no inner substance or kernel of truth or reality (as God and the Bible define Truth and reality). These are "words which contain no truth, and are therefore both false and fallacious, as those will find who trust to them." (Charles Hodge) These are hollow sophistries and apologies and in this context refer especially words regarding sin. In other words these "empty words" may sound quite plausible, but they are devoid of truth and, as Marvin Vincent puts it, are "employed to palliate heathen vices”. Stop being deceived by them! If you are watching television, reading the magazines on the grocery store racks, going to the movies, listening to the top 50 on the radio, then you can be assured you are getting at least a "dose" of "empty words," for the things of God are becoming John Gill explains these empty words suggested... that these were not sinful (as) the apostle had condemned or that they were small sins, the frailties of human life; and that God would take no notice of them, and they might continue in them with impunity: such deceivers there were, doctrinal and practical ones, who lay in wait to deceive men with such vain pretences; and there was danger of being carried away with their error; for the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9), and is easily taken in such snares: wherefore the apostle cautions against such deceptions. Matthew Poole (1685) comments on empty words are... false and deceitful, which cannot secure to you the impunity they promise you, bearing you in hand, either that those things are not sins, or not so dangerous. John Trapp comments on empty words are those spoken by deceivers... So as to make you think there is no such danger in fornication, covetousness, etc. There wanted not such proctors (one who is employed to manage the affairs of another) for hell in the primitive times, as may be gathered out of 2Peter 2:1-3; Jdg 1:6-11. Against these he here cautions. Jamieson comments on empty words... (that it is natural to indulge in love), "covetousness" (that it is useful to society that men should pursue gain), and "jesting" (that it is witty and clever, and that God will not so severely punish for such things). The prophet Isaiah's commentary on "empty words" would be something like... Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) Charles Hodge writes that... It is not only among the heathen, but among the mass of men in all ages and nations, a common thing to extenuate the particular sins to which the apostle here refers. It is urged that they have their origin in the very constitution of our nature; that they are not malignant; that they may coexist with amiable tempers; and that they are not hurtful to others, that no one is the worse for them if no one knows them, etc. Paul, therefore, cautions his readers in every age of the church, not to be deceived by such vain words; assuring them that for these things (for fornication and covetousness), the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:3-20 Commentary) Thomas Manton in The Biblical Illustrator writes that this passage gives... A caution and a commination (threat or threatening) I. A caution against error. 1. That we may not deceive ourselves. Frequent warnings are given against this self-flattery (1Co 6:9; 1Jn 3:7; 1Co 15:33; Gal 6:7). Men do what they can to live securely and undisturbedly in their sins, and to guard their hearts against the apprehension of all danger and punishment. 2. That we may not be deceived by others. There were false teachers in those early days, that countenanced profane and licentious Christians; some that taught fornication was an indifferent thing, or at least no such great matter, or not so dangerous. II. A denunciation of God’s wrath 1. The evil denounced, “The wrath of God comes”; meaning by “wrath,” punishment from God, who is angry and displeased with these sins. 2. The meritorious procuring cause, “For these things,” fornication, uncleanness, and such like gross sins. God is not severe upon ordinary failings and frailties, but these sins are of another nature. 3. The persons upon whom this vengeance comes; it shall light upon “the children of disobedience.” I. What are the vain words or pretences by which they usually harden their hearts? 1. That God will not call them to an account, or punish them for their sins. If you think He will not, it is because He hath no right, or no power, or no will to do it. You cannot say no right, because man is His creature, and therefore His subject. You cannot say no power, for our life is in His hands. 2. That God will be merciful to them; though they sin against Him, they shall notwithstanding escape well enough; that He will not be severe against His creatures. But you reflect but upon one part of God’s nature, His mercy, without His holiness and justice, and so fancy an unreasonable indulgence in God. 3. That they are Christians, and by external profession have received the faith of Christ. But the name will not save you without the power (2Ti 2:19). 4. That none is perfect, and the rarest saints have fallen into as great faults, and so are persuaded that these gross sins are but frailties and human infirmities. If David fell, why may not I? was an old excuse in Salvian’s time. Did not they smart grievously for these sins? and was not their repentance as remarkable as their fall? 5. Others say they are justified, and depend on the righteousness of Christ. You may, if you have a right to it; but “He that doeth righteousness is righteous” (1Jn 3:7). Where Christ is made righteousness, He is also made sanctification (1Co 1:30). 6. That if they be in an unjustified state for the present, they hope they shall repent at last, and then they will leave off their sins, and cry to God for mercy. But you live in fiat disobedience to God for the present, whereas the Holy Ghost saith, “Today,” etc. (Heb 3:7). 7. That they do make amends for a course of sin in one kind by abounding in other duties. But God will be obeyed in all things. These are some of the sorry fig leaves by which men hope to cover their nakedness, those sandy foundations upon which they build their hopes. II. The reasons how it cometh to pass that such gross self-flattery can possess their minds. Though it be as plain as noonday that they that live in gross sins shall be damned, yet the most profane have good thoughts of their condition. 1. The causes lie in themselves; as-- (1) Self-love, which is very partial, and loath to think of the evil of our condition (Pr 16:2). (2) Unbelief el God’s Word and Divine promises and threatenings. Unbelief and obstinate impenitency always go together. (3) Non-attendance to God’s warnings, if they are not guilty of express unbelief (Mat 22:5). (4) Non-application: “Lo! this, we have searched it; hear it, and know it for thy good” (Job 5:27), “What nor consider, nor apply, no wonder if self-love carrieth it; and in the greatest soul dangers they flatter themselves into a fool’s paradise, that they shall do well enough though they live in their sins. 2. The devil joined with our self-love, and lulls us asleep in our carnal security and abuse of grace (Gen 3:4-5). 3. He stirs up instruments, that, with the charms of false doctrine, he may hinder the sight of sin and fears of judgment, and strengthen the hands of the wicked (Jer 23:17). Let no man deceive you. 1. It is sure you are not justified while you are yet in your sins. 2. How much God is concerned to right Himself, the honour of His providence, and the truth of His Word, against such as flatter themselves in their sins (Dt 29:19-20). It should doter us from wilful and heinous sins to think of the wrath of God that shall come upon those that live in them. First: It is a powerful motive; for God’s wrath is very terrible. Consider-- 1. The intension of this wrath. It is compared to a “consuming fire” (Heb 12:29). It is a fire that burns, not only to the ground or the surface of the earth, but to the lowest hell (Dt 32:22). 2. As to extension; the wrath of God comprises all those evils which are the fruit of sin, be they bodily or spiritual, in life or death, or after death. Secondly: It is a kindly motive. That is a question whether it be so or no; therefore let us state the matter. 1. We are principally to avoid sin as sin, and as displeasing to God (Gen 39:9). 2. We must abstain from it, as it will bring down wrath and judgment upon us. So God urges this argument (Ezek 18:30). 3. The poena damni, to fear the punishment of loss, is out of question. A man cannot love God and not fear the loss of His favour. 4. The poena sensus, the punishment of sense, is necessary also to quicken men to their duty, and to guard their love, and to show that God does not make little reckoning of sin (2Co 5:11). 5. The effect which it must produce is not such a fear as drives us from God, but brings us to Him; not torment, and perplexity, and despairing anguish (1Jn 4:18), but flight and caution. 6. Punishments on others are for our warning. When God’s judgments are upon others for sin, His hand is to be observed with great reverence; as David (Ps 119:119-120). To teach us in what rank to place principles of obedience. There are several principles by which men are acted and influenced. 1. Some are false and rotten; As custom: “As I have done these so many years” (Zec 7:3). Vainglory (Exclusive vanity excited by one's own performances): “To be seen of men” (Mt 6:1). Rapine (seizing & carrying away by force): “To devour widows’ houses” (Mt 23:14). Envy (Php 1:15-16). 2. Some are more tolerable; as the hope of temporal mercies (Hos 7:14). 3. Some are very good and sound; as when duties are done out of obedience to God, upon the urgings of an enlightened conscience, without the bent of a renewed heart; for a regenerate man obeyeth, not only as enjoined, but inclined. The principle is sound in the other, but the heart is not fitted. 4. Some are rare and excellent; as when we love God, not only for His benignity, but holiness, and eye our reward for His sake, and love the glory of God above our own happiness, and can subordinate the happy part of our eternal estate to His glory (Ro 9:3). That their condition is of all most miserable who are not only sinners, but stubborn and obstinate in their sin. The wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 1. Who are the disobedient? It may be said of two sorts--First of all, men in their natural condition with respect to the law: “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Rom 8:7). And, secondly, of those that refuse the gospel: “In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel” (2Th 1:8). “What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel?” (1Pe 4:17), viz., those that will not submit themselves to God, or be persuaded to forsake their sins. Now, as to the disobedient sinners. 1. They are slaves to sin (Titus 3:3). 2. They are of the devil’s party (Eph 2:2). 3. They are rebels to God (Job 24:13). (Thomas Manton, D. D. - Download Biblical Illustrator free to use with E-sword or download to use with The Word) Expositor's Greek Testament comments that empty words is a general expression... applying to all who sought by their sophistries to palliate the vices in question or make them appear to be no vices. These would be found mostly (though by no manner of necessity exclusively) among the heathen, especially among such Gentiles as heard the truth and remained unbelieving. (Ephesians 5:5-6 Commentary) The wages of a lifestyle of sin, sexual or otherwise, brings death. And yet the Father of Lies and his children use the same empty words that deceived Eve still reverberate down the ages, Moses recording... And the serpent said to the woman, "You surely shall not die!" (Genesis 3:4) Comment: As an aside note Satan's (the liar, John 8:44) first point of attack in the entire Bible in Genesis 3:1 (Note why such an awareness is so important in 2Cor 2:11!). Against what did our Adversary the devil launch his deceptive attack? What did he seek to cause Eve to doubt, to not fully trust (believe, have faith in)? Was it not God's clear, immutable Word of Truth and Life? Watch out when you hear (or even find yourself saying) these words "Indeed, has God said?" You are potentially on a "slippery slope!" This begs the question "Husbands are you protecting your wife from the lies and deception of the evil one?" Are you praying with your wife? Are you studying the Word of Truth (which exposes and counters lies) with your wife? If not, why not? God has created you and called you to be her protector, something that Adam seems to have forgotten! And, oh what a price we pay, when we neglect the call of God on our lives!