"deceit, deception, delusion"
Definition and meaning
deceit, deception, delusion
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀπάτη
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of apate (G539) across the King James Bible.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G539 (apate) is a Greek word that means: deceit, deception, delusion It appears 7 times in the King James Bible.
The word apate (G539) appears 7 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G539 is apate, a Greek word defined as: deceit, deception, delusion. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
apate is a Greek word found in the New Testament.