Strong’s Greek 1386, δόλιος, portrays a person or action characterized by cunning treachery—behaviour that conceals evil intent beneath an appearance of good. Scripture consistently places such deceit in direct opposition to the truth, integrity, and transparency demanded by the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

Biblical Context

δόλιος appears once in the Greek New Testament, in Paul’s exposure of counterfeit servants of Christ: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13). There the term anchors the wider section (2 Corinthians 11:1-15) in which Paul contrasts his authentic apostolic ministry with those who wield smooth words and fabricated credentials to exploit the Corinthian congregation.

Old Testament Background

Although the exact Greek adjective is New-Testament-only, its underlying concept saturates the Hebrew Scriptures. “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9); “they speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak” (Psalm 12:2). The Septuagint often renders Hebrew terms for treachery (מִרְמָה, רְמִיָּה) with cognates of δόλος, establishing a thematic bridge that New Testament writers could readily invoke.

New Testament Usage and Theology

1. False Teachers and Apostles

Paul’s use in 2 Corinthians 11:13 unmasks ministry that relies on appearance rather than substance, paralleling Jesus’ warning about “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). Deceit is not merely a moral flaw; it is the tactical hallmark of those who undermine gospel truth.

2. The Contrast with Christ

Peter declares of Jesus, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). The Lord’s absolute freedom from δόλος sets the ethical norm for His followers (1 Peter 2:1), advancing a redemptive trajectory from deceit’s presence in fallen humanity to its eradication in the sanctified community.

3. Implications for Speech and Conduct

James exhorts, “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man” (James 3:2). Honest speech evidences inward transformation, whereas δόλιος speech reveals an unregenerate heart (Matthew 12:34-37).

Ministry Significance

• Discernment: Leaders must test teachings and character, for eloquence and supernatural claims can cloak δόλιος motives (1 John 4:1).
• Accountability: Transparent living, open financial practices, and doctrinal clarity safeguard congregations from deceitful workers.
• Pastoral Care: Victims of spiritual deception often wrestle with disillusionment; shepherds must restore confidence in Scripture’s reliability and God’s faithfulness.

Historical Notes

Throughout church history, heresies—from Gnosticism to modern doctrinal distortions—have thrived on δόλιος presentation: selective proof-texts, redefined terms, and appeals to novel revelation. Councils, confessions, and rigorous exegesis emerged largely in response to such threats, illustrating Paul’s relevance across centuries.

Application for Believers

1. Guard the Heart: “Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit” (1 Peter 2:1). Deceit is expelled not by external regulation but by renewed affections through the Word (Psalm 119:11).
2. Practice Truth-Telling: “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Integrity in speech reflects the new creation reality (Ephesians 4:24-25).
3. Evaluate Ministries: Fruit, doctrine, and lifestyle together verify authenticity (Matthew 7:16; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Eschatological Perspective

Revelation promises that “nothing unclean, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, shall ever enter” the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27). δόλιος activity will be eradicated in the consummated kingdom, underlining the eternal value of cultivating sincerity now.

Conclusion

δόλιος epitomizes the antithesis of the gospel’s transparent truth. Its single appearance in 2 Corinthians 11:13 captures a perennial danger: spiritual deceit disguised as godliness. By anchoring life and doctrine to Scripture and to the character of the ever-truthful Christ, believers and churches remain safeguarded against the subtle encroachment of deceitful workers.