[Greek] πλανάω (planaō), [Latin] errare, [Latin] seducere, [Latin] inducere, [French] introduire, [Latin] fraudare, [German] betrugen: to go astray, to wander, to deceive, to be unfaithful, to err, to seduce, to deviate; 52 scriptural references
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to wander, to go astray, to lead astray, to deceive, to be mistaken, to vacillate, to lie, to seduce, to doubt, and to be at a loss.
Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 473: “You have lost your wits and have gone astray.”
Plato’s Republic 376d: “We call those who roam from city to city as merchants.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 2.115: “Alexandrus was evasive in his story and did not tell the truth.”
Plato’s Protagoras 256d: Is it not the power of appearance that leads us astray. Many a time causes us to take things topsy-turvy and to have to change our minds in both our conduct and in our choice.”
Lysias’ Against Eratosthenes 12.97: “Many have escaped death encountering danger in many places. They wandered to many cities.”
Plato’s Statesman 263a: “We have already strayed away from our subject more than we ought, and you wish us to wander still further afield.”
Old Testament: This term means to lead astray, to confuse, to cause to stagger, to wander, and to be punished (made wanderers by God). Religious seduction leads to the worship of idols and false gods.
Seduction (worship) of idols and false gods:
Deut.13:7: Enticed to serve gods not known by your fathers
Isa.41:29: These idols are nothing (empty wind)
Jer.23:13: I saw unseemly deeds
Amo.2:4: Their lies led them astray
Prov.1:10: Sinners entice you
Prov. 28:10: Those seduced fall in their own pit
Sir.3:24: One’s own opinion and false reasoning unbalanced their judgment.
Hos.4:12: They commit harlotry before God
Deut.30:17: They turn away their hearts and will not listen
Wis. 5:6: They have strayed away from the truth
Prov.13:19: Lust starves the heart and fools hate to turn away from evil.
New Testament: This term means to go astray, to mislead (to be mislead), to deceive (to be deceived), to err, and to be mistaken.
More notable scripture passages:
Mt.18:12-13: The disciples are instructed to seek and bring back into the fold the one who has strayed.
Mt.22:29: You are misled because you do not know the scriptures that there is no marriage in heaven.
Mt.24:11: Many false prophets will arise and deceive many.
1Cor.6:9: Do not be deceived that neither fornicators, idolators, prostitutes, thieves, adulterers, prostitutes, or sodomites will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
1Cor.15:33: Do not be led astray not realizing that bad company corrupts good morals.
Gal.6:7-8: Make no mistake. You will reap what you sow.
Tit.3:3: Being deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice, hating ourselves, and hating others.
Jas. 5:19-20: Whoever brings back a sinner (who has strayed from the truth) will save his soul.
Freedom: “We’ve gone astray from first principles. We’ve lost sight of the rule that individual freedom and ingenuity are at the very core of everything that we’ve accomplished. Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” Ronald Reagan
Etymology: The Latin verb errare means to wander, to go astray, or to deceive. The Latin verb seducere means to lead away. By 1520 this verb pertained to the act of persuading a vassal or serf to change their allegiance and to serve another master. The related Latin noun seductio refers to the act of seducing someone to error. The Latin verb inducere means to lead into or bring into. The German verb betrugen means to betray. The Greek noun planetes (planet) means wanderer.
Conclusion:
Err, error, seduce, seduction, betray, betrayal, introduce, planet, induce, fraud
In Greek Hellenism, transgression can be brought about by eternal gods.
In the Old Testament culture, transgression is brought about by man’s actions in his relationship to God.
In Mt.18:12-13, the needs of the one (to be brought back into the fold) outweigh the needs of the many. (Interestingly similar to Kirk looking for Spock in Star Trek III) ☺☺☺
To be honest, many do not even realize that marriage is just a temporary earthly institution. In fact, more and more young people are not even considering or contemplating marriage at all!
Current worldly values have contributed to redefining marriage. In this culture of death, women’s rights have been elevated over the unborn’s rights. Current worldly views also have viewed traditional Christian values as hateful. This hate is found outside and within Christianity.
Make no mistake. Even criticizing sinful activity may be perceived as hateful. As traditional Christian views come from God, then one must acknowledge that you are calling God hateful. God is not mocked.
Many have deluded themselves by conflating “pride” with sinful and aberrant behavior. Children are now being literally exposed to transgenders, drag queens, grooming, and sex and gender indoctrination. Many have even said that drag shows are a good thing?? Frequently, if you do not accept this behavior, then you are called a bigot. This becomes an insidious form of reverse intolerance.
Update: All of us must pray to change the hearts and minds of those who mistakenly, unknowingly, or knowingly believe that what grows in the womb is only just a woman’s choice (right).
Many mistakenly believe that Roe vs. Wade must remain because it is settled law (stare decisis). Yet, slavery was also settled law. (Yet is very interesting to notice the parallels of slavery to abortion as the unborn have had no voice or rights.)
The Supreme Court overruled Roe vs Wade because the earlier Supreme Court mistakenly believed that the right of a abortion was enshrined in the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is mistakenly accused of being controlled by activist judges. On the contrary, the current Supreme Court reversed the previous activist decision to create the right of abortion.
Abortion supporters now mistakenly feel justified in attacking and delegitimizing the Supreme court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
The Ukrainians, along with other nationalities, have been forced to flee because of war, famine, or genocide.
Parents are foolishly or mistakenly taking their children to gay pride marches. Children are being exposed to sexual parts (genitalia).
Children are being forced to attend drag shows. Children are being exposed to gender and sex indoctrination by teachers.
Pride often becomes conflated with a sexual or aberrant lifestyle.
President Biden has often foolishly blamed Putin for inflation and rising costs.
The culture of death has created an environment where the unborn’ rights are minimized or dismissed.
More and more churches are redefining and changing their theology toward accepting gay marriage.
The mainstream and social media continue to deflect or not report of unfavorable news events or narrative.
The mainstream and social media continue to use misinformation and content moderation.
Many continue to rationalize our embrace their sinful activity.
One must first discern, decide, or waver before making choices whether or not to wander. Many these distinctions are difficult to distinguish. There is no doubt that wavering faith can play apart in going astray. One’s divided attention can create hesitation and unbelief. These beliefs system are continually being confronted and argued between opponents. The world’s influences and values can often seduce one in failing to decide what is best.
Next post: discerning and deciding