5422. phrenapataó

Lexicon

phrenapataó: To deceive the mind, to delude

Original Word: φρεναπατάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: phrenapataó
Pronunciation: fren-ap-at-ah'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (fren-ap-at-ah'-o)
Definition: To deceive the mind, to delude
Meaning: I deceive the mind, impose upon.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

deceive.

From phrenapates; to be a mind-misleader, i.e. Delude -- deceive.

see GREEK phrenapates

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 5422 phrenapatáō (from 5424 /phrḗn, "inner-outlook regulating behavior" and 538 /apatáō, "deceive by distorting") – properly, to act from a distorted perspective (warped sense of reality) which "redefines reality" (facts) – i.e. to fit one's self-deception (used only in Gal 6:3). See 5423 (phrenapatēs).

5422 /phrenapatáō ("confused inside-out") means to become the victim of one's own confused mind-set – which then blames God for it or makes others "the scapegoat." This mind-set is detached from reality and leaves someone in their own fantasy world.

"More is implied in this word (5422 /phrenapatáō) than in apataō ('to cheat, beguile, deceive'), for it brings out the idea of subjective fancies" (J. Thayer). This term was apparently "coined by Paul" (N. Turner).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from phrenapatés
Definition
to deceive the mind
NASB Translation
deceives (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5422: φρεναπατάω

φρεναπατάω, φρεναπάτω; (φρεναπάτης, which see): τινα, to deceive anyone's mind, Galatians 6:3 ("more is implied by this word than by ἀπαταν, for it brings out the idea of subjective fancies" (Lightfoot ad loc.); cf. Green, Critical Notes at the passage). (Ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from φρήν (phrēn), meaning "mind" or "understanding," and ἀπατάω (apataō), meaning "to deceive" or "to cheat."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φρεναπατάω, the concept of deception and self-deception can be related to several Hebrew terms, such as:
• Strong's Hebrew 7411 (רָמָה, ramah): to beguile, deceive.
• Strong's Hebrew 5230 (נָשָׁא, nasha): to deceive, lead astray.
• Strong's Hebrew 2048 (הָתַל, hathal): to mock, deceive.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of misleading or deceiving, whether oneself or others, and are used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament to warn against the dangers of falsehood and the importance of truthfulness.

Usage: The term φρεναπατάω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of self-deception or misleading others, particularly in a spiritual or moral context.

Context: The Greek verb φρεναπατάω appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the danger of self-deception, especially in matters of faith and conduct. It is used to caution believers against being misled by false teachings or by their own flawed reasoning. The term underscores the importance of aligning one's understanding and actions with the truth of the Gospel, as opposed to being swayed by erroneous beliefs or desires.

In the Berean Standard Bible, φρεναπατάω is found in James 1:26: "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." This passage highlights the concept of self-deception in the realm of religious practice, where an individual's failure to control their speech reveals a deeper inconsistency in their faith. The warning serves as a reminder that true religion is not merely about outward expressions but involves a genuine transformation of the heart and mind.

The use of φρεναπατάω in the New Testament serves as a call to vigilance, urging believers to examine their motives and actions critically, ensuring they are not led astray by falsehoods or self-deception. It emphasizes the need for discernment and integrity in one's spiritual journey, aligning one's life with the teachings of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

φρεναπατα φρεναπατᾷ phrenapata phrenapatā̂i

Englishman's Concordance

Galatians 6:3 V-PIA-3S
GRK: μηδὲν ὤν φρεναπατᾷ ἑαυτόν
NAS: when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
KJV: nothing, he deceiveth himself.
INT: nothing being he deceives himself

Strong's Greek 5422
1 Occurrence

φρεναπατᾷ — 1 Occ.