Allure
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Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "allure" in the Bible often relates to the idea of temptation, enticement, or attraction, particularly in the context of leading individuals away from God's commandments and into sin. The term itself may not be explicitly used in all translations, but the underlying theme is prevalent throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, allure is frequently associated with idolatry and the temptation to follow other gods. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against being enticed by the practices and deities of surrounding nations. In Deuteronomy 11:16 , the Israelites are cautioned: "Be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods." This warning underscores the danger of being allured away from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God.

The account of Samson and Delilah in Judges 16 illustrates the power of allure through personal relationships. Delilah's persistent enticement leads Samson to reveal the secret of his strength, resulting in his downfall. This narrative highlights how allure can manifest through individuals who draw others away from their divine calling and purpose.

Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of allure, particularly in the context of sexual temptation. Proverbs 7:21-23 describes the seductive speech of an adulteress: "With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare—not knowing it will cost him his life." Here, allure is depicted as a dangerous force that can lead to spiritual and physical destruction.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, allure is often linked to the broader concept of worldliness and the temptations that can lead believers away from their faith. James 1:14-15 explains the process of temptation: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." This passage emphasizes personal responsibility in resisting allure and the progression from temptation to sin.

The Apostle Paul warns against the allure of false teachings and philosophies that can lead believers astray. In Colossians 2:8 , he writes, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ." Here, allure is associated with intellectual and spiritual deception that diverts attention from the truth of the Gospel.

Spiritual Warfare

The allure of sin is also a component of spiritual warfare. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to put on the full armor of God to resist the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11). The allure of sin is a tactic used by the enemy to weaken the believer's resolve and draw them away from their relationship with God.

Practical Application

Christians are called to be discerning and to guard their hearts against the allure of sin. This involves cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer, studying Scripture, and being part of a faith community. By doing so, believers can strengthen their ability to recognize and resist the enticements that seek to lead them away from their faith and commitment to God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) To attempt to draw; to tempt by a lure or bait, that is, by the offer of some good, real or apparent; to invite by something flattering or acceptable; to entice; to attract.

2. (n.) Allurement.

3. (n.) Gait; bearing.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ALLURE

a-lur' (pathah, "to persuade," "woo," "entice"; deleazo, "to entrap," "lay a bait"):

(1) "I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness" (Hosea 2:14), with evident reference to the Assyrian invasion and the devastation of the land, followed up by the Exile. Thus would Yahweh entice Israel to repent by gentle punishment; then would follow her restoration and the outpouring of His love (Hosea 2:14).

(2) "They allure through the lusts of the flesh" (2 Peter 2:18, the Revised Version (British and American) "entice"). Wicked men allure to destruction; God (as above) allures to punishment, repentance and restoration.

M. O. Evans

Greek
1185. deleazo -- to lure
... to lure. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: deleazo Phonetic Spelling:
(del-eh-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I allure, entice by a bait Definition: I allure ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1185.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
5496. suth -- to incite, allure, instigate
... 5495, 5496. suth. 5497 . to incite, allure, instigate. Transliteration: suth
Phonetic Spelling: (sooth) Short Definition: incited. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/5496.htm - 6k

6601. pathah -- to be spacious, wide or open
... 6600, 6601. pathah. 6601a . to be spacious, wide or open. Transliteration:
pathah Phonetic Spelling: (paw-thaw') Short Definition: allure. ...
/hebrew/6601.htm - 5k

6601b. pathah -- to be simple
... Word Origin denominative verb from pethi Definition to be simple NASB Word Usage
allure (1), became...enticed (1), deceive (2), deceived (5), entice (9 ...
/hebrew/6601b.htm - 5k

Library

The Demons Allure Men to the Worship of Images.
... Chapter XXVI."The Demons Allure Men to the Worship of Images. They who
draw men to idols, then, are the aforesaid demons, who ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter xxvi the demons allure men.htm

Holy Exercises of Contrition.
... my sins. The Second Exercise. 1. These things Thou didst to allure and
bind me unto Thee, and to strengthen my hope. 2. To make ...
/.../holy exercises of contrition.htm

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... it not," John 1:5. I wonder not that the most part of men can see no beauty, no
majesty, no excellency in the holy scriptures to allure them, because they are ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

A Plea for the Christians
... Chapter XXV.--The Poets and Philosophers Have Denied a Divine Providence. Chapter
XXVI.--The Demons Allure Men to the Worship of Images. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athenagoras/a plea for the christians/

Acknowledgment of Her Excellence and Wisdom.
... resemble fountains of the purest water; for they allure by their beauty
passers-by to drink of them, even though these should not be thirsty. ...
/.../chapter i acknowledgment of her excellence.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Moreover, since the present life has many enticements to allure us, and great semblance
of delight, grace, and sweetness to soothe us, it is of great ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

Howe -- the Redeemer's Tears Over Lost Souls
... incarnate. God was come down to entreat with men, and allure them into the
knowledge and love of Himself. The Word was made flesh. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/howe the redeemers tears.htm

He Restoreth My Soul.
... we are aware. They come to us unprepared, and seek entrance into our lives
and thoughts, and allure us by deception. They tell us ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/v he restoreth my soul.htm

The Ninth Season
... But why should the pretended pleasure of sin allure you, when you know that unspeakably
more real pleasure will arise from the mortification than can arise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ix the ninth season.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... Fear ye the Lord, and love your neighbour; and even though the spirits of Beliar
allure you into all troublous wickedness, yet shall no troublous wickedness ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

Thesaurus
Allure (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ALLURE. ... (2) "They allure through the lusts of the
flesh" (2 Peter 2:18, the Revised Version (British and American) "entice"). ...
/a/allure.htm - 7k

Vanity (100 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean ...
/v/vanity.htm - 39k

Lead (192 Occurrences)
... 13. (vt) To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to prevail on; to
induce; to entice; to allure; as, to lead one to espouse a righteous cause. 14. ...
/l/lead.htm - 42k

Lure (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) To draw to the lure; hence, to allure or invite by means of anything
that promises pleasure or advantage; to entice; to attract. ...
/l/lure.htm - 7k

Wantonness (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean ...
/w/wantonness.htm - 8k

Win (27 Occurrences)
... a country. 2. (v.) To allure to kindness; to bring to compliance; to gain
or obtain, as by solicitation or courtship. 3. (v.) To ...
/w/win.htm - 14k

Invite (20 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To allure; to draw to; to tempt to come; to induce by pleasure or hope;
to attract. 3. (vt) To give occasion for; as, to invite criticism. ...
/i/invite.htm - 12k

Fled (181 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:18 For while speaking great highflown words of vanity, they allure with
the lusts of the flesh, by dissoluteness, those who have just fled those who ...
/f/fled.htm - 38k

Tempting (12 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Tempt. 2. (a.) Adapted to entice or allure; attractive; alluring;
seductive; enticing; as, tempting pleasures. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/t/tempting.htm - 9k

Tenderly (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Hosea 2:14 "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into
the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. (WEB JPS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tenderly.htm - 9k

Resources
How can I stay focused on Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org

Is gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling? | GotQuestions.org

Allure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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