Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "delusion" refers to a state of being deceived or misled, often as a result of rejecting the truth of God. The concept of delusion is addressed in several passages, highlighting the spiritual and moral implications of turning away from divine truth.
Biblical References:1.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 : "For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness." This passage speaks to the consequences of rejecting the truth of the Gospel. The "powerful delusion" is a divine judgment upon those who choose to embrace falsehood and immorality over the truth of God.
2.
Isaiah 66:4 : "So I will choose their punishments, and I will bring upon them what they dread. Because I called, and no one answered; I spoke, and they did not listen. They did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight." Here, delusion is depicted as a consequence of ignoring God's call and choosing evil. The passage underscores the seriousness of turning away from God's instructions and the resulting self-deception.
3.
Romans 1:28 : "Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done." This verse illustrates the process by which individuals who reject God are given over to a "depraved mind," leading to delusion and moral corruption. It emphasizes the link between the rejection of God and the ensuing spiritual blindness.
Theological Implications:Delusion in the biblical sense is often portrayed as both a judgment and a natural consequence of rejecting God's truth. It serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness and embracing falsehood. The Bible consistently teaches that truth is found in God and His Word, and any deviation from this truth can lead to spiritual deception.
Moral and Spiritual Lessons:1.
The Importance of Truth: The Bible emphasizes the necessity of adhering to God's truth to avoid delusion. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
2.
Consequences of Rejection: Delusion is presented as a consequence of rejecting God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's commands.
3.
Discernment and Vigilance: Christians are called to be discerning and vigilant, recognizing the potential for deception in a world that often opposes God's truth. This involves testing all things against the Word of God and being wary of teachings that contradict biblical principles.
In summary, delusion in the Bible is a serious condition resulting from the rejection of God's truth. It serves as both a warning and a call to remain steadfast in faith, seeking the truth that is found in Christ alone.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A mistaken belief; as, a delusion of grandeur.
2. (n.) The act of deluding; deception; a misleading of the mind.
3. (n.) That which is falsely or delusively believed or propagated; false belief; error in belief.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DELUSIONde-lu'-zhun:
(1)Isaiah 66:4, "I also will choose their delusions" (the Revised Version, margin "mockings"), Hebrew ta`alulim, which occurs only here andIsaiah 3:4 (where it is translated "babes," the Revised Version, margin "childishness"). Its meaning is somewhat ambiguous. The best translation seems to be "wantonness," "caprice." "Their wanton dealing, i.e. that inflicted on them" (BDB). Other translations suggested are "insults" (Skinner), "freaks of fortune" (Cheyne), "follies" (Whitehouse). Septuagint has empaigmata, "mockings," Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) illusiones.
(2)2 Thessalonians 2:11 the King James Version, "God shall send them strong delusion" (the Revised Version (British and American) "God sendeth them a working of error"), plane, "a wandering," "a roaming about," in the New Testament "error" either of opinion or of conduct.
D. Miall Edwards
Greek
4106. plane -- a wandering... Feminine Transliteration: plane Phonetic Spelling: (plan'-ay) Short Definition:
a wandering, error Definition: a wandering; fig: deceit,
delusion, error, sin.
...539. apate -- deceit
... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apate Phonetic Spelling: (ap-at'-ay) Short Definition:
deceit, deception Definition: deceit, deception, deceitfulness,delusion...
538. apatao -- to deceive
... 538 (from 539 ) -- properly, , like seduction, giving , etc. 538 ("lure into
deception") emphasizes the to bring in error (delusion)....
1594. eknepho -- to become sober (after drunkenness)
... seriousness), ie with the awareness of being responsibly aware; (figuratively) aroused
(awakened) out of the stupor of spiritualdelusion (apathy); "to to...
Strong's Hebrew
8586. taalulim -- wantonness, caprice... babe,
delusion. From alal; caprice (as a fit coming on), ie Vexation; concretely
a tyrant -- babe,
delusion. see HEBREW alal. 8585b, 8586. taalulim. 8587 .
...4123. mahathalloth -- deceptions
... Word Origin from hathal Definition deceptions NASB Word Usage illusions (1). deceit.
From hathal; adelusion -- deceit. see HEBREW hathal. 4122, 4123....
1892. hebel -- vapor, breath
... root Definition vapor, breath NASB Word Usage breath (5),delusion (2), emptily
(1), emptiness (2), fleeting (2), fraud (1), futile (1), futility (13), idols (7...
Library
This is the GreatDelusion which Has Long Overspread the Christian...
... [Way-2-61] This is the greatdelusion which has long overspread the Christian
world? This is the greatdelusion which has long...
TheDelusion of the Deist Lies Here: He Refuses an Assent to the...
... [Way-2-124] Thedelusion of the Deist lies here: he refuses an assent to
the history of? Thedelusion of the Deist lies here: he...
The Other Instance ofDelusion from Book Learning, Relates to Mr....
... Address 84: The other instance ofdelusion from book learning, relates
to Mr.? The other instance ofdelusion from book learning...
Idolatry aDelusion of the Serpent.
... Homily X. Chapter X."Idolatry aDelusion of the Serpent. "For His alone is the
excellent glory of being alone uncreated, while all else is created....
Letter ix. --Danger ofDelusion Explained.
... SECOND BOOK: ON THE EXERCISE OF THE VIRTUE OF ABANDONMENT Letter IX."Danger ofDelusion
Explained.... The danger ofdelusion in the prayer of recollection....
For, Like Some Others, You are under theDelusion that Our God is...
... For, like some others, you are under thedelusion that our god is an ass's? For,
like some others, you are under thedelusion that our god is an ass's head....
I could not Help Saying Thus Much on thisDelusion...
... [Way-2-126] I could not help saying thus much on thisdelusion? I could
not help saying thus much on thisdelusion, in which I...
The Mind Loves God in Rightly Loving Itself; and if it Love not...
... And this is no doubt a terribledelusion, that whereas all will to profit themselves,
many do nothing but that which is most pernicious to themselves....
Second Letter
... LETTERS SECOND LETTER. Difference between himself and others. * Faith alone
consistently and persistently. * Deprecates this state being considered adelusion....
Now Let us Shew Briefly, if You Will, that These Things were...
... in the holy place, let him that readeth understand." Daniel, therefore, in his visions
speaks very fully and amply of the coming of thatdelusion: but it is...
Thesaurus
Delusion (12 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A mistaken belief; as, a
delusion of grandeur.
2. (n
... belief. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
DELUSION. de
...Follows (65 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ has not risen, it follows that what we
preach is adelusion, and that your faith also is adelusion. (WEY)....
Mockery (12 Occurrences)
... iniquity. (See NAS). Jeremiah 10:15 They are vanity, a work ofdelusion: in
the time of their visitation they shall perish. (See NAS NIV)....
Visitation (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Jeremiah 10:15 They are vanity, a work ofdelusion: in
the time of their visitation they shall perish. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....
Objects (30 Occurrences)
... captive. (See NAS). Jeremiah 10:15 They are vanity, a work ofdelusion: in
the time of their visitation they shall perish. (See NIV)....
Delusions (7 Occurrences)
Unnatural (9 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that unrighteous men will not inherit
God's Kingdom? Cherish nodelusion here. Neither fornicators...
Grounded (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS). 1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our preaching was not grounded on adelusion,
nor prompted by mingled motives, nor was there fraud in it. (WEY)....
Imposing (8 Occurrences)
... (WEY). James 1:22 But prove yourselves obedient to the Message, and do not be
mere hearers of it, imposing adelusion upon yourselves. (WEY)....
Imposition (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An excessive, arbitrary, or unlawful exaction; hence, a trick or deception
put on laid on others; cheating; fraud;delusion; imposture....
Resources
Is God a delusion? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God going to send a strong delusion in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the great deception in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDelusion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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