πλάνος

From the study of 2 John 1:7

Range of meaning

As an adjective, 'wandering, misleading.' As a noun, 'deceiver, impostor, one who leads astray.' It comes from the plan- word family (to wander, go astray), the same root behind 'planet,' the 'wandering star.' The idea is less 'liar' than 'someone who gets others lost.'

Against the English

'Deceiver' (BSB, KJV, WEB) is accurate but static. YLT's 'leading astray' keeps the picture of a path and of people being led off it.

Used elsewhere in the period

In Deuteronomy 13 the LXX uses the verb planaō for the prophet or relative who tries to 'lead you astray' after other gods, a capital charge. Jesus' opponents called him 'that planos' (Matthew 27:63), using exactly this category. Paul's team was treated 'as deceivers, and yet true' (2 Corinthians 6:8). Revelation calls Satan 'the one who leads the whole world astray' (12:9) and has the second beast deceive the earth (13:14). In Mark 13:5–6 Jesus says, 'Watch out that no one leads you astray… many will come in my name.'

From the study of Matthew 27:63

Range of meaning

As an adjective: 'leading astray, misleading.' As a noun: 'a deceiver, a seducer, an impostor, a vagabond who leads people off the path.' The root plan- is about wandering (the same root gives 'planet,' a 'wandering star'). A planos is not just a liar. He causes others to stray.

Against the English

KJV, BSB, WEB and NIV have 'deceiver.' ESV has 'impostor,' which stresses false claims about oneself. Both are fair, but neither carries the idea of leading others off God's way, which is what made the charge serious in Jewish law.

How it drifted

Modern 'deceiver' suggests a personal liar or con man. The Jewish category behind it was public and religious: the one who 'leads Israel astray.'

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 13 orders death for a prophet or relative who entices Israel to other gods. The Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) uses the related verb planaō for that leading astray. John 7:12 records the crowd's charge that Jesus 'leads the people astray.' In 2 John 7 'many deceivers (planoi)' are false teachers. In the 2nd century, Justin Martyr (Dialogue with Trypho 69) reports that Jews called Jesus a magician and 'deceiver of the people' (laoplanos). The Babylonian Talmud (b. Sanhedrin 43a; compiled much later, and its traditions are debated) says Yeshu was executed because he 'practised sorcery and led Israel astray.' Paul answers the same charge in 2 Cor 6:8: 'as deceivers (planoi), yet true.'

From the study of 2 Corinthians 6:8

Range of meaning

From planaō, "to lead astray, cause to wander": a deceiver, impostor, charlatan, especially one who misleads people in religious matters. As an adjective it means "deceiving" (1 Tim 4:1, "deceiving spirits").

Against the English

KJV, WEB and NASB have "deceivers". BSB and NIV have "imposters", and ESV and NLT have "impostors". "Impostor" catches the charge of being a fake apostle. "Deceiver" catches the charge of leading people astray. The Greek carries both.

Used elsewhere in the period

The chief priests call Jesus "that deceiver" (ekeinos ho planos, Matt 27:63). Josephus calls the wilderness prophets under Felix "deceivers and impostors" (planoi… kai apateōnes, Jewish War 2.259). In 2 John 7 the word describes false teachers. Justin Martyr reports Jewish polemic calling Jesus "a Galilean deceiver" (Dialogue with Trypho 108). Paul denies teaching "from error" (planē) in 1 Thess 2:3.