The term "deceivest" is an archaic form of the verb "deceive," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It refers to the act of misleading or causing someone to believe something that is not true. Deception is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with sin, falsehood, and the work of Satan.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Old Testament:
· Deception is first introduced in the Garden of Eden narrative, where the serpent deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. This act of deception leads to the fall of man (Genesis 3:1-6). The serpent's cunning is a prime example of deceit, as it twists God's words to mislead Eve.
· In the account of Jacob and Esau, Jacob deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27:1-29). This act of deception has long-lasting consequences for Jacob and his family, illustrating the destructive nature of deceit.

2. New Testament:
· Jesus warns against deception in the Olivet Discourse, cautioning His disciples about false prophets and false Christs who will attempt to deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24: "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible").
· The Apostle Paul frequently addresses deception in his epistles, urging believers to be vigilant and discerning. In 2 Corinthians 11:3 , Paul expresses concern that the Corinthian church might be led astray: "I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ."

Theological Implications:

· Satan as the Deceiver:
Satan is often identified as the ultimate deceiver in Scripture. In Revelation 12:9 , he is described as "the great dragon... who deceives the whole world." His role as the father of lies (John 8:44) underscores the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood.

· Human Deception:
Human beings are also capable of deceit, both towards others and themselves. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse highlights the inherent sinfulness and propensity for self-deception within the human heart.

· Call to Truthfulness:
Believers are called to live in truth and avoid deceit. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." Truthfulness is a reflection of God's character and a mark of genuine Christian living.

Practical Considerations:

· Discernment:
Christians are encouraged to cultivate discernment to recognize and resist deception. This involves a deep understanding of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

· Integrity:
Living a life of integrity and honesty is essential for maintaining a credible witness for Christ. Deception undermines relationships and damages the trust necessary for community and fellowship.

· Repentance and Forgiveness:
When deception occurs, repentance and seeking forgiveness are crucial steps in restoring relationships and aligning with God's will. The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who, despite their deceitful actions, found redemption through repentance and God's grace.

But Now, Thou Mayst Ask Me and Say, "Thou Speakest So Much of Love ...
... If thou speakest good and doest good, men suppose that thou lovest good: therefore
look well that thy thought be in God, or else thou deceivest thyself, and ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/chapter x but now thou.htm

They who Give from Evil.
... wicked for reward. Also thou wishest to atone for thyself by the gain of
wages. O wicked one, thou deceivest thyself, but none else. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxv they who give from evil.htm

Of Funeral Pomp.
... Thou shalt be accused, who seekest them on account of those gatherings.
Thou desirest to live under idols. Thou deceivest thyself. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxxiv of funeral pomp.htm

That we must not Believe Everyone, and that we are Prone to Fall ...
... angels. Whom shall I trust, O Lord, whom shall I trust but Thee? Thou art
the Truth, and deceivest not, nor canst be deceived. And ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xlv that we must.htm

Of his Cross what Shall I Speak, what Say? this Extremest Kind of ...
... Do not imagine this to be the example of that holy man; thou deceivest thyself.
When Job was enduring all, he was not hoping for to have twice as much again. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the creeds/section 9 of his cross.htm

John i. 43, 44
... He did not at once say, "Philip, thou deceivest me, and speakest falsely, I believe
thee not, I will not come; I have learned from the prophets that Christ ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xx john i 43.htm

On the Nativity of Our Lady
... something quite different that is needed. If thou deceivest thyself, it
will hurt thee, not me. Your worldly hearts and minds, your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xix on the nativity.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 15, "And He Said unto Them ...
... other hand, thou sayest, "Yea, a man's life' does consist in the abundance of the
things which he possesses.'" He doth not deceive thee; thou deceivest thyself ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lvii on the words.htm

Internal Exercises Weaken the Body, yet Oft Prolong Life. ...
... themselves ready for afflictions, and complain that they want occasions to exercise
their resignation; for says he to such an one: Thou deceivest thyself by ...
/.../chapter vi internal exercises weaken.htm

A Discourse which was in the Presence of Antoninus C??sar
... For, if thou sayest of that which is not God: This is God, thou deceivest
thyself, and sinnest before the God of truth. Thou fool! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/i a discourse which was.htm

Deceivest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Deceivest (1 Occurrence). Genesis 31:27 Why hast
thou hidden thyself to flee, and deceivest me, and hast ...
/d/deceivest.htm - 6k

Deceives (14 Occurrences)

/d/deceives.htm - 10k

Deceiveth (8 Occurrences)

/d/deceiveth.htm - 8k

Hidden (181 Occurrences)
... Genesis 31:27 Why hast thou hidden thyself to flee, and deceivest me, and hast not
declared to me, and I send thee away with joy and with songs, with tabret ...
/h/hidden.htm - 39k

Thyself (352 Occurrences)
... Genesis 31:27 Why hast thou hidden thyself to flee, and deceivest me, and hast not
declared to me, and I send thee away with joy and with songs, with tabret ...
/t/thyself.htm - 36k

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