apatao denotes deceiving someone, whether by empty words, self-deception, or being deceived.

The term denotes deception in warnings against misleading another, in a participial clause about deceiving one’s own heart, and in a statement that the woman was deceived.

1. Deceiving or being deceived · dominant

   In Ephesians 5:6, the present active form occurs in the prohibition against anyone misleading the readers with empty words; the APB renders the clause “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” In James 1:26, the present active participle describes a person who does not bridle his tongue while deceiving his own heart, while 1 Timothy 2:14 uses an aorist passive form in the statement that the woman was deceived.

   Ephesians 5:6James 1:261 Timothy 2:14

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “deceive” and “deceived” in all three clauses, including deception by empty words, self-deception of the heart, and the woman’s being deceived. These renderings confirm the clauses’ overall presentation rather than isolate every feature of the Greek form.