Spiritual Gifts

In this study, we will look at spiritual gifts. We will see that some gifts are people given to the body of Christ, and that others are signs and wonders on the earth. We will also see that not all signs and wonders are from God; they can also be manifested through demonic spirits and ungodly humans.

Leaders in the Body of Christ are Gifts

There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,
“When He ascended on high,
He led captive a host of captives,
And He gave gifts to men.”
(Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:4-16 NASB® 1995

It is very important to know what these gifts are and what they are meant to do. Anyone can call themselves an apostle/missionary, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, but that does not mean they are from Jesus. One thing to examine is whether they are actually doing the job they are supposed to be doing.

We are given a job description in this section of Scripture. It states that they are given “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man”. The purpose of the of fulfilling the job is so Jesus’ Body will not be “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head”.

Then we see that every joint will supply, “being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

The result of these gifts/people doing their jobs correctly is that those they have been given to tend will also do their jobs correctly. The result is for the whole body of Christ to run their race beside each other, not behind each other. (See Joel 2:1-11)

Now we will look at some definitions.

“Gift”: The word “Gift” is the Greek word dórea (1431), which means gift, free gift
HELPS Word-studies: 1431 dōreá (a feminine noun, derived from 1325 /dídōmi) – a gift, freely given and hence not acquired by merit or "entitlement." 1431 /dōreá (a feminine noun) expresses a brand of giving that highlights the beneficent desire of the giver.
“Gifts”: The word “Gifts” is the Greek word doma (1390), which means gift, present
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: gift. From the base of didomi, a present -- gift. see GREEK didómi (1325): To give, to grant, to bestow
“Apostles”: The word “Apostles” is the Greek word apostolos (652), which means Apostle
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 652 apóstolos (from 649 /apostéllō, "to commission, send forth") – properly, someone sent (commissioned), focusing back on the authority (commissioning) of the sender (note the prefix, apo); apostle.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: apostle, messenger, he that is sent. From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers) -- apostle, messenger, he that is sent. see GREEK apostello (649): To send, to send forth, to dispatch
“Prophets”: The word “Prophets” is the Greek word prophétés (4396), which means Prophet
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 4396 prophḗtēs (from 4253 /pró, "beforehand" and 5346 /phēmí, "elevating/asserting one idea over another, especially through the spoken-word") – properly, one who speaks forth by the inspiration of God; a prophet.
A prophet (4396 /prophḗtēs) declares the mind (message) of God, which sometimes predicts the future (foretelling) – and more commonly, speaks forth His message for a particular situation. 4396 /prophḗtēs ("a prophet") then is someone inspired by God to foretell or tell-forth (forthtell) the Word of God.
“Evangelists”: The word “Evangelists” is the Greek word euaggelistés (2099), which means Evangelist
HELPS Word-studies: 2099 euaggelistḗs (from 2097 /euaggelízō, "evangelize") – properly, an "evangelist" (L & N, 1, 53.76); someone with a vocational calling from God to announce the good news of the Gospel (see Eph 4:11).
Every Christian is called to share the Gospel, but 2099 /euaggelistḗs ("an evangelist") does so as a vocation, which includes preaching the full message of Christ's salvation (the whole Gospel). See 2097 /euangelizō ("gospelizing"): euaggelizó: To proclaim good news, to evangelize, to preach the gospel
“Pastors”: The word “Pastors” is the Greek word poimén (4166), which means Shepherd
HELPS Word-studies: 4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).
[4166 (poimḗn) is closely associated with 1066 /Gedeṓn ("to feed the flock"), see John 21:15-17.]
“Teachers”: The word “Teachers” is the Greek word didaskalos (1320), which means Teacher, Master
HELPS Word-studies: See 1319 didaskalia, which means Teaching, instruction, doctrine
Cognate: 1319 didaskalía (a feminine noun derived from 1321 /didáskō, "teach") – properly applied-teaching; Christian doctrine (teaching) as it especially extends to its necessary lifestyle (applications).
“Equipping”: The word “Equipping” is the Greek word katartismos (2677), which means equipping, perfecting, preparing
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 2677 katartismós (a masculine noun) – properly, exact adjustment which describes how (enables) the individual parts to work together in correct order (used only in Ephesians 4:12).
“Building”: The word “Building” is the Greek word oikodomé (3619), which means building, edification, structure
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 3619 oikodomḗ – properly, a building (edifice) serving as a home; (figuratively) constructive criticism and instruction that builds a person up to be the suitable dwelling place of God, i.e., where the Lord is "at home." See 3618 (oikodemeō).
“Mature”: The word “Mature” is the Greek word teleios (5046), which means perfect, complete, mature, full-grown
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5046 téleios (an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e., developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056 (telos).
[This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]
“Grow”: The word “Grow” is the Greek word auxanó (837), which means to grow, increase, become greater
HELPS Word-studies: 837 auksánō – properly, grow (increase); become greater in size (maturity, etc.). 837 /auksánō ("to grow") is key to authentic discipleship. Indeed, the Lord requires non-stop progress (development) in the life of faith.
“Fitted together”: The word “Fitted together” is the Greek word sunarmologeó (4883), which means to fit together, to join closely, to unite
HELPS Word-studies: 4883 synarmologéō (from 4862 /sýn, "joined closely with"; harmós, "a joint"; and 719 /harmós, "reason") – properly, interconnected (joined); fit together to efficiently and effectively function.
4883 /synarmologéō ("hinged together") occurs twice in the NT (Eph 2:21, 4:16) – both times of God "fitly framing believers (OT, NT) into a harmonious, synergistic whole." That is, each individual is functioning as a part of the one people of God (His 2992 /laós, Heb ʽam).
“Growth”: The word “Growth” is the Greek word auxésis (838), which means Growth, Increase; See the word Grow listed above: auxanó (837)

This growth process is not always enjoyable, but it is necessary and must be done because you love.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:4-31 NASB® 1995

“Varieties”: The word “Varieties” is the Greek word diairesis (1243), which means division, Distribution
HELPS Word-studies: 1243 diaíresis (from 1223 /diá, "through, reaching across," intensifying 138 /hairéomai, "making a personal choice") – properly, God's choice to give sovereign endowments of grace to His people so they can reach out ("across") to others, as His hand extended (cf. 1 John 4:17).
“Gifts”: The word “Gifts” is the Greek word charisma (5486), which means gift, grace-gift, spiritual gift
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5486 xárisma (from "grace," 5485 /xáris) – properly, the operation of grace (divine favor), i.e., a grace-endowment to edify the Church (note the -ma suffix, focusing on the end-result of the endowment of grace). 5486 /xárisma ("grace-gift") divinely empowers a believer to share God's work with others, i.e., Spirit-empowered service to the Church to carry out His plan for His people.
[5486 /xárisma (but not limited to) "spiritual gifts." xarismata (the plural form) literally means "grace-endowments."]
“Ministries”: The word “Ministries” is the Greek word diakonia (1248), which means service, ministry, office, relief, support
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1248 diakonía – ministry; active service, done with a willing (voluntary) attitude.
For the believer, 1248 /diakonía ("ministry") specifically refers to Spirit-empowered service guided by faith (4102 /pístis, "the Lord's inbirthed persuasion").
“Effects”; “Effecting”: The words “Effects”; “Effecting” are the Greek word energéma (1755), which means working, operation, effect
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1755 enérgēma (a neuter noun) – properly, energizings ("operations"), focusing on the results of God's "energy" (power) in people living in His faith (note the suffix, -ma).
“Manifestation”: The word “Manifestation” is the Greek word phanerósis (5321), which means manifestation, Disclosure, Revelation
“Common Good”: The word “Common Good” is the Greek word sumphero (4851), which means to bring together, to be profitable, to be advantageous, to benefit.
HELPS Word-studies: 4851 symphérō (from 4862 /sýn, "together with" and 5342 /phérō, "bring, carry") – properly, combine in a way that brings a profit (gain), especially by a "concurrence of circumstances" that results in benefit or advancement (M. Vincent).
“Word”: The word “Word” is the Greek word logos (3056), which means word, speech, message, account, reason, doctrine
HELPS Word-studies: 3056 lógos (from 3004 /légō, "speaking to a conclusion") – a word, being the expression of a thought; a saying. 3056 /lógos ("word") is preeminently used of Christ (John 1:1), expressing the thoughts of the Father through the Spirit.
[3056 (lógos) is a common term (used 330 times in the NT) with regard to a person sharing a message (discourse, "communication-speech"). 3056 (lógos) is a broad term meaning "reasoning expressed by words."]
“Wisdom”: The word “Wisdom” is the Greek word sophia (4678), which means wisdom
HELPS Word-studies: 4678 sophía (cf. saphēs, "clear") – wisdom (properly, "clarity"). [4678 (sophía) is the root of the English terms, "sophistication" and "philosophy" – literally (respectively), "the art of using wisdom," "affection for wisdom."]
“Knowledge”: The word “Knowledge” is the Greek word gnósis (1108), which means knowledge
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1108 gnṓsis (a feminine noun derived from 1097 /ginṓskō, "experientially know") – functional ("working") knowledge gleaned from first-hand (personal) experience, connecting theory to application; "application-knowledge," gained in (by) a direct relationship.
“Faith”: The word “Faith” is the Greek word pistis (4102), which means faith, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity
HELPS Word-studies: 4102 pístis (from 3982/peithô, "persuade, be persuaded") – properly, persuasion (be persuaded, come to trust); faith.
Faith (4102/pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102/pistis ("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion" – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e., the persuasion of His will (1 John 5:4).
“Healing”; “Healings”: The words “Healing”; “Healings” are the Greek word iama (2386), which means healing, Cure
“Miracles”: The word “Miracles” is the Greek word dunamis (1411), which means power, strength, ability, might, miracle
HELPS Word-studies: 1411 dýnamis (from 1410 /dýnamai, "able, having ability") – properly, "ability to perform" (L-N); for the believer, power to achieve by applying the Lord's inherent abilities. "Power through God's ability" (1411/dýnamis) is needed in every scene of life to really grow in sanctification and prepare for heaven (glorification). 1411 (dýnamis) is a very important term, used 120 times in the NT.
“Prophecy”: The word “Prophecy” is the Greek word prophéteia (4394), which means prophecy
HELPS Word-studies: 4394 prophēteía (from 4396 /prophḗtēs, "prophet," which is derived from 4253 /pró, "before" and 5346 /phēmí, "make clear, assert as a priority") – properly, what is clarified beforehand; prophecy which involves divinely-empowered forthtelling (asserting the mind of God) or foretelling (prediction).
“Distinguishing”: The word “Distinguishing” is the Greek word diakrisis (1253), which means discernment, distinguishing, judgment
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: discerning, disputation. From diakrino; judicial estimation -- discern(-ing), disputation.
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1253 diákrisis (from 1252 /diakrínō, see there) – properly, a thorough judgment, i.e., a discernment (conclusion) which distinguishes "look-alikes," i.e., things that appear to be the same. (Note the intensifying force of the prefix, dia.)
“Kinds” of Tongues: The word “Kinds” is the Greek word genos (1085), which means kind, race, family, offspring, nation, kindred
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON: d. concrete, the aggregate of many individuals of the same nature, kind, sort, species: Matthew 13:7; Matthew 17:21 (T WHomit; Tr brackets the verse); Mark 9:29; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; 1 Corinthians 14:10.
“Interpretation” of Tongues: The word “Interpretation” is the Greek word herméneia (2058), which means interpretation, translation
HELPS Word-studies: 2058 hermēneía – an interpretation, giving the gist of a message rather than a strict translation; an equivalent meaning, rather than a "word-for-word" rendering.
“Distributing”: The word “Distributing” is the Greek word diaireó (1244), which means to divide, distribute, separate
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1244 diairéō – properly, apportion (assign), by the choice of a superior; to divide (distribute). See 1243 (diairesis).
“Interpret”: The word “Interpret” is the Greek word dierméneuó (1329), which means to interpret, to explain, to translate
HELPS Word-studies: 1329 diermēneúō (from 1223 /diá, "thoroughly across, to the other side," which intensifies 2059 /hermēneúō, "interpret") – properly, thoroughly interpret, accurately (fully) explain.

I have seen so many misunderstandings of what Paul is trying to teach. Some Christians use his words as an excuse not to function as part of the body of Christ, thinking they do not have to do anything because they do not possess certain gifts. Many even seem happy about this, as it allows them to live however they please.

On the other hand, some struggle with jealousy over gifts. They may only desire the ones they feel comfortable with and dismiss those they find strange. Others think these gifts exist for personal benefit, or believe they are simply natural abilities they were born with.

But these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to declare God’s glory and to build up the body of Christ. If you recognize any of these attitudes in yourself, take time to examine your heart and truly consider what Paul is teaching.

When we understand God’s heart for His people, Paul’s message becomes clear. He is showing us that God gives different gifts to help His people grow and thrive. These gifts are given as needed and are never for human glory.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.
1 Corinthians 3:6-10 NASB® 1995

We have to remember that it is God who causes the growth and creates the good works for us to walk in; we are merely being obedient to them. We have to take care that we only pour into people from the mind of the Father.

“Growth”: The word “Growth” is the Greek word auxanó (837), which means to grow, increase, become greater
HELPS Word-studies: 837 auksánō – properly, grow (increase); become greater in size (maturity, etc.). 837 /auksánō ("to grow") is key to authentic discipleship. Indeed, the Lord requires non-stop progress (development) in the life of faith.
“Fellow Workers”: The word “Fellow Workers” is the Greek word sunergos (4904), which means fellow worker, co-worker, helper
“Wise”: The word “Wise” is the Greek word sophos (4680) which means wise, learned, skilled
“Master Builder”: The word “Master Builder” is the Greek word architektón (753), which means master builder, architect
HELPS Word-studies: 753 arxitéktōn (from arxi, "first" and 5045 /téktōn, "a craftsman") – properly, a chief artesian; a master-craftsman.
["Architect" is derived from 753 (arxitéktōn), i.e. someone responsible from the beginning to the end for the success (beauty, solidarity) of a building.]
“Careful”: The word “Careful” is the Greek word blepó (991), which means to see, to look at, to behold, to perceive
HELPS Word-studies: 991 blépō – properly, to see, be observant (watchful). 991 (blépō) suggests "to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception)." That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB® 1995

As we walk in the Word—truly living it out—God will pour more of His Spirit’s gifts through us as we need them. These gifts are tools to help us minister effectively to others.

For example, if I believe I only have the gift of the word of wisdom, but I am standing in front of someone God wants to speak to prophetically, do you think He will refuse to use me because of that? Of course not. In that moment, I trust God to provide what the person needs and to work through me to deliver it. As you step out and do the work you were created to do, you will discover that many of these gifts will flow through you throughout your lifetime on this earth. There is no need to be jealous of anyone; you simply need to step out and do the God-given work He has called you to.

Above all, we need to be very aware that when gifts flow through us, we must not have impure motives. If we do, we are sinning against God. If you find that you enjoy receiving attention because of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you need to repent and ask God to remove that from your heart. Gifts are not meant to make us feel special or loved by God or humans. Paul gives specific instructions on this.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 NASB® 1995

Characteristics of Godly Leaders

Below are a couple of sections of Scripture that reveal the heart and life of a godly leader. It is important that we do not follow anyone’s ministry that does not align with the heart of God. See more on Godly Leaders

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NASB® 1995

What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.
1 Corinthians 9:18-19 NASB® 1995

Identifying False Leaders Who Perform Signs and Wonders

It is very important that we do not follow people simply because of signs and wonders, and we should not assume they are godly because of them either.

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance.
Matthew 24:23-25 NASB® 1995

And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.
Mark 13:21-23 NASB® 1995

“False Christs”: The word “False Christs” is the Greek word pseudochristos (5580), which means false Christ
“False Prophets”: The word “False Prophets” is the Greek word pseudoprophétés (5578), which means false prophet
HELPS Word-studies: 5578 pseudoprophḗtēs (from 5571 /pseudḗs, "false" and 4396/prophḗtēs, "a prophet") – properly, a false prophet; someone pretending to speak the word of the Lord (prophesy) but in fact is phony (an imposter), acting as a wolf in sheep's clothing.
5578 /pseudoprophḗtēs ("a false prophet") specializes in "the art of misimpression," like about how they were "commissioned" by the Lord to touch the world with their message. But when in fact, they operate by self and for self so they must be exposed for what they are – and are not!
“Signs”: The word “Signs” is the Greek word sémeion (4592), which means sign, miracle, token, indication
HELPS Word-studies: 4592 sēmeíon – a sign (typically miraculous), given especially to confirm, corroborate or authenticate. 4592 /sēmeíon ("sign") then emphasizes the end-purpose which exalts the one giving it. Accordingly, it is used dozens of times in the NT for what authenticates the Lord and His eternal purpose, especially by doing what mere man cannot replicate of take credit for.
“Wonders”: The word “Wonders” is the Greek word teras (5059), which means wonder, Marvel
HELPS Word-studies: 5059 téras – a miraculous wonder, done to elicit a reaction from onlookers; an extraordinary event with its supernatural effect left on all witnessing it, i.e. a portent from heaven to earth.
“Mislead”: The word “Mislead” is the Greek word planaó (4105), which means to lead astray, to deceive, to cause to wander
HELPS Word-studies: 4105 planáō – properly, go astray, get off-course; to deviate from the correct path (circuit, course), roaming into error, wandering; (passive) be misled. [4105 (planáō) is the root of the English term, planet ("wandering body"). This term nearly always conveys the sin of roaming (for an exception – see Hebrews 11:38).]
“Elect”: The word “Elect” is the Greek word eklektos (1588), which means chosen, elect
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1588 eklektós (an adjective, derived from 1586 /eklégomai, "to select, choose," also used as a substantive/noun) – properly, selected (chosen from, out of), especially as a deeply personal choice – literally "chosen, out of a personal preference (intention)."
Typically, 1588 /eklektós ("select, chosen") describes people who choose to follow the Lord, i.e. become God's choice by freely receiving faith (4102 /pístis) from Him. Accordingly, these two terms are directly connected (see Titus 1:1; Luke 18:7,8).

Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.
2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 NASB® 1995

“Deception”: The word “Deception” is the Greek word apaté (539), which means deception, deceit, delusion
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 539 apátē – a false impression, made to deceive or cheat – i.e. deceit motivated by guile and treachery (trickery, fraud).
“Wickedness”: The word “Wickedness” is the Greek word adikia (93), which means injustice, unrighteousness, wrongdoing
HELPS Word-studies: 93 adikía (a feminine noun derived from 1 /A "not" and 1349 /díkē, "justice") – properly, the opposite of justice; unrighteousness, as a violation of God's standards (justice) which brings divine disapproval; a count (violation) of God's justice, i.e. what is contrary to His righteous judgments (what He approves).
“Deluding”: The word “Deluding” is the Greek word plané (4106), which means deception, error, delusion, wandering
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 4106 plánē (a feminine noun derived from 4105 /planáō) – deviant behavior; a departure from what God says is true; an error (deception) which results in wandering (roaming into sin).
“Influence”: The word “Influence” is the Greek word energeia (1753), which means energy, working, operation, activity
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1753 enérgeia (the root of the English term "energy") – energy; "power in action" (Wm. Barclay, More NT Words, 46). See 1754 (energeō).
1753 /enérgeia ("divine energy") typically refers to God's energy, which transitions the believer from point to point in His plan (accomplishing His definition of progress).
[1753 (enérgeia) occurs 8 times – always of God's energy, except at 2 Thes 2:9.]
What is “False”: The word “False” is the Greek word pseudos (5579), which means falsehood, lie, deception

God can speak His will through people, even if they have impure hearts.

1 When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. 2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, 3 and he took up his discourse and said,
Number 24:1-3 ESV

But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.
These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”
2 Peter 2:12-22 NASB® 1995

20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.”23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
1 Samuel 19:20-24 ESV

49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
John 11:49-53 ESV

You cannot gauge your relationship with God by the gifts of the Spirit manifested in your life. You gauge your relationship with Him by the fruit of the Spirit produced in your life.

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell⁠—and great was its fall.”
Matthew 7:15-27 NASB® 1995

“Ravenous”: The word “Ravenous” is the Greek word harpax (727), which means rapacious, ravenous, extortioner, robber
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 727 hárpaks – properly, seizing; a sudden snatching (like in a robbery).
“Lawlessness”: The word “Lawlessness” is the Greek word anomia (458), which means lawlessness, iniquity, transgression
HELPS Word-studies: 458 anomía (from 1 /A "not" and 3551 /nómos, "law") – properly, without law;
lawlessness; the utter disregard for God's law (His written and living Word).
458 /anomía ("lawlessness") includes the end-impact of law breaking – i.e., its negative influence on a person's soul (status before God).

In Matthew 7, Jesus shows us how to ensure we are good trees: we must act on the words He speaks, not simply hear them.

Paul tells us to examine ourselves to determine if we are in the faith.

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

References:

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Lexicon: Biblehub.com
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Biblehub.com
Edited 2/2026
Posted 2/2026