Bible Dictionary
DELUSION
Delusion is error, deception, or wandering from the truth. Scripture may use the term for human folly and for the judicial working of error experienced by those who reject the truth.
Definition
Delusion is error, deception, folly, caprice, or a wandering from the truth. In biblical usage the term may describe a person’s wanton or foolish course, or an error that works powerfully upon those who reject truth.
Biblical Usage
Isaiah 66:4 uses the word in an ambiguous expression that may mean wantonness, caprice, mockings, insults, or follies. In 2 Thessalonians 2:11 it describes a working of error, literally a wandering or roaming about, affecting those who do not receive the truth.
Historical Background
The Old Testament term occurs only in Isaiah 66:4 and a related form in Isaiah 3:4. The New Testament word denotes error in opinion or conduct and is rendered “a working of error” in the Revised Version.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>de-lu'-zhun:</p><p>(1) Isa 66:4, "I also will choose their delusions" (the Revised Version, margin "mockings"), Hebrew ta`alulim, which occurs only here and Isa 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.</p><p>(2) 2Th 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.</p><p>D. Miall Edwards</p>