# astray, go astray, went astray, lead astray, stray

## Definition:

The terms “stray” and “go astray” mean to disobey God’s will. People who are “led astray” have allowed other people or circumstances to influence them to disobey God.

* The word “astray” gives a picture of leaving a clear path or a place of safety to go down a wrong and dangerous path.
* Sheep who leave the pasture of their shepherd have “strayed.” God compares sinful people to sheep who have left him and “gone astray.”

## Translation Suggestions:

* The phrase “go astray” could be translated as “go away from God” or “take a wrong path away from God’s will” or “stop obeying God” or “live in a way that goes away from God.”
* To “lead someone astray” could be translated as “cause someone to disobey God” or “influence someone to stop obeying God” or “cause someone to follow you down a wrong path.”

(See also: [disobey](../other/disobey.md), [shepherd](../other/shepherd.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 John 3:7](rc://en/tn/help/1jn/03/07)
* [2 Timothy 3:13](rc://en/tn/help/2ti/03/13)
* [Exodus 23:4-5](rc://en/tn/help/exo/23/04)
* [Ezekiel 48:10-12](rc://en/tn/help/ezk/48/10)
* [Matthew 18:13](rc://en/tn/help/mat/18/13)
* [Matthew 24:5](rc://en/tn/help/mat/24/05)
* [Psalms 58:3](rc://en/tn/help/psa/058/03)
* [Psalms 119:110](rc://en/tn/help/psa/119/110)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H5080, H7683, H7686, H8582, G41050, G53510
