πανουργία
panourgia
craftiness
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "πανουργία" (panourgia) is defined as "craftiness." This term suggests a sense of cleverness or cunning, often with a negative connotation. It implies a level of manipulative skill, where one person uses their wit and intelligence to deceive or outsmart others. The word "πανουργία" appears five times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. It is likely used to describe individuals who employ their cleverness for nefarious purposes, such as the false prophets and teachers who lead people astray. The range of usage suggests that "πανουργία" is a versatile term that can be applied to different situations, from personal relationships to broader societal issues. The significance of "πανουργία" lies in its ability to highlight the dangers of cleverness and cunning when used for malicious purposes. It serves as a warning against the misuse of intelligence and wit, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty in all aspects of life.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me?
1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He has taken the wise in their craftiness.”
2 Corinthians 4:2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 11:3But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Ephesians 4:14that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;