Lexical Summary (Not Used): (Not Used) (Not Used)Part of Speech: Transliteration: (Not Used) (Not Used) Topical Lexicon Linguistic Family and Conceptual Range Though Strong’s Greek 3274 itself never surfaces in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts, it stands behind a family of words built on the idea of “readiness to do any deed,” whether noble or base. Cognates such as panourgia (“craftiness”) appear in 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 4:14, showing that the concept was well known to the Apostle Paul. The semantic range stretches from shrewd resourcefulness (Proverbs 12:16, Septuagint) to the darker sense of unscrupulous duplicity (Jeremiah 4:22, Septuagint). Canonical Absence, Conceptual Presence Because 3274 never occurs in the Greek New Testament, its value lies in the backdrop it provides for inspired writers who warned against deceitful practices. Paul contrasts the ethical bankruptcy implied by the root with the transparent, gospel-shaped integrity believers must display: “Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit or distort the word of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2). The stark opposition clarifies why the Spirit did not need the precise adjective in order to convey its reality—its cognates were sufficient to expose the peril and to exhort the churches. Old Testament and Intertestamental Parallels 1. Serpentine Subtlety: Genesis 3 portrays the serpent as “crafty,” setting the pattern later captured by the cognate panourgia in Pauline usage. Theological Significance The root idea accentuates total moral flexibility—“all-works” readiness—set over against the holiness of God, who “does no wrong; upright and just is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Scripture consistently treats unprincipled cunning as a hallmark of: Christological Reflection Jesus Christ embodies wisdom without compromise. He exhorted His disciples, “Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16), calling for alert discernment devoid of the moral corruption suggested by 3274. In every confrontation—whether with Pharisaic trick questions (Matthew 22:15–22) or satanic temptation (Matthew 4:1–11)—the Lord demonstrated resourcefulness anchored in flawless righteousness. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Guarding the Gospel: Leaders must expose manipulative teaching with “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9). Illustrations in Biblical Narrative • Jacob’s early actions toward Esau (Genesis 27) highlight the temptation of unscrupulous ingenuity, later transformed by divine discipline. Related Greek Terms for Further Study 3834 panourgia – craftiness, ready trickery 1722 energeia – operative power, often contrasted with deceptive “working” 1388 dolos – bait, deceit 4140 planao – to lead astray Summary Strong’s Greek 3274, although absent from the New Testament text, sharpens the biblical contrast between godly wisdom and unprincipled craftiness. Its conceptual shadow urges the church to cultivate transparent integrity, to expose deceitful influences, and to rely on Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance μελῶν — 2 Occ.μέλος — 5 Occ. Μελχὶ — 2 Occ. Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ. ἔμελεν — 2 Occ. μέλει — 7 Occ. μελέτω — 1 Occ. μεμβράνας — 1 Occ. μέμφεται — 1 Occ. μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ. μὲν — 182 Occ. Μενοῦν — 1 Occ. μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ. μέντοι — 8 Occ. ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ. ἔμειναν — 2 Occ. ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ. ἔμενεν — 3 Occ. ἔμενον — 1 Occ. μεῖναι — 6 Occ. |
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