Lexical Summary peithos: Persuasive, convincing Original Word: πειθός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enticing. From peitho; persuasive -- enticing. see GREEK peitho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peithó Definition persuasive NASB Translation persuasive (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3981: πειθόςπειθός (WH πίθος; see Iota), πειθη, πειθον, (from πείθω, like φειδος from φείδομαι (cf. Winers Grammar, 96 (91))), persuasive: ἐν πειθοῖς λόγοις, 1 Corinthians 2:4 (cf. Buttmann, 73). Not found elsewhere (Winer's Grammar, 24). The Greeks say πιθανός; as πιθανοι λόγοι, Josephus, Antiquities 8, 9, and often in Greek authors See Passow, under the word, πιθανός, 1 e.; (Liddell and Scott, ibid. I. 2; WH's Appendix, p. 153). STRONGS NT 3981: πίθος [πίθος, see πειθός and cf. Iota.] Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance The word translated “persuasive” in 1 Corinthians 2:4 comes from a root that speaks of winning someone over, producing confidence, or moving an audience by skillful argument. In the New Testament context the term is morally neutral; its value is determined by the source of the persuasion—human ingenuity or divine power. Occurrence in Scripture 1 Corinthians 2:4 is the sole New Testament instance, yet it stands at the center of Paul’s argument that gospel proclamation must rest on the Spirit rather than on rhetorical technique: “My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Emphasis on Divine Power over Human Rhetoric Paul does not condemn clarity, logic, or passion in proclamation; instead he refuses to allow any human strategy to eclipse the cross (1 Corinthians 1:17-25). In Corinth—a city famous for polished orators—he purposely avoided the devices that characterized itinerant sophists. True conversion comes through “a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,” so that “your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:5). Historical Background in Greco-Roman Rhetoric First-century Corinth prized eloquence. Speakers trained in the rhetorical schools of the day employed structured arguments, memorable turns of phrase, and emotional appeals to win patrons and honor. Against this cultural backdrop, Paul’s rejection of persuasive technique underscored the radical nature of gospel ministry. He was not opposed to reasoned discourse—see his synagogue dialogues in Acts 17:2-4—but he refused to ground gospel effectiveness in human artistry. Implications for Preaching and Teaching Today 1. Source of Confidence—Ministers must lean on the Spirit for conviction and transformation (Zechariah 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). Complementary Biblical Themes • Power versus mere words: 1 Corinthians 4:20; Romans 1:16. Pastoral Reflections A congregation shaped by “persuasive words” alone may applaud the preacher yet remain spiritually unchanged. On the other hand, a message carried by the Spirit produces repentance, faith, and enduring fruit. Prayerful dependence, Scripture-saturated proclamation, and a life that mirrors the gospel are the antidote to a performance-driven ministry. Elijah’s “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) and Paul’s weakness in Corinth both testify that God often bypasses the spectacular to display His power through humble vessels. Summary Strong’s Greek 3981 highlights the tension between human persuasion and divine demonstration. Paul’s lone use of the term in 1 Corinthians 2:4 calls every generation of believers to rest the advance of the gospel on the Spirit rather than on rhetorical charm. In so doing, the faith of God’s people remains anchored in the unchanging power of the cross, ensuring that glory accrues to the Lord alone. Forms and Transliterations πειθοίς πειθοῖς πιθοις πιθοῖς peithois peithoîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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