Lexicon
poikilos: Various, manifold, diverse
Original Word: ποικίλος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: poikilos
Pronunciation: poy-kee'-los
Phonetic Spelling: (poy-kee'-los)
Definition: Various, manifold, diverse
Meaning: various, of different colors, diverse, various.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
diverse, manifold.
Of uncertain derivation; motley, i.e. Various in character -- divers, manifold.
HELPS Word-studies
4164 poikílos – properly, of various kinds, diversified ("manifold").
[This is the same meaning 4164 (poikílos) has in Pindar, Josephus, Philo, etc. cf. BAGD.]
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. word
Definitionmany colored
NASB Translationmanifold (1), varied (1), various (8).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4164: ποικίλοςποικίλος,
ποικίλη,
ποικίλον, from
Homer down,
various, i. e.
a. of divers colors, variegated: the Sept. b. equivalent to of divers sorts: Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:34; Luke 4:40; 2 Timothy 3:6; Titus 3:3; Hebrews 2:4; Hebrews 13:9; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 4:10 ((A. V. in the last two examples manifold)).
Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from a primary root meaning "to be variegated" or "diversified."Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of diversity and manifold expressions found in ποικίλος can be related to several Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas, such as:
• Strong's Hebrew 7230 (רֹב, rov): Meaning "multitude" or "abundance," often used to describe the vastness or variety of God's works or attributes.
• Strong's Hebrew 6440 (פָּנִים, panim): While primarily meaning "face" or "presence," it can imply the multifaceted nature of a person's character or God's presence.
• Strong's Hebrew 8198 (שָׁנִי, shani): Meaning "scarlet" or "crimson," often used in contexts that describe variegated or richly colored materials, symbolizing diversity and richness.
These Hebrew terms, like ποικίλος, emphasize the richness and diversity inherent in God's creation and His interactions with humanity.
Usage: The word ποικίλος is used in the New Testament to describe the diverse and manifold nature of God's wisdom, grace, and gifts. It appears in contexts that emphasize the richness and variety of God's creation and His dealings with humanity.
Context: The Greek term ποικίλος is used in the New Testament to highlight the multifaceted nature of divine attributes and actions. It appears in several key passages, each illustrating a different aspect of its meaning:
• 1 Peter 4:10: "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." Here, ποικίλος describes the "manifold" grace of God, emphasizing the diverse ways in which God's grace is manifested and experienced by believers. This passage encourages Christians to recognize and utilize their unique gifts in service to others, reflecting the varied expressions of God's grace.
• Hebrews 2:4: "God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will." In this context, ποικίλος is translated as "various," referring to the different kinds of miracles and gifts that God provides. This underscores the diversity of God's supernatural interventions and the distribution of spiritual gifts among believers.
• James 1:2: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds." The phrase "of many kinds" translates ποικίλος, indicating the various forms and challenges that trials can take. This passage encourages believers to find joy in the diverse trials they face, knowing that these experiences test and strengthen their faith.
The use of ποικίλος in these passages reflects a theological understanding of God's work as being rich in diversity and complexity. It highlights the idea that God's interactions with the world and His people are not monolithic but are instead characterized by a rich tapestry of expressions and manifestations.
Forms and Transliterations
ποικίλα ποικιλαις ποικίλαις ποικίλην ποικιλης ποικίλης ποικίλοι ποικιλοις ποικίλοις ποικίλον ποικίλους ποικιλτά ποικιλτικήν ποικιλτού ποικιλτών ποικίλως poikilais poikílais poikiles poikilēs poikíles poikílēs poikilois poikíloisLinks
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