Lexical Summary sophos: Wise, learned, skilled Original Word: σοφός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wise. Akin to saphes (clear); wise (in a most general application) -- wise. Compare phronimos. see GREEK phronimos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition skilled, wise NASB Translation wise (16), wise man (2), wise men (1), wiser (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4680: σοφόςσοφός, σοφή, σοφόν (akin to σαφής and to the Latinsapio, sapiens, sapor, 'to have a taste', etc.; Curtius, § 628; (Vanicek, p. 991)), the Sept. for חָכָם; (from Theognis, Pindar, Aeschylus down); wise, i. e. a. skilled, expert: εἰς τί, Romans 16:19; of artificers (cf. Grimm, Exeg. Hdbch. on Sap. ( b. wise, i. e. skilled in letters, cultivated, learned: Romans 1:14, 22; of the Greek philosophers (and orators, see σοφία, a.), 1 Corinthians 1:19f, 26; 1 Corinthians 3:18f,(20); of the Jewish theologians, Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; of Christian teachers, Matthew 23:34. c. wise in a practical sense, i. e. one who in action is governed by piety and integrity: Ephesians 5:15; James 3:13; and accordingly is a suitable person to settle private quarrels, 1 Corinthians 6:5. d. wise in a philosophic sense, forming the best plans and using the best means for their execution: so of God, Romans 16:27, and Rec. in 1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 1:25; σοφώτερον, contains more wisdom, is more sagaciously thought out, 1 Corinthians 1:25. Romans 16:27 exalts “the only wise God” and fixes all true wisdom in His character and glory. The doxology crowns Paul’s letter by reminding readers that every saving and sanctifying truth finds its origin in God’s unsearchable wisdom. Because wisdom is intrinsic to God, any human claim to wisdom must be measured by its conformity to the divine revelation preserved in Scripture. Wisdom Hidden and Revealed Jesus’ thanksgiving in Matthew 11:25 and Luke 10:21 underscores a key biblical paradox: what is concealed from the “wise and learned” is graciously unveiled to “little children.” Human brilliance, unaided by grace, cannot unlock the mysteries of the kingdom. The Gospel is therefore a revelation, not merely a discovery. This emphasis guards believers from intellectual pride and encourages humble dependence on God for spiritual understanding. The Wisdom of the World Versus the Wisdom of God 1 Corinthians 1–3 furnishes the most sustained treatment of σοφός. Paul quotes Isaiah: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:19), declares that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25), and observes that “not many were wise by human standards” when God called the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:26). God’s deliberate choice of what the world calls “foolish” (1 Corinthians 1:27) reverses cultural expectations and puts the cross at the center of true wisdom. The apostle later warns that “the thoughts of the wise are futile” (1 Corinthians 3:20). Any epistemology that sidelines the crucified Christ, no matter how sophisticated, ultimately collapses before God’s verdict. Redemptive Reversal and Humility The repeated language of shaming and nullifying the worldly wise exposes the moral problem beneath intellectual arrogance: self-reliance. To “become foolish” in the world’s eyes (1 Corinthians 3:18) is prerequisite to becoming truly wise, because it requires repentance and faith. Thus, biblical wisdom is inseparable from humility and repentance; it does not merely add Christian content to secular self-confidence but supplants it. Wisdom for Holy Living Scripture also applies σοφός to practical righteousness. Ephesians 5:15 urges believers, “Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise.” Romans 16:19 similarly calls the church to “be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.” Here wisdom governs daily decisions, time stewardship, moral discernment, and relational conduct. Such passages show that Christian wisdom is ethical as well as intellectual. Wisdom in Church Order and Ministry Paul speaks of himself as “a wise master builder” who lays Christ as the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10). The term underscores Spirit-given competence in establishing and edifying local congregations. In 1 Corinthians 6:5 he laments the absence of someone “wise enough” to arbitrate internal disputes, indicating that spiritual communities should cultivate members capable of applying gospel principles to conflict resolution. James: Meekness of Wisdom James 3:13 tests claims to wisdom by conduct: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” Wisdom is authenticated not by eloquence or credentials but by meek, peace-loving righteousness. The passage contrasts heavenly wisdom—pure, peaceable, gentle—with earthly, demonic counterfeit, echoing Paul’s dichotomy between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of this age. Missionary Concern for All, Wise and Foolish Paul’s declaration, “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to wise and foolish” (Romans 1:14), situates wisdom within the apostolic mission. The Gospel addresses philosopher and peasant alike, refusing elitist restriction. Evangelism must therefore avoid pandering to intellectual vanity while also refusing anti-intellectualism; the message confronts every mind and heart with Christ crucified and risen. Prophetic Wisdom and Rejection In Matthew 23:34 Jesus foretells the sending of “prophets and wise men and scribes.” Their anticipated persecution reveals the persistent hardness of those who prize their own insight over God’s messengers. The passage warns that possessing inspired wisdom does not guarantee societal acceptance; faithful proclamation may invite opposition. Historical-Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, σοφός denoted esteemed philosophers and rhetoricians. First-century cities like Corinth boasted traveling sophists who charged fees for eloquent instruction. Paul’s deliberate refusal to preach “with eloquent wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:17) subverts this cultural admiration and redirects glory to Christ. The early church’s countercultural stance affirmed intellectual rigor but subjected every thought to the obedience of Christ. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching: Proclaim Christ crucified as the definitive revelation of God’s wisdom, resisting both anti-intellectualism and worldly sophistry. Summary of Theological Themes • God alone is essentially wise; all created wisdom is derivative and accountable. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:25 Adj-GMPGRK: ταῦτα ἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν NAS: these things from [the] wise and intelligent KJV: from the wise and INT: these things from wise and learned Matthew 23:34 Adj-AMP Luke 10:21 Adj-GMP Romans 1:14 Adj-DMP Romans 1:22 Adj-NMP Romans 16:19 Adj-AMP Romans 16:27 Adj-DMS 1 Corinthians 1:19 Adj-GMP 1 Corinthians 1:20 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 1:25 Adj-NNS-C 1 Corinthians 1:26 Adj-NMP 1 Corinthians 1:27 Adj-AMP 1 Corinthians 3:10 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 3:18 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 3:18 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 3:19 Adj-AMP 1 Corinthians 3:20 Adj-GMP 1 Corinthians 6:5 Adj-NMS Ephesians 5:15 Adj-NMP James 3:13 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 4680 |
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