Topical Bible: Devices

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical terminology, the term "devices" often refers to schemes, plans, or strategies, typically with a negative connotation, indicating human or demonic intentions that are contrary to God's will. The concept of devices is frequently associated with the deceitful and cunning plans of the wicked, as well as the futile attempts of humans to outmaneuver divine wisdom.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word most commonly translated as "devices" is "מַחֲשָׁבוֹת" (machashavot), which can mean thoughts, plans, or schemes. In the Old Testament, this term is often used to describe the wicked intentions of individuals or nations. For example, in Job 5:12, it is written, "He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success." Here, the devices of the crafty are depicted as ultimately futile against God's sovereign power.

In Proverbs, the term is used to contrast the plans of the righteous with those of the wicked. Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This highlights the belief that while humans may devise many plans, it is ultimately God's purpose that will stand.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Greek word "νοήματα" (noēmata) is often translated as "devices" or "schemes," particularly in the context of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul warns believers about the devices of Satan, emphasizing the need for vigilance and spiritual discernment. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul writes, "in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."

Ephesians 6:11 further instructs believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage underscores the reality of spiritual conflict and the necessity of divine protection against the cunning devices of the enemy.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of devices serves as a reminder of the limitations of human wisdom and the deceptive nature of sin. The Bible consistently portrays human devices as ultimately subordinate to God's sovereign will. Isaiah 8:10 declares, "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen, for God is with us."

The recognition of human and demonic devices calls believers to trust in God's wisdom and to seek His guidance in all their plans. It also serves as a warning against relying on one's own understanding or engaging in deceitful practices.

Practical Application

For Christians, the awareness of devices—both human and demonic—encourages a life of prayer, discernment, and reliance on God's Word. Believers are called to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16), understanding the times and the spiritual realities that influence human affairs.

In personal and communal life, Christians are urged to submit their plans to God, seeking His will above their own. James 4:13-15 advises, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'"

By acknowledging the reality of devices and aligning their lives with God's purposes, believers can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity, confident in the ultimate triumph of God's will.

Strong's Hebrew

4156. moetsah -- counsel, plan, principle, device
... 4155, 4156. moetsah. 4157 . counsel, plan, principle, device. Transliteration:
moetsah Phonetic Spelling: (mo-ay-tsaw') Short Definition: devices. ...
/hebrew/4156.htm - 6k

2810. chishshabon -- device, invention
... 2809, 2810. chishshabon. 2811 . device, invention. Transliteration: chishshabon
Phonetic Spelling: (khish-shaw-bone') Short Definition: devices. ...
/hebrew/2810.htm - 6k

4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device
... Word Origin from zamam Definition purpose, discretion, device NASB Word Usage devises
evil (1), discretion (5), evil devices (1), intent (1), plans (1), plot (1 ...
/hebrew/4209.htm - 6k

Library

Satan's Devices
... Satan's Devices. The occasion of these words was as follows: In the church
of Corinth there was an unhappy person, who had committed ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

Satan's Devices
... First Series Sermon 42 Satan's Devices. "We are not ignorant of his devices."
2:Cor.2:11. 1. The devices whereby the subtle god of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 42 satans devices.htm

Satan's Devices.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 157 Satan's devices. CM Satan's devices. Now Satan comes with
dreadful roar. And threatens to destroy; He worries whom he can't devour. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 157 satans devices.htm

Of Two Ghostly Devices that be Helpful to a Ghostly Beginner in ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE TWO AND THIRTIETH CHAPTER Of two ghostly devices that
be helpful to a ghostly beginner in the work of this book. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the two and 2.htm

System of Marcus; a Mere Impostor; his Wicked Devices Upon the ...
... Book VI. Chapter XXXIV."System of Marcus; A Mere Impostor; His Wicked
Devices Upon the Eucharistic Cup. A certain other teacher ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxiv system of marcus a.htm

In Human Institutions which are not Superstitious, There are Some ...
... And this whole class are to be reckoned among the superfluous devices of men, unless
when it is a matter of importance to inquire in regard to any of them, for ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 25 in human institutions which.htm

But in Regard to Pictures and Statues, and Other Works of this ...
... And this whole class are to be reckoned among the superfluous devices of men, unless
when it is a matter of importance to inquire in regard to any of them, for ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 39 but in regard.htm

Thou Shalt not Covet Thy Neighbor's House. Thou Shalt not Covet ...
... And yet we pretend to be godly, know how to adorn ourselves most finely and conceal
our rascality, resort to and invent adroit devices and deceitful artifices ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not covet thy.htm

Do not Accept Judaism.
... Flee therefore the wicked devices and snares of the prince of this world, lest at
any time being conquered [924] by his artifices, [925] ye grow weak in your ...
/.../chapter vi do not accept judaism.htm

On Shoes.
... Farewell, therefore, must be bidden to gold-plated and jewelled mischievous devices
of sandals, and Attic and Sicyonian half-boots, and Persian and Tyrrhenian ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap xii on shoes.htm

Thesaurus

Devices (43 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Devices (43 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan
should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. ...
/d/devices.htm - 18k

Schemes (25 Occurrences)
... His own counsel shall cast him down. (See RSV NIV). Job 21:27 "Behold, I know your
thoughts, the devices with which you would wrong me. (See RSV NIV). ...
/s/schemes.htm - 12k

Forecast (2 Occurrences)
... in Daniel 11:24, 25 (the King James Version) as the translation of chashabh, "to
think," "meditate," "devise," "plot," "He shall forecast his devices (The King ...
/f/forecast.htm - 8k

Plots (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 11:19 But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I
didn't know that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy ...
/p/plots.htm - 11k

Devised (35 Occurrences)
... do surely die, and 'are' as water which is running down to the earth, which is not
gathered, and God doth not accept a person, and hath devised devices in that ...
/d/devised.htm - 17k

Device (17 Occurrences)
... But more frequently it is used in an evil sense, of a wicked purpose or plot, "Let
us devise devices against Jeremiah" (Jeremiah 18:18); "For we are not ...
/d/device.htm - 14k

Devises (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY RSV NIV). Psalms 10:2 Through the pride of the wicked the poor is hotly
pursued, they are taken in the devices that they have imagined. (See NIV). ...
/d/devises.htm - 9k

Mischievous (13 Occurrences)
... in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him that prospereth
in his way, because of the man that bringeth mischievous devices to pass ...
/m/mischievous.htm - 10k

Counselled (26 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 32:7 And the miser -- his instruments 'are' evil, He hath counselled
wicked devices, To corrupt the poor with lying sayings, Even when the needy ...
/c/counselled.htm - 14k

Plans (55 Occurrences)
... Persia. (See NIV). Job 5:12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So
that their hands can't perform their enterprise. (See NIV). ...
/p/plans.htm - 20k

Resources

Is it wrong for a woman to get an epidural and/or other pain relievers during childbirth? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about strength? | GotQuestions.org

Devices: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Devices (43 Occurrences)

2 Corinthians 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
(KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT)

Exodus 31:4
to devise devices to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
(YLT)

Exodus 35:32
even to devise devices to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
(YLT)

2 Samuel 14:14
for we do surely die, and 'are' as water which is running down to the earth, which is not gathered, and God doth not accept a person, and hath devised devices in that the outcast is not outcast by Him.
(YLT)

Job 5:12
He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Job 6:30
Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern mischievous things?
(See JPS)

Job 11:3
Thy devices make men keep silent, Thou scornest, and none is causing blushing!
(YLT)

Job 17:11
My days have passed by, My devices have been broken off, The possessions of my heart!
(YLT)

Job 21:27
"Behold, I know your thoughts, the devices with which you would wrong me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Psalms 5:10
Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.
(See NAS)

Psalms 10:2
The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Psalms 10:4
The wicked according to the height of his face, inquireth not. 'God is not!' 'are' all his devices.
(YLT)

Psalms 26:10
In whose hands are evil devices, and their right hand is full of bribes.
(DBY RSV)

Psalms 33:10
The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
(KJV WBS)

Psalms 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Psalms 38:12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.
(See JPS)

Psalms 81:12
So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels.
(See NAS NIV)

Proverbs 1:31
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Proverbs 8:12
I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out knowledge and discretion.
(See JPS YLT)

Proverbs 12:2
A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Proverbs 15:26
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words 'are' pure.
(ASV)

Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Proverbs 30:32
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
(See JPS)

Ecclesiastes 7:29
Only see this which I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices.
(DBY YLT NAS RSV)

Isaiah 16:6
We have heard of the pride of Moab -- very proud, His pride, and his arrogance, and his wrath, Not right 'are' his devices.
(YLT)

Isaiah 32:7
The ways of the scoundrel are evil. He devises wicked devices to destroy the humble with lying words, even when the needy speaks right.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Isaiah 65:2
All day my hands have been stretched out to an uncontrolled people, who go in an evil way, after the purposes of their hearts;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 6:19
Hear, O earth, lo, I am bringing evil on this people, The fruit of their devices, For to My words they gave no attention, And My law -- they kick against it.
(YLT RSV)

Jeremiah 11:15
What hath my beloved to do in my house, seeing that the more part practise their evil devices, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? When thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.
(DBY)

Jeremiah 11:19
But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I didn't know that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Jeremiah 18:12
But they say, It is in vain; for we will walk after our own devices, and we will do everyone after the stubbornness of his evil heart.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Jeremiah 18:18
Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Jeremiah 30:24
The fierceness of the anger of Jehovah Doth not turn back till His doing, Yea, till His establishing the devices of His heart, In the latter end of the days we consider it!
(YLT)

Jeremiah 48:30
I -- I have known, an affirmation of Jehovah, His wrath, and 'it is' not right, His devices -- not right they have done.
(YLT)

Jeremiah 49:20
Therefore, hear ye the counsel of Jehovah, That He hath counselled concerning Edom, And His devices that He hath devised Concerning the inhabitants of Teman: Drag them out do not little ones of the flock, Make desolate over them doth he not their habitation?
(YLT)

Jeremiah 50:45
Therefore, hear ye the counsel of Jehovah, That He counselled concerning Babylon, And His devices that He hath devised Concerning the land of the Chaldeans; Drag them out do not little ones of the flock, Doth He not make desolate over them the habitation?
(YLT)

Lamentations 3:60
You have seen all their vengeance and all their devices against me.
(WEB JPS ASV RSV)

Lamentations 3:61
You have heard their reproach, Yahweh, and all their devices against me,
(WEB JPS ASV RSV)

Ezekiel 16:58
Thy devices and thine abominations, Thou hast borne them, an affirmation of Jehovah.
(YLT)

Daniel 11:24
In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them prey, and spoil, and substance: yes, he shall devise his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Daniel 11:25
He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Micah 6:16
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and her inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people."
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Devices

Related Terms

Devil's (5 Occurrences)

Dumb (34 Occurrences)

Michael (16 Occurrences)

Witchcraft (8 Occurrences)

Witch (2 Occurrences)

Undo (9 Occurrences)

Undoing (7 Occurrences)

Taketh (398 Occurrences)

Ended (146 Occurrences)