Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "subtilly" is an archaic form of the word "subtly," which denotes craftiness, cunning, or deceit. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to actions or words that are characterized by cleverness or deceit, typically with negative connotations. The concept of subtilty is frequently associated with the serpent in the Garden of Eden and other instances where deception plays a role in the narrative. Biblical References: 1. Genesis 3:1 : "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’'" In this passage, the serpent's craftiness is highlighted as it subtly questions God's command, leading to the fall of man. The serpent's approach is marked by cunning and deceit, embodying the essence of subtilty. 2. Joshua 9:4 : "they acted with cunning and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended." The Gibeonites used subtilty to deceive Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. Their actions were marked by strategic deception, presenting themselves as distant travelers to secure protection. 3. 2 Samuel 13:3 : "But Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man." Jonadab's shrewdness, or subtilty, is evident in his advice to Amnon, which ultimately leads to the tragic events involving Tamar. His cunning plan reflects the negative aspects of subtilty, as it results in harm and deceit. 4. Proverbs 1:4 : "to impart prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young." While subtilty often carries a negative connotation, the wisdom literature of Proverbs suggests a more nuanced understanding. Here, prudence and discretion are seen as positive attributes, guiding the simple and the young towards wise living. This reflects a form of subtilty that is aligned with wisdom and discernment rather than deceit. Theological Implications: Subtilty in the Bible is often associated with the fallen nature of humanity and the influence of evil. It serves as a warning against deceit and the cunning schemes that can lead individuals away from God's truth. The serpent's subtilty in Genesis is a prime example of how cunning can be used to undermine divine commands and lead to sin. However, the Bible also acknowledges a form of subtilty that aligns with wisdom and discernment. In Proverbs, the call to be prudent and discreet suggests that there is a place for cleverness when it is used in accordance with God's will and for righteous purposes. This dual aspect of subtilty highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with divine wisdom rather than selfish or deceitful motives. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral and ethical standpoint, subtilty challenges believers to examine their intentions and the means by which they achieve their goals. While cleverness and strategic thinking can be valuable, they must be tempered by integrity and a commitment to truth. The Bible encourages believers to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16), suggesting a balance between shrewdness and purity. In summary, subtilty in the biblical context serves as both a cautionary tale against deceit and a call to exercise wisdom and discernment in alignment with God's principles. Greek 2686. katasophizomai -- to deal craftily with ... be crafty against, circumvent. Middle voice from kata and sophizo; to be crafty against, ie Circumvent -- deal subtilly with. see GREEK kata. see GREEK sophizo. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2686.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5230. nakal -- to be crafty, deceitful or knavish... beguile, conspire, deceiver, deal subtilly. A prim root; to defraud, ie Act treacherously -- beguile, conspire, deceiver, deal subtilly. 5229, 5230. ... /hebrew/5230.htm - 6k 6191. arom -- to be shrewd or crafty 4820. mirmah -- deceit, treachery Library Joseph For the Obtaining of Internal Peace, Tis Necessary for the Soul to ... Instructions and Counsels to Confessors and Spiritual Directors. Psalm VI. God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men. The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts. The Struggler; Matt. xvi. 28 Thesaurus Subtilly (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Subtilly (3 Occurrences). ... (KJV DBY WBS). Psalms 105:25 He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants. ... /s/subtilly.htm - 7k Subtilty (9 Occurrences) Kindred (41 Occurrences) Track (4 Occurrences) Entreated (56 Occurrences) Dealeth (22 Occurrences) Dealt (130 Occurrences) Casting (54 Occurrences) Subtilely (1 Occurrence) Prepare (199 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Subtilly (3 Occurrences)Acts 7:19 1 Samuel 23:22 Psalms 105:25 Subtopics Related Terms |