Definition and Usage:
The term "subtly" refers to actions or behaviors characterized by craftiness, cunning, or a delicate and indirect approach. In the biblical context, it often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit and manipulation. The concept of subtlety is frequently linked to the serpent in the Garden of Eden and other instances where deception is employed.

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 subtlety is evident in its approach to Eve. The serpent uses cunning language to sow doubt and lead Eve into temptation. The craftiness of the serpent is a prime example of subtlety used for deceitful purposes.

2. 2 Samuel 13:3-5 :
"But Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man, and he asked Amnon, 'Why are you, the son of the king, so haggard morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?' Amnon said to him, 'I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.' 'Go to bed and pretend to be ill,' said Jonadab. 'When your father comes to see you, say to him, "Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so that I may watch her and eat it from her hand."'"

Jonadab's advice to Amnon demonstrates subtlety in the form of manipulation and deceit. His shrewdness is used to orchestrate a plan that ultimately leads to sin and tragedy, highlighting the destructive potential of subtlety when used for evil.

3. Proverbs 7:10 :
"Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart."

The description of the woman in Proverbs 7 emphasizes her cunning nature, which is a form of subtlety. Her approach is indirect and seductive, aiming to lead the young man astray. This passage warns against the dangers of being enticed by subtle and deceptive appearances.

Theological Implications:

Subtlety, when used for deceit, is often associated with sin and moral corruption. It is a tool of the adversary, as seen in the serpent's temptation of Eve. The Bible warns believers to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the potential for subtlety to lead them away from truth and righteousness.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, subtlety can be seen as a double-edged sword. While it can be used for strategic and wise purposes, such as in diplomacy or conflict resolution, its use for deceit and manipulation is condemned. Believers are encouraged to pursue honesty and transparency, avoiding the pitfalls of subtlety that lead to sin.

Practical Application:

Christians are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). This balance requires discernment to recognize when subtlety is being used against them and to respond with wisdom and integrity. By adhering to biblical principles, believers can navigate the complexities of life without falling prey to deceitful subtleties.1. (adv.) In a subtle manner; slyly; artfully; cunningly.

2. (adv.) Nicely; delicately.

3. (adv.) Deceitfully; delusively.

Grace Subtly Acknowledged by Pelagius.
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 11 [X.]"Grace Subtly
Acknowledged by Pelagius. He then starts an objection ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 11 x grace subtly acknowledged.htm

Acts vii. 6, 7
... And yet already four hundred years were passed, nay more, in Egypt. But this is
the wonder of it. "The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil-entreated ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi acts vii 6.htm

Paracelsus {13}
... Agrippa kept a Stygian pug I' the garb and habit of a dog" That was his taste; and
the cur Read to th' occult philosopher, And taught him subtly to maintain ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... dangers which he had dreaded and the cry to God which he had sent forth are still
present to his mind, and echo through his song, like a subtly-touched chord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Another Portrait Gallery
... Most subtly has the enemy caused many a man's downfall when his unmarried daughter
has died, and he has found himself confronted with angry relatives and irate ...
/.../chapter xxi another portrait gallery.htm

The Knowledge of God
... ours. All our actions, though never so subtly contrived, and secretly conveyed,
are visible to the eye of Omniscience. Isaiah 66:18. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

Chapter xxxv
... But most important of all, there had been a most pernicious and dangerous practice
subtly at work poisoning the fountainhead of all true religion"idols were ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

The Mother of all Love-Words.
... lives into one. It reaches out most subtly to knit up again the ends that
have ravelled out under the sore stress of life. It bends ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the mother of all love-words.htm

Packing Most in Least.
... of an Arabian cave, had the whole of a new God"a God of tender gentle love"packed
into an exquisite sound of gentle stillness, that smote so subtly on his ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/packing most in least.htm

To Brother Raimondo of the Preaching Order when He was in Genoa
... begins with earnest self-accusations, and proceeds to comfort the weakness of the
man who should have been her guide with tender and subtly-reasoned assurances ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother raimondo of the.htm

Subtly (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Subtly (3 Occurrences). ... (WEB JPS ASV). Psalms 105:25 He
turned their heart to hate his people, To deal subtly with his servants. (ASV). ...
/s/subtly.htm - 7k

Subtlety (3 Occurrences)
... American) "with guile"; Psalm 105:25, nakhal, "to deceive," the King James Version
"deal subtlely," the American Standard Revised Version "subtly"; Proverbs 7 ...
/s/subtlety.htm - 10k

Usually (6 Occurrences)
... 23:22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is,
and who has seen him there; for it is told me that he deals very subtly. ...
/u/usually.htm - 8k

Investigate (11 Occurrences)
... 23:22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is,
and who has seen him there; for it is told me that he deals very subtly. ...
/i/investigate.htm - 10k

Deals (34 Occurrences)
... 23:22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is,
and who has seen him there; for it is told me that he deals very subtly. ...
/d/deals.htm - 16k

Deal (170 Occurrences)
... In the Psalms "to deal" always means "to confer benefit," "to deal bountifully,"
with the exception of Psalm 105:25, where it means "to deal subtly with." The ...
/d/deal.htm - 40k

Crafty (15 Occurrences)
... 23:22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is,
and who has seen him there; for it is told me that he deals very subtly. ...
/c/crafty.htm - 11k

Craftily (7 Occurrences)
... you. (WEB ASV). Psalms 105:25 He turned their heart to hate his people, To
deal subtly with his servants. (See JPS NAS RSV). Jeremiah ...
/c/craftily.htm - 8k

Subtil (3 Occurrences)
... American) "with guile"; Psalm 105:25, nakhal, "to deceive," the King James Version
"deal subtlely," the American Standard Revised Version "subtly"; Proverbs 7 ...
/s/subtil.htm - 10k

Slanderer (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother;
for every brother acteth subtly, and every neighbour goeth about with ...
/s/slanderer.htm - 7k

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