Strong's Lexicon panourgos: Crafty, cunning, shrewd Original Word: πανοῦργος Word Origin: Derived from πᾶς (pas, meaning "all") and ἔργον (ergon, meaning "work" or "deed") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "panourgos," similar concepts can be found in words like עָרוּם (arum, meaning "crafty" or "shrewd"), as seen in Genesis 3:1 describing the serpent. Usage: The Greek word "panourgos" is used to describe someone who is clever or skillful in achieving their aims, often through deceitful or underhanded means. It carries a negative connotation, implying a willingness to use any means necessary, including deceit, to accomplish one's goals. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the cunning nature of individuals who oppose the truth or act in a deceitful manner. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, cunning and craftiness were often seen as valuable traits in certain contexts, such as politics or warfare. However, in the moral teachings of the New Testament, these traits are generally viewed negatively, as they are associated with deceit and moral compromise. The early Christian community valued truthfulness and integrity, contrasting sharply with the cunning behavior described by "panourgos." HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3835 panoúrgos – properly, a person doing anything to get their way ("anything it takes"). 3935 /paríēmi ("crafty-fellow") is used only in 2 Cor 12:16 where it describes a scoundrel (an unscrupulous person) who will do any evil to "succeed." See 3834 (panourgia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pas and ergon Definition ready to do anything, crafty, skillful NASB Translation crafty (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3835: πανοῦργοςπανοῦργος, πανοῦργον (πᾶς and ἘΠΤΩ equivalent to ἐργάζομαι; on the accent, see κακοῦργος), the Sept. for עָרוּם; skillful, clever, i. e.: 1. in a good sense, fit to undertake and accomplish anything, dexterous; wise, sagacious, skillful (Aristotle, Polybius, Plutarch, others; the Sept. Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 28:2). But far more frequent. 2. in a bad sense, crafty, cunning, knavish, treacherous, deceitful, (Tragg., Aristophanes, Plato, Plutarch, others; the Sept.; Sir. 6:32 (31) (but here in a good sense); From pas and ergon; all-working, i.e. Adroit (shrewd) -- crafty. see GREEK pas see GREEK ergon |
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