Topical Encyclopedia The term "crafty" in the Bible often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit, cunning, and subtlety. It is used to describe individuals or entities that employ trickery or guile to achieve their ends, often in opposition to God's will or righteousness.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "crafty" is עָרוּם (arum). This term is first introduced in Genesis 3:1, where it describes the serpent: "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." (Genesis 3:1). Here, the serpent's craftiness is linked to its role in the temptation and fall of humanity, highlighting the negative implications of cunning used for deceitful purposes. The concept of craftiness is also evident in the actions of certain individuals. For example, in Joshua 9, the Gibeonites use craftiness to deceive the Israelites into making a covenant with them. They disguise themselves as travelers from a distant land to avoid destruction, demonstrating how craftiness can be used to manipulate situations for self-preservation. Wisdom Literature In the wisdom literature, craftiness is often contrasted with true wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 12:23 states, "A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly." While prudence and discretion are valued, the implication is that craftiness, when used to deceive, is folly. The wise are encouraged to seek understanding and righteousness rather than resorting to cunning. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word πανουργία (panourgia) is often translated as "craftiness." The Apostle Paul warns against being led astray by those who use craftiness to distort the truth. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul expresses concern for the Corinthian church: "But I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3). Here, craftiness is directly linked to deception and the potential to lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel. Paul also speaks of his own ministry, emphasizing that he does not use craftiness or deceit in his preaching: "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2). This highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in the proclamation of the Gospel, contrasting with the negative use of craftiness. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, craftiness is often associated with the fallen nature of humanity and the influence of sin. It represents a departure from the straightforwardness and honesty that God desires from His people. The Bible consistently warns against the use of deceit and cunning, urging believers to pursue truth and righteousness. Craftiness, when used to deceive or manipulate, is seen as contrary to the character of God, who is described as a God of truth and faithfulness. Believers are called to emulate God's character, rejecting craftiness and embracing honesty and integrity in all their dealings. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Relating to, or characterized by, craft or skill; dexterous.2. (a.) Possessing dexterity; skilled; skillful. 3. (a.) Skillful at deceiving others; characterized by craft; cunning; wily. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CRAFT; CRAFTINESS; CRAFTYkraft, kraf'-ti-nes, kraf'-ti, (panourgia), (panourgos): The original meaning is that of "ability to do anything," universally applied in a bad sense to unscrupulous wickedness, that stops short of no measure, however reprehensible, in order to attain its purposes; then, in a modified form, to resourcefulness in wrong, cunning (Daniel 8:25; 2 Maccabees 12:24; the Revised Version, margin "jugglery"). In Luke 20:23, Jesus perceives "the craftiness" of His adversaries, i.e. the complicated network which they have laid to ensnare Him. The art with which a plot is concealed, and its direction to the ruin of others, are elements that enter into the meaning. Heinrici on 1 Corinthians 3:19 illustrates from Plato the distinction between craftiness and wisdom. There is a touch of humor in 2 Corinthians 12:16, when Paul speaks of his conduct toward the Corinthians as having been "crafty." Greek 3835. panourgos -- ready to do anything, crafty, skillful ... ready to do anything, crafty, skillful. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: panourgos Phonetic Spelling: (pan-oor'-gos) Short Definition: cunning ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3835.htm - 7k 2686. katasophizomai -- to deal craftily with 3834. panourgia -- cleverness, craftiness 258. alopex -- a fox 1114. goes -- a wailer, a sorcerer, a swindler Strong's Hebrew 6175. arum -- crafty, shrewd, sensible... 6174, 6175. arum. 6176 . crafty, shrewd, sensible. Transliteration: arum Phonetic Spelling: (aw-room') Short Definition: man. ... crafty, prudent, subtil. ... /hebrew/6175.htm - 6k 6191. arom -- to be shrewd or crafty 5230. nakal -- to be crafty, deceitful or knavish 6618. pethaltol -- tortuous Library How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished. Pelagius' Fraudulent and Crafty Excuses. Thus Far I have Made Answer About My Crimes, and Indeed in Defence ... Celsus Goes on to Say: "We must not Disobey the Ancient Writer... Pottage Versus Birthright The First Games Argument: Octavius Arranges his Reply, and Trusts that He Shall be ... 1 Cor. xv. 1, 2 2 Cor. xii. 16-18 Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Thesaurus Crafty (15 Occurrences)... wily. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CRAFT; CRAFTINESS; CRAFTY. kraft ... Jacobs. Multi-Version Concordance Crafty (15 Occurrences). Acts ... /c/crafty.htm - 11k Guile (21 Occurrences) Deception (24 Occurrences) Craftiness (8 Occurrences) Churl (6 Occurrences) Craft (14 Occurrences) Subtlety (3 Occurrences) Subtle (5 Occurrences) Crag (5 Occurrences) Craftsmen (22 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.org Who was Bartholomew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Crafty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Crafty (15 Occurrences)Acts 7:19 Romans 1:29 2 Corinthians 12:16 Genesis 3:1 1 Samuel 23:22 2 Samuel 13:3 Job 5:12 Job 6:30 Job 15:5 Psalms 38:12 Psalms 83:3 Proverbs 7:10 Proverbs 11:6 Proverbs 12:2 Proverbs 14:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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