Brief Overview of πολυποίκιλος (Strong’s G4182: polypoikilos)

Strong’s G4182: A compound adjective combining πολύς (many) and ποικίλος (varied), meaning “much-variegated” or “manifold in variety.” In the New Testament, it uniquely describes God’s wisdom in its rich diversity and complexity, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολυποίκιλος represents the richly diverse and multi-faceted nature of God’s wisdom. In its sole New Testament appearance in Ephesians, it describes how the church displays God’s wisdom to spiritual powers. The early church understood this term as expressing the inexhaustible depth and variety of divine wisdom. Today, it reminds us that God’s wisdom manifests itself in countless ways through His work in the church and creation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολυποίκιλος, polypoikilos, /pol-oo-poy’-kee-los/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + oo (vowel) + poy (syllable) + kee (syllable) + los (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Component 1: πολύς (polys) – “many”
• Component 2: ποικίλος (poikilos) – “varied/diverse”
• Function: Creates compound indicating multiple varieties

D – Defining Meanings

• Much-variegated
• Many-colored
• Manifold
• Greatly diversified
• Multi-faceted

For compound words:
πολύς intensifies ποικίλος, emphasizing extraordinary variety

Translation Options:

• Manifold – Best captures complex variety
• Multi-faceted – Emphasizes different aspects
• Many-sided – Highlights diverse perspectives

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποικίλος (poikilos) /poy-kee’-los/ – refers to varied/diverse – See G4164
• πολυειδής (polyeidēs) /pol-oo-i-dace’/ – refers to many forms – See G4181
• πολύτροπος (polytropos) /pol-oot’-rop-os/ – refers to many ways – See G4187

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 2nd/1st declension adjective

Examples:
Masculine/Neuter: πολυποίκιλος, πολυποικίλου
Feminine: πολυποικίλη, πολυποικίλης

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its description of divine wisdom. Thayer’s notes its rich variety. LSJ traces its usage in describing complex patterns. Vine’s highlights its application to God’s wisdom. Strong’s connects it to multiple variations. Moulton and Milligan document its rare usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Ephesians 3:10: “so that through the church the manifold [πολυποίκιλος] wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολυποίκιλος beautifully expresses the infinite richness of God’s wisdom displayed through the church. It proclaims the good news that God’s wisdom is inexhaustibly deep and varied, meeting every need and situation through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολυποίκιλος appears only once in the New Testament
2. The term was used in ancient textile descriptions for intricate patterns
3. Early church fathers used it to describe God’s providential care

Strong’s G4182: A compound adjective combining πολύς (many) and ποικίλος (varied), meaning “much-variegated” or “manifold in variety.” In the New Testament, it uniquely describes God’s wisdom in its rich diversity and complexity, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: manifold, varied, diverse, divine wisdom, multi-faceted, God’s wisdom, church, heavenly powers, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Ephesians, divine attributes​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​