Brief Overview of σοφός (Strong’s G4680: sophos)

Strong’s G4680: An adjective describing one who is wise, skilled, or learned. In biblical usage, it often contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom. While classical Greek emphasized intellectual or practical wisdom, New Testament usage focuses on spiritual wisdom that comes from God and leads to righteous living.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σοφός represents a fundamental concept in both Greek and biblical thought, though with significant differences. While Greek philosophy viewed σοφός as intellectual or practical wisdom, the New Testament redefines it in relation to God’s wisdom. As seen in 1 Corinthians 1:20-25, the Messiah becomes the embodiment of true wisdom, challenging human concepts of what it means to be wise. The early church emphasized that true σοφός comes through knowing and following God rather than through human philosophy. Today, this word continues to challenge us to seek God’s wisdom above worldly understanding.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σοφός, sophos, /soˈfos/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soh-FOHS”
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: σοφ- (soph-) meaning “wise”
• Suffix: -ός (-os) adjectival ending
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *dhēbh- (“skilled, clever”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Wise in divine matters
• Secondary meaning: Skilled, learned
• Tertiary meaning: Expert, masterful

Translation Options:

• Wise – Most common translation, especially in spiritual contexts
• Skilled – When referring to practical wisdom or expertise
• Learned – When emphasizing acquired knowledge or understanding

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φρόνιμος (phronimos) /ˈfro.ni.mos/ – Prudent, practically wise – See G5429
• συνετός (sunetos) /sy.neˈtos/ – Intelligent, understanding – See G4908
• ἐπιστήμων (epistēmōn) /e.piˈsteː.mɔːn/ – Knowledgeable – See G1990

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First declension

Examples of forms:

• Masculine: σοφός (sophos)
• Feminine: σοφή (sophē)
• Neuter: σοφόν (sophon)
• Plural: σοφοί (sophoi)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the contrast between worldly and divine wisdom in New Testament usage. Thayer’s notes the word’s evolution from classical to biblical meaning. LSJ traces its development through Greek literature. Vine’s highlights its important theological usage in Paul’s letters. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in everyday contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 11:25: “At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise [σοφός] and prudent and have revealed them to babes.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 23:34, Romans 1:14, 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 3:10, James 3:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σοφός challenges our understanding of true wisdom. Through the Gospel, we learn that genuine wisdom comes not through human achievement but through knowing Jesus the Messiah, who became for us the wisdom of God. This transforms our pursuit of wisdom from intellectual achievement to spiritual relationship.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears 20 times in 1 Corinthians alone
• It influenced the development of the term “philosophy” (love of wisdom)
• Early Christian writers used it to describe both divine wisdom and practical skill

Strong’s G4680: An adjective describing divine and human wisdom, particularly emphasizing the contrast between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom revealed in Jesus the Messiah. New Testament usage focuses on spiritual wisdom that leads to righteous living and understanding of God’s ways.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, philosophy, divine wisdom, Paul, Corinthians, education, skill, learning, spiritual wisdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​