Brief Overview of πειθός (Strong’s G3981: peithos)

Strong’s G3981: From πείθω (to persuade); meaning persuasive, plausible, or skillfully convincing. Used in NT to contrast human rhetorical persuasion with divine power. Paul employs it to distinguish between worldly wisdom and gospel proclamation, emphasizing spiritual rather than merely rhetorical persuasion.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πειθός represents persuasive speech or convincing argumentation, particularly in rhetorical contexts. In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses it to contrast human persuasion with divine power. Early church writers understood it as representing the difference between worldly rhetoric and Spirit-empowered preaching. Today, it challenges us to rely on God’s power rather than human eloquence in sharing the gospel.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πειθός, peithos, [pay-THOS]
• Detailed pronunciation: pay-THOSS (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πείθω (to persuade)
• Suffix: -ός (adjectival ending)
• Forms adjective describing persuasive quality

D – Defining Meanings

• Persuasive
• Plausible
• Convincing
• Skillfully argued

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• Persuasive – Most direct meaning
• Plausible – Emphasizing credibility
• Skilled in rhetoric – Contextual meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πιθανός [pithanos, pith-an-OS] – persuasive, probable
• πειστικός [peistikos, pay-stee-KOS] – persuasive
• εὔπειστος [eupeistos, ev-PAY-stos] – easily persuaded

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Second Declension Adjective
• Three Gender Forms:
• Masculine: πειθός
• Feminine: πειθή
• Neuter: πειθόν
• Regular adjectival endings
• Cross-references: πειθώ (persuasion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes rhetorical context. Thayer’s notes contrast with spiritual power. LSJ traces use in classical rhetoric. Vine’s highlights Paul’s intentional contrast. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in persuasive discourse.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive [πειθός] words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πειθός reminds us that true gospel proclamation relies not on human eloquence but on divine power. Just as Paul rejected dependence on persuasive rhetoric, we’re called to trust in the Spirit’s work rather than human wisdom when sharing Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Key term in ancient rhetorical training
2. Rarely used in NT, emphasizing its deliberate contrast
3. Influenced Christian debates about using classical rhetoric

Strong’s G3981: From πείθω (to persuade); meaning persuasive, plausible, or skillfully convincing. Used in NT to contrast human rhetorical persuasion with divine power. Paul employs it to distinguish between worldly wisdom and gospel proclamation, emphasizing spiritual rather than merely rhetorical persuasion.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Persuasion #Rhetoric #Preaching #PaulTheology #SpiritualPower #Wisdom #GospelProclamation #HumanWisdom #Corinthians #Communication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​