Brief Overview of ποικίλος (Strong’s G4164: poikilos)

Strong’s G4164: An adjective meaning “various, diverse, manifold,” originally describing something multi-colored or variegated. In the New Testament, it describes the varied nature of diseases, temptations, lusts, spiritual gifts, and God’s wisdom, emphasizing the multifaceted aspects of both human experience and divine grace.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποικίλος originally described physical variety in color or pattern but developed broader meaning to describe diversity in any form. In the New Testament, it appears in significant contexts describing various diseases Christ healed, diverse temptations believers face, manifold grace of God, and the multi-faceted wisdom of God. The early church saw this term as highlighting both the complexity of human struggles and the comprehensive nature of God’s response through Christ. Today, it reminds us that God’s wisdom and grace are sufficient for every varied circumstance we face.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποικίλος, poikilos, /poy-kee’-los/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oy (diphthong) + kee (syllable) + los (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: ποικ- (poik-) primitive root indicating variety
• Suffix: -ίλος (-ilos) adjectival ending
• Function: Forms an adjective describing variety or diversity

D – Defining Meanings

• Various
• Diverse
• Manifold
• Multi-colored
• Different kinds

Translation Options:

• Various – Best captures the general sense of diversity
• Manifold – Emphasizes comprehensive variety
• Diverse – Highlights distinct differences

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διάφορος (diaphoros) /dee-af’-or-os/ – refers to different or excellent things – See G1313
• παντοδαπός (pantodapos) /pan-tod-ap-os’/ – refers to all kinds – See G3831
• πολυποίκιλος (polypoikilos) /pol-oo-poy’-kee-los/ – refers to much-variegated – See G4182

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: ποικίλος, ποικίλου, ποικίλῳ, ποικίλον
Feminine: ποικίλη, ποικίλης, ποικίλῃ, ποικίλην

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range from physical to metaphorical variety. Thayer’s traces its development from color to broader usage. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its theological applications. Strong’s connects it to pattern variety. LEH notes its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in describing diversity.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 4:24: “So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various [ποικίλαις] diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.”

Additional References:
Mark 1:34, Luke 4:40, 2 Timothy 3:6, Titus 3:3, Hebrews 2:4, Hebrews 13:9, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6, 1 Peter 4:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποικίλος beautifully expresses how God’s manifold grace meets our various needs. It proclaims the good news that Christ’s redemption addresses every aspect of human brokenness, and God’s wisdom provides guidance for every situation we face.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποικίλος appears 10 times in the New Testament
2. It was commonly used in ancient textile descriptions
3. The term influenced early Christian art terminology

Strong’s G4164: An adjective meaning “various, diverse, manifold,” originally describing something multi-colored or variegated. In the New Testament, it describes the varied nature of diseases, temptations, lusts, spiritual gifts, and God’s wisdom, emphasizing the multifaceted aspects of both human experience and divine grace.

Part of speech: Adjective

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