Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextKnavery refers to deceitful, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior. In biblical terms, it is often associated with actions that are contrary to the righteousness and truth that God desires from His people. Knavery encompasses a range of sinful behaviors, including lying, cheating, and manipulation, which are condemned throughout Scripture.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible contains numerous admonitions against knavery, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty. In
Proverbs 6:16-19 , the Lord lists six things He hates, seven that are detestable to Him, including "a lying tongue" and "a heart that devises wicked schemes." These are clear examples of knavish behavior that God abhors.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against deceitful practices. In
Ephesians 4:25 , he instructs believers: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." This verse underscores the importance of honesty and transparency within the Christian community, contrasting sharply with knavery.
Examples in ScriptureSeveral biblical characters exemplify knavery through their actions. Jacob, before his transformation, engaged in deceit to obtain his brother Esau's birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). Although God ultimately used Jacob for His purposes, Jacob's early life is marked by knavish behavior that led to significant familial strife.
Another example is Ananias and Sapphira in
Acts 5:1-11. They sold a piece of property and deceitfully withheld part of the proceeds while claiming to have given the entire amount to the apostles. Their knavery was met with severe consequences, as both fell dead after their deception was exposed by the Holy Spirit.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsKnavery is fundamentally at odds with the character of God, who is described as a God of truth and justice. In
Psalm 101:7 , it is written, "No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence." This verse highlights the incompatibility of knavish behavior with a life that seeks to honor God.
The ethical teachings of the Bible call believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the holiness and integrity of God. In
1 Peter 2:1 , Christians are urged to "rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This exhortation serves as a reminder that knavery has no place in the life of a follower of Christ.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are called to examine their lives for any traces of knavery and to repent of such behavior. The pursuit of honesty and integrity should be a hallmark of the Christian life, as it bears witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. In a world where deceit is often normalized, Christians are to be beacons of truth, reflecting the light of Christ in their interactions with others.
By adhering to biblical principles and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome the temptation to engage in knavery and instead cultivate a life marked by sincerity and righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Dishonesty; deceitfulness; petty tricks; fraud; trickery; as, a knavish action.
2. (n.) Roguish or mischievous tricks.
Strong's Hebrew
5231. nekel -- wiliness, craft,knavery... 5230, 5231. nekel. 5232 . wiliness, craft,
knavery. Transliteration: nekel
Phonetic Spelling: (nay'-kel) Short Definition: tricks.
...Library
He Then Shows, from the Instance of Adam and Abel, and Other...
... generated essence is "Son." Well, at this point our argument will convict that of
our opponents on two grounds, first, of an attempt atknavery, secondly, of...
The Divination by a Cauldron; Illusion of Fiery Demons; Specimen...
... But neither shall I be silent respecting that piece ofknavery of these (sorcerers),
which consists in the divination by means of the cauldron....
Mention of the Heretic Colarbasus; Alliance Between Heresy and the...
... I shall prove that those who attempt to form a system of religion out of these
(aforesaid elements), are disciples of a school [196] weak and full ofknavery....
Sunday Before Lent
... their deeds. 17. Fourth, love "vaunteth not itself." It is averse toknavery,
to crafty guile and double-dealing. Haughty and deceptive...
The Murket's Sacrifice
... wrath. "A murrain upon his greedy, crafty lust! The gods blast him in his
knavery! Now is my precious amulet in his hands. Would...
When I Understood this State of Things, I was Greatly Provoked...
... have been stoned by them. When I had therefore permitted this to be done
by John, he gained vast sums of money by this hisknavery....
But the Inhabitants of this City Having Determined to Continue in...
... Yet did not this hisknavery succeed well at last; for as he was already nearly
approaching, one of those with him deserted him, and came to me, and told me...
Two Kinds of Riches
... He says substantially this, that whilst the steward's using his lord's wealth in
order to help his lord's debtors was a piece ofknavery and unfaithfulness, in...
Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a...
... And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed hisknavery from them, and put
tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed...
He Expounds the Passage of the Gospel, "The Father Judgeth no Man...
... what Holy Scripture allows him to say, while one who is able to unravel each statement
critically will find them one and all infected with hereticalknavery....
Thesaurus
Knavery (2 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Roguish or mischievous tricks. Multi-Version Concordance
Knavery (2 Occurrences).
Luke 20:23 But He saw through their
knavery and replied, (WEY).
...Knaveries (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural ofKnavery. Multi-Version Concordance
Knaveries (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 32:7 The designs of...
Knead (2 Occurrences)
Wrongful (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:14 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews,
"If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunningknavery I might...
Reasonably (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:14 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews,
"If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunningknavery I might...
Defence (48 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:14 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews,
"If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunningknavery I might...
Cunning (43 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:14 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews,
"If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunningknavery I might...
Listened (120 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 18:14 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to
the Jews, "If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunningknavery I might...
Begin (56 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:14 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews,
"If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunningknavery I might...
Herod (45 Occurrences)
... The name itself signifies "heroic," a name not wholly applicable to the family,
which was characterized by craft andknavery rather than by heroism....
Resources
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