Topical Encyclopedia
The term "subtle" in the Bible often carries a connotation of craftiness, cunning, or shrewdness, and it is frequently associated with deception or the ability to manipulate situations or people. The Hebrew word often translated as "subtle" is עָרוּם (arum), which can mean shrewd, crafty, or prudent, depending on the context.
Old Testament Usage1.
Genesis 3:1: The first and perhaps most well-known use of the term "subtle" is found in the account of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." . Here, the serpent's subtlety is linked to its ability to deceive Eve, leading to the fall of man. This passage sets a precedent for understanding subtlety as a characteristic that can be used for deception and evil.
2.
Proverbs 1:4: In a more positive light, subtlety is associated with wisdom and prudence. "To impart prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young." . In this context, subtlety is a desirable trait, implying a level of discernment and understanding that can guide one in making wise decisions.
3.
Proverbs 7:10: The term is also used to describe the cunning nature of the adulterous woman. "Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart." . Here, subtlety is linked to seduction and moral danger, warning the reader of the deceptive allure of sin.
New Testament UsageWhile the specific term "subtle" is less frequently used in the New Testament, the concept is present in various teachings and parables of Jesus, as well as in the writings of the apostles.
1.
Matthew 10:16: Jesus instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves." . This teaching highlights the need for believers to navigate the world with a balance of wisdom and innocence, suggesting that subtlety, when aligned with righteousness, can be a valuable trait.
2.
2 Corinthians 11:3: Paul warns the Corinthian church about being led astray by false teachings, drawing a parallel to the serpent's deception of Eve. "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." . Here, subtlety is again associated with the danger of deception and the need for vigilance in faith.
Theological ImplicationsIn biblical theology, subtlety is a double-edged sword. It can be a tool for wisdom and discernment, enabling believers to navigate complex moral and spiritual landscapes. However, it also poses a risk when used for manipulation or deceit, as exemplified by the serpent in Genesis. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a form of subtlety that is rooted in godly wisdom and righteousness, avoiding the pitfalls of deceit and moral compromise.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Elusive; sly in design; insinuating; refined; as, a subtle difference.
2. (superl.) Cunningly devised; crafty; treacherous; as, a subtle stratagem.
3. (superl.) Characterized by refinement and niceness in drawing distinctions; nicely discriminating; -- said of persons; as, a subtle logician; refined; tenuous; sinuous; insinuating; hence, penetrative or pervasive; -- said of the mind; its faculties, or its operations; as, a subtle intellect; a subtle imagination; a subtle process of thought; also, difficult of apprehension; elusive.
4. (superl.) Smooth and deceptive.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SUBTIL; SUBTLE; SUBTLETY; SUBTILTYsub'-til, sut'-'-l, sut'-'-l-ti (chakham, nakhal, mirmah; dolos): These words are used
(1) in a good sense:2 Samuel 13:3, chakham, "wise," "Jonadab was a very subtle (the American Standard Revised Version "subtle") man" (discreet);Proverbs 1:4, `ormah, "prudence," "to give subtlety to the simple," the American Standard Revised Version and the English Revised Version margin "prudence"; The Wisdom of Solomon 7:22, leptos, "thin," said of the spirit in Wisdom (very fine or refined); 8:8, strophe, "winding," "subtilties of speeches"; Ecclesiasticus 39:2, "subtil parables," the Revised Version (British and American) "the subtleties of parables";
(2) in a bad sense:Genesis 3:1, `arum, "crafty," "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field," the American Standard Revised Version "subtle."
Genesis 27:35, mirmah, "deceit," "fraud," "Thy brother came with subtlety," the Revised Version (British and American) "with guile";Psalm 105:25, nakhal, "to deceive," the King James Version "deal subtlely," the American Standard Revised Version "subtly";Proverbs 7:10, natsar, "to watch," "guard," "to be hidden or subtle of heart," the Revised Version (British and American) "wily," margin " `close,' Hebrew `guarded' ";2 Kings 10:19, `oqebhah, "deceit" or "treachery" (here only); Judith 5:11, katasophizo, "to use subtlety"; Ecclesiasticus 19:25, panourgia, "cunning," "unscrupulousness," "There is an exquisite subtlety, and the same is unjust";2 Corinthians 11:3, "The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety," the Revised Version (British and American) "in his craftiness";Matthew 26:4, dolos, "deceit," "that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him";Acts 13:10, "O full of all subtlety and all mischief," the Revised Version (British and American) "all guile and all villany."
English Revised Version has "subtilty" for "wisdom" (Proverbs 8:5, 12), margin and the American Standard Revised Version, "prudence"; for "with subtlety" (the English Revised VersionMark 14:1, the King James Version "by craft") the American Standard Revised Version has "with subtlety."
W. L. Walker
Greek
1065. ge -- emphasizes the word to which it is joined... gheh) Short Definition: at least, indeed, really Definition: an enclitic, emphasizing
particle: at least, indeed, really, but generally too
subtle to be
...Library
Coelestius the Bolder Heretic; Pelagius the MoreSubtle.
... Book II. On Original Sin. Chapter 13 [XII.]"Coelestius the Bolder Heretic;
Pelagius the MoreSubtle. You see, indeed, not to mention...
Whether Subtlety is a Property of the Glorified Body?
... Accordingly if subtlety be a property of the glorified body, it would seem that
the glorified body will be moresubtle than anything which issubtle in nature...
Whether one Glorified Body Can be in the Same Place Together with...
... If then a glorified body is moresubtle than a non-glorified body, it will offer
less resistance to a glorified body: and so if a glorified body can be in the...
It is Admitted, one May Hope, that Common Things are Never...
... may be claimed. It is not merely true that these universal things are
strange; it is moreover true that they aresubtle. In the...
The Real Thing of Light.
... Every generation seems to have been so bothered and confused. And even our own
doesn't seem to have entirely escaped thesubtle contagion....
Showing How we May Recognise those Men who Fail in Charity to All
... There are some men who are verysubtle in words, and skilful in showing forth high
things, and yet do not enjoy this enlightened condition, neither this common...
The Epistle to the Colossians Time the Criterion of Truth and...
... When, again, he warns them to "beware ofsubtle words and philosophy," as being
"a vain deceit," such as is "after the rudiments of the world" (not...
Trumpets and Street Corners
... Our Lord follows His exposition of the deepened sense which the old law assumes
in His kingdom, by a warning against the mostsubtle foes of true righteousness...
Vain Hopes.
... when we are within the fiery circle of trial or temptation, when sinful desires
arise, or passions are strong, or solicitations to evil aresubtle and enticing...
Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... Just as there is nothing sosubtle and penetrating as the odour with which the ointment
fills a house, so holiness is an indescribable, all-pervading breath of...
Thesaurus
Subtle (5 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Elusive; sly in design; insinuating; refined; as, a
subtle difference. 2.
(superl.) Cunningly devised; crafty; treacherous; as, a
subtle stratagem.
...Subtlety (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of beingsubtle, or sly;
cunning; craftiness; artfulness.... SUBTIL;SUBTLE; SUBTLETY; SUBTILTY....
Subtilty (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The quality or state of beingsubtle; thinness; fineness; as, the
subtlety of air or light.... SUBTIL;SUBTLE; SUBTLETY; SUBTILTY....
Subtile (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Thin; not dense or gross; rare; as,subtle
air;subtle vapor; asubtle medium. 2. (a.) Delicately...
Subtil (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SUBTIL;SUBTLE; SUBTLETY; SUBTILTY.
sub'-til, sut'-'-l, sut'-'-l-ti (chakham, nakhal, mirmah; dolos...
Fine (184 Occurrences)
... showy. 3. (superl.) Nice; delicate;subtle; exquisite; artful; skillful; dexterous.
4... heavy. 5. (superl.) Not gross;subtle; thin; tenous. 6...
Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... (see ADDER.). This word is used symbolically of a deadly,subtle, malicious enemy
(Luke 10:19).... 2. (n.) Fig.: Asubtle, treacherous, malicious person....
Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... illustrative additions. Out of 191 proverbs only 18 are antithetic, and these
contain contrasts of a moresubtle and hidden suggestion. As...
Upon (17009 Occurrences)
... expressed of incorruption and immortality. The meaning here is verysubtle
and difficult of interpretation. In all probability Paul...
Jonadab (11 Occurrences)
... Jonadab (11 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab,
the son of Shimeah, David's brother; and Jonadab was a verysubtle man....
Resources
What is a chakra? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being passive-aggressive? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is autotheism? What is an autotheist? | GotQuestions.orgSubtle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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