Topical Encyclopedia
Subtlety, in the biblical context, often refers to a form of cunning or craftiness that can be used for both good and evil purposes. The term is frequently associated with wisdom and discernment but can also imply deceit and manipulation when used with malicious intent. The Bible provides various examples and teachings on subtlety, illustrating its dual nature.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the concept of subtlety is first introduced in the account of the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 3:1 states, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." Here, subtlety is associated with the serpent's cunning nature, which he uses to deceive Eve, leading to the fall of man. This passage highlights the negative aspect of subtlety as it pertains to deceit and temptation.
Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of subtlety, often in the context of wisdom and prudence.
Proverbs 1:4 mentions that the proverbs are given "to impart prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young." In this sense, subtlety is seen as a positive attribute, equipping individuals with the ability to navigate life's complexities with discernment and understanding.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, Jesus Himself acknowledges the need for a form of subtlety in the life of a believer. In
Matthew 10:16 , He instructs His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Here, Jesus advocates for a balance between shrewdness and innocence, suggesting that subtlety, when aligned with righteousness, can be a valuable tool in the believer's life.
The Apostle Paul also addresses subtlety in his epistles. In
2 Corinthians 11:3 , he expresses concern for the Corinthian church, saying, "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." Paul warns against the subtlety of false teachings and the importance of remaining steadfast in the truth of the Gospel.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, subtlety is a complex attribute that requires careful discernment. It can be a manifestation of godly wisdom, enabling believers to act prudently and navigate challenges effectively. However, when misused, it can lead to deception and moral compromise. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who grants it generously (
James 1:5), ensuring that their subtlety aligns with His will and purposes.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, Christians are called to exercise subtlety in a manner that reflects Christ's character. This involves being wise and discerning in interactions with others, avoiding deceit, and maintaining integrity. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of wisdom, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to use subtlety for the advancement of God's kingdom and the edification of the church.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The quality or state of being subtle, or sly; cunning; craftiness; artfulness.
2. (n.) Nice discernment with delicacy of mental action; nicety of discrimination.
3. (n.) Something that is sly, crafty, or delusive.
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
Library
Of theSubtlety of the Bodies of the Blessed (Six Articles)
... OF THESUBTLETY OF THE BODIES OF THE BLESSED (SIX ARTICLES). We must now
consider thesubtlety of the bodies of the blessed. Under...
WhetherSubtlety is a Property of the Glorified Body?
... OF THESUBTLETY OF THE BODIES OF THE BLESSED (SIX ARTICLES) Whethersubtlety
is a property of the glorified body? Objection 1: It...
Whether by Reason of thisSubtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be...
... OF THESUBTLETY OF THE BODIES OF THE BLESSED (SIX ARTICLES) Whether by reason of
thissubtlety a glorified body is able to be in the same place with another...
Whether by virtue of ItsSubtlety a Glorified Body Will no Longer...
... OF THESUBTLETY OF THE BODIES OF THE BLESSED (SIX ARTICLES) Whether by virtue of
itssubtlety a glorified body will no longer need to be in an equal place?...
February the Eighteenth theSubtlety of Temptation
... FEBRUARY The Eighteenth THESUBTLETY OF TEMPTATION. JAMES i.12-20. Evil
enticements always come to us in borrowed attire. In the...
Simon'sSubtlety.
... Book II. Chapter XXXVII."Simon'sSubtlety. Then Simon said: "I admire, indeed, the
quickness of your wit, yet I do not embrace the error of your faith....
"Full of allSubtlety and all Mischief. "
... Book III. Chapter XLII.""Full of AllSubtlety and All Mischief.". But Peter,
when he heard him speak thus, grinding his teeth, and...
Whether the Glorified Body, by Reason of ItsSubtlety, Will be...
... OF THESUBTLETY OF THE BODIES OF THE BLESSED (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the glorified
body, by reason of itssubtlety, will be impalpable?...
But they Think Within Themselves that they Show Very Great...
... Book I. Chapter 10. " 13. But they think within themselves that they
show very greatsubtlety in asking? "13. But they think...
Adam's Sin
... (1.) Thesubtlety of Satan's temptation.... Satan'ssubtlety in tempting; (1.) He dealt
all along as an impostor, he ushered in his temptation by lies.1st Lie....
Thesaurus
Subtlety (3 Occurrences)... discrimination. 3. (n.) Something that is sly, crafty, or delusive. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. SUBTIL; SUBTLE;
SUBTLETY; SUBTILTY. sub
...Subtilty (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The quality or state of being subtle; thinness; fineness; as, thesubtlety
of air or light. 2. (n.) Refinement; extreme acuteness;subtlety....
Subtle (5 Occurrences)
... apprehension; elusive. 4. (superl.) Smooth and deceptive. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. SUBTIL; SUBTLE;SUBTLETY; SUBTILTY. sub'-til...
Subtil (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SUBTIL; SUBTLE;SUBTLETY; SUBTILTY.
sub'-til, sut'-'-l, sut'-'-l-ti (chakham, nakhal, mirmah; dolos...
Old (3966 Occurrences)
... 4. The Invasion ofSubtlety: Even in this neutral garden existence it is noteworthy
that the man's nature evinces its superiority to the animal in the absence...
Lying (203 Occurrences)
... results and penalties therefor. A careful study of these illustrations
will reveal thesubtlety of falsehood. Sometimes a lie is...
Worshippers (45 Occurrences)
... Whoever is absent, he shall not live." But Jehu did it insubtlety, intending that
he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. (WEB KJV JPS ASV)....
Fails (35 Occurrences)
... Whoever is absent, he shall not live." But Jehu did it insubtlety, intending
that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. (See NIV)....
Refine (9 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To improve in accuracy, delicacy, or excellence. 5. (vi) To affect nicety
orsubtlety in thought or language. Multi-Version Concordance...
Refinement (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) That which is refined, elaborated, or polished to excess; an affected
subtlety; as, refinements of logic. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources
Summary of the Book of Ephesians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat are doctrines of demons in 1 Timothy 4:1? | GotQuestions.orgSubtlety: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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