Topical Encyclopedia
The term "plausible" refers to something that appears reasonable or probable, often used in the context of arguments or explanations that seem convincing or credible. While the word "plausible" itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept is relevant in various scriptural contexts, particularly in discussions about discernment, wisdom, and the nature of truth.
Discernment and WisdomThe Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom in evaluating what is plausible or credible. In Proverbs, the pursuit of wisdom is a central theme, as it guides believers in distinguishing between truth and deception.
Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This verse underscores the belief that true wisdom, which aids in discerning the plausible from the implausible, is a divine gift.
False Teachings and DeceptionThe New Testament warns against false teachings and deceptive philosophies that may appear plausible but lead believers astray. In
Colossians 2:4 , the Apostle Paul cautions, "I say this so that no one will deceive you by fine-sounding arguments." Here, Paul acknowledges that certain arguments may seem convincing or plausible, yet they are ultimately misleading. This highlights the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on sound doctrine.
Testing the SpiritsThe Bible instructs believers to test the spirits to determine whether they are from God. In 1
John 4:1 , it is written, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This directive implies that not everything that appears plausible is rooted in truth, and believers must exercise discernment to avoid deception.
The Role of FaithWhile plausibility often relies on human reasoning, the Bible teaches that faith sometimes transcends what seems plausible.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This suggests that faith involves trust in God's promises, even when they defy human logic or appear implausible by worldly standards.
ConclusionIn summary, the concept of plausibility in the Bible is closely tied to the themes of wisdom, discernment, and faith. Believers are encouraged to seek divine wisdom to discern truth from deception, to be wary of seemingly plausible but false teachings, and to place their trust in God's promises, which may surpass human understanding.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Apparently valid, likely; probable; credible; as a plausible explanation.
2. (a.) Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious; as, a plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion.
3. (a.) Using specious arguments or discourse; as, a plausible speaker.
Greek
5542. chrestologia -- smooth speech... chrestologia Phonetic Spelling: (khrase-tol-og-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a kind
address Definition: a kind address; in a bad sense:
plausible speaking.
...4679. sophizo -- to make wise
... From sophos; to render wise; in a sinister acceptation, to form "sophisms", ie Continue
plausible error -- cunningly devised, make wise. see GREEK sophos....
3884. paralogizomai -- to miscalculate, to reason falsely
... erroneous) way. 3884 ("deceive close-beside") operates by -- using what "plausible"
but lets the person down ("disappoints"). Word Origin...
Library
In what Follows, Some May Imagine that He Says SomethingPlausible...
... Chapter XII. In what follows, some may imagine that he says something
plausible against us.? In what follows, some may imagine...
Fifth Tractate on the Integral Omnipresence of the Authentic...
... In dealing with that lower order we would reason from its own nature and the
characteristics it exhibits; thus, on aplausible foundation, we achieveplausible...
I Knew How it Would Be.
... And here is just the weakness that will prove his ruin. He will put too much faith
in hisplausible associate.". "Some one should warn him of his danger....
We Should Acknowledge one Only God.
... to be divine, he would be reckoned among impure men, and a stranger to life and
humanity; and if any one does so knowingly, he will have aplausible excuse for...
Seventh Tractate. On Complete Transfusion.
... Their view isplausible because it rejects the notion of total admixture and because
it recognizes that the masses of the mixing bodies must be whittled away...
Supplement to Sermon iv.
... our remarks to the Scriptures of the New Testament; which, it is manifest, the view
under consideration specially contemplates;)"howeverplausible in the...
Standard Expositions of the Roman Catholic System.
... controverse. [164] This book is a luminous, eloquent, idealizing, andplausible
defense of the characteristic doctrines of Romanism. It...
Scriptural References to Death.
... He who beholds and apprehends the excellency of the Word, as he breaks down and
refutes all theplausible forms of things which are truly lies but profess to...
Letter Lv. --Letter to Rufinianus.
... and violence, that they should not only receive pardon, but should occupy the position
of clergy: the more so, in that they offered aplausible defence, and...
"But that Certain Christians and all Jews Should Maintain...
... For in this way he would have appeared to turn aside those who are carried away
by theplausible character [3689] of the prophetic statements, as he regards it...
Thesaurus
Plausible (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Apparently valid, likely; probable; credible;
as a
plausible explanation. 2. (a.) Obtaining approbation
...Netophah (2 Occurrences)
... In this respect it is mostplausible to identify it with NEPHTOAH (which see), although
the disappearance of the terminal guttural in the latter creates a...
Utterly (170 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:18 For men of that stamp are not bondservants of Christ our Lord, but
are slaves to their own appetites; and by theirplausible words and their...
Untempered (5 Occurrences)
... They build up stories and make themplausible by an outward semblance to truth,
while, in fact, they are flimsy, unreliable prophecies, resembling the walls...
Old (3966 Occurrences)
... The mostplausible conjecture, perhaps, is that which connects it with the Assyrian
adamu, "to make," or "produce," hence, "the produced one," "the creature...
One's (59 Occurrences)
... work; (See RSV NIV). Colossians 2:4 I say this to prevent your being misled
by any one'splausible sophistry. (WEY). 2 Thessalonians 3...
Golden (86 Occurrences)
... and thus to express contempt for them. This however, thoughplausible,
is by no means certain. It was not their size which made...
Glossy (2 Occurrences)
... glossy surface. 2. (superl.) Smooth; specious;plausible; as, glossy deceit.
Multi-Version Concordance Glossy (2 Occurrences). Isaiah...
Fellowship (114 Occurrences)
... It is veryplausible to refer this to the community of goods described in
the verses immediately following (see COMMUNITY OF GOODS)....
Fair (147 Occurrences)
... (2) Pure, free of defilement, the Revised Version (British and American) "clean,"
Tahor (Zechariah 3:5). (3) "Fair speech,"plausible, persuasive (leqah...
Resources
What are actuality and potentiality? | GotQuestions.orgCould an alien deception be part of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgDid David rape Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.orgPlausible: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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