### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kybeía**, represented by `{{G2940}}`, means **sleight**. Its definition comes from the word for a "cube" or a die used for playing, carrying the sense of gambling, which is used figuratively to mean artifice or fraud. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, highlighting its specific and impactful use.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G2940}}` is used to warn against spiritual immaturity. In [[Ephesians 4:14]], believers are urged to **be** `{{G5600}}` **no more** `{{G3371}}` like **children** `{{G3516}}`, who are "tossed to and fro" `{{G2831}}` and "carried about with every wind of doctrine" `{{G4064}}` `{{G417}}` `{{G1319}}`. This instability is caused **by** `{{G1722}}` the **sleight** of men, a phrase that directly links the word to human trickery and artifice used to mislead. It is paired with "cunning craftiness" `{{G3834}}` to describe the methods used to **deceive** `{{G4106}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and danger of `{{G2940}}`:
* `{{G3516}}` **nḗpios** (babe, child): This describes the state of immaturity that makes one susceptible to deception. The goal is that we should **henceforth be no more children** [[Ephesians 4:14]].
* `{{G3834}}` **panourgía** (cunning craftiness, subtilty): This word is used alongside **sleight** to describe the deliberate adroitness of deceivers. It is seen as a tool used by the serpent to beguile Eve [[2 Corinthians 11:3]] and a quality of the wise that God takes them **in** `{{G1722}}` [[1 Corinthians 3:19]].
* `{{G4106}}` **plánē** (deceit, delusion, error): This is the intended result of the **sleight** of men. The "cunning craftiness" is a method used whereby they lie in wait to **deceive** [[Ephesians 4:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2940}}` is found in its warning against spiritual deception.
* **Call to Maturity:** The use of **sleight** is explicitly aimed at those who are like **children** `{{G3516}}`. This emphasizes the biblical call for believers to mature in their faith so they are no longer vulnerable to being "tossed to and fro" `{{G2831}}` [[Ephesians 4:14]].
* **Deliberate Deception:** Derived from dice-playing, the word implies not just error, but a game rigged by cheaters. It is a human artifice used alongside "cunning **craftiness**" `{{G3834}}` with the specific intent to **deceive** `{{G4106}}`.
* **Distortion of Doctrine:** The **sleight** of men works by manipulating **doctrine** `{{G1319}}`, turning it into a "wind" that destabilizes believers. This positions human trickery as a direct assault on spiritual truth and stability.
### Summary
In summary, **kybeía** `{{G2940}}` is a highly specific term for fraudulent artifice. Though appearing only once, its origin in gambling and dice-playing provides a powerful image of a rigged game. Its use in scripture serves as a stark warning against the deliberate **sleight** of men who use deceptive **doctrine** `{{G1319}}` to prey on the spiritually immature. The word underscores the necessity for believers to move beyond being **children** `{{G3516}}` and to become grounded against such manipulative craftiness.
TRV