The Greek word panoûrgos, represented by G3835, is a term for being crafty. Derived from πᾶς (all) and ἔργον (working), its base definition is "all-working," which implies being adroit or shrewd. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible.
In its sole biblical appearance, G3835 is used by Paul in 2 Corinthians. He is defending his ministry against accusations, stating rhetorically, "but being crafty, I caught you with guile" 2 Corinthians 12:16. In this context, the word is used to voice a potential criticism from his opponents, not as a self-admission of deceitful behavior.
Several related words in the same passage clarify the meaning of G3835:
- G2983 lambánō: This verb means to take, catch, or receive. In the verse, Paul states "I caught G2983 you," using the term to describe the accusation of entrapping the Corinthians. The word is also used for receiving blessings, such as when believers "shall receive the crown of life" James 1:12.
- G1388 dólos: This noun means a trick, wile, craft, deceit, or guile. It is directly paired with G3835 in 2 Corinthians 12:16 to describe the method of the alleged "catching." The term consistently carries a negative meaning, as when the chief priests sought to take Jesus by craft Mark 14:1.
The theological weight of G3835 is tied exclusively to its use in 2 Corinthians 12:16, where it illustrates a specific dynamic in ministry.
- Ministerial Integrity: The use of the word highlights the tension between a minister's true intentions and the way their actions can be maliciously interpreted. Paul uses the term crafty to confront the slander that he was cleverly manipulating the Corinthians.
- Association with Deception: By pairing crafty G3835 with guile G1388, the passage firmly places the concept within the realm of ungodly deceit. This is reinforced elsewhere, where guile is listed among sins to be put aside 1 Peter 2:1 and is absent from the mouth of Christ 1 Peter 2:22.
- Rhetorical Defense: The word functions as part of a rhetorical argument where Paul voices the false accusation of his opponents in order to dismantle it, thereby defending his character and the sincerity of his ministry.
In summary, G3835 is a precise term for being crafty or shrewd. Its single biblical usage is not a commendation of cleverness but rather a refutation of an accusation of cunning deceit. It demonstrates how a leader's character can be assailed with claims of manipulation, showing that Paul took such accusations seriously and confronted them directly by framing them in the negative context of taking someone with guile 2 Corinthians 12:16.
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