### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peithós**, represented by `{{G3981}}`, means **persuasive** or **enticing**. It is a very specific term, appearing only **1 time** in the single verse of [[1 Corinthians 2:4]]. Its sole usage serves to draw a sharp contrast between human methods of persuasion and the nature of divine revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its only biblical appearance, `{{G3981}}` is used to describe the type of communication Paul deliberately avoided. In his letter to the Corinthians, he states that his speech and preaching were "not with **enticing** words of man's wisdom" [[1 Corinthians 2:4]]. The term is negatively associated with worldly wisdom and is placed in direct opposition to a proclamation based on the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its context clarify the distinction between human persuasion and divine power:
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): This is the source from which "enticing words" originate. Paul specifies he is rejecting "man's **wisdom**" as the basis for his message [[1 Corinthians 2:4]].
* `{{G585}}` **apódeixis** (demonstration): This is presented as the alternative to persuasive speech. Instead of relying on enticing words, Paul's preaching came with a **demonstration**, or manifestation, of the Spirit [[1 Corinthians 2:4]].
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (power): This is the substance of the demonstration that replaces human persuasion. The gospel is confirmed not by clever arguments, but by a display of divine **power** [[1 Corinthians 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3981}}` is found in the clear boundary it establishes.
* **Rejection of Worldly Rhetoric:** The term is used specifically to renounce human rhetorical skill as the foundation for faith. The goal is to ensure belief rests on God, not on the cleverness of the speaker [[1 Corinthians 2:4]].
* **Source of True Effectiveness:** By contrasting **enticing** words with the Spirit's power, the passage emphasizes that the gospel's effectiveness comes from a divine source. It is God's **power** `{{G1411}}`, not human persuasion, that brings conviction.
* **Nature of Gospel Preaching:** The use of `{{G3981}}` helps define the essence of preaching `{{G2782}}`. It is not meant to be an exercise in persuasive oratory but a proclamation backed by the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" [[1 Corinthians 2:4]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G3981}}` is used only once, its role is pivotal. It defines what the proclamation of the gospel is not: a message dependent on **enticing** or persuasive human arguments. Instead, its single use in [[1 Corinthians 2:4]] makes a profound statement that the Christian message is authenticated by the undeniable **demonstration** `{{G585}}` of God's Spirit and **power** `{{G1411}}`.
TRV