### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma πειθός (peithós, `{{G3981}}`) is an adjective derived from the verb πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`), which means "to persuade," "to convince," "to win over," or "to trust." Consequently, πειθός denotes the quality of being "persuasive," "apt to persuade," or "enticing." While the English translation "enticing" can carry a negative connotation, suggesting subtle or deceptive persuasion, the core meaning of πειθός itself is more neutral, simply indicating the capacity to influence or convince. The specific nuance (whether positive or negative) is entirely dependent on the context in which it is used, particularly regarding the nature of what is being persuaded and the means employed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πειθός (peithós, `{{G3981}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[1 Corinthians 2:4]]. The passage reads: "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (καὶ ὁ λόγος μου καὶ τὸ κήρυγμά μου οὐκ ἐν πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις ἀλλ᾽ ἐν ἀποδείξει πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως).
In this crucial context, Paul employs the dative plural form, πειθοῖς, to describe the "persuasive words of wisdom." He explicitly contrasts his evangelistic approach with methods that rely on human rhetorical skill, philosophical argumentation, or the eloquence characteristic of Greek sophistry. Paul's renunciation of "persuasive words" underscores his conviction that the Gospel's power to convert and transform does not originate from human intellectual prowess or artful speech. Instead, he asserts that the efficacy of his message stemmed from the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power." This implies that reliance on human *peithos* (persuasion) would detract from the divine source of conviction, making faith dependent on human cleverness rather than God's supernatural work. The context here subtly imbues πειθοῖς with a negative connotation, suggesting a reliance on human artifice that is insufficient for conveying divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb, πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`), from which πειθός is derived. This verb encompasses a broad semantic range including:
* "To persuade" (e.g., [[Acts 18:4]], where Paul "persuaded" Jews and Greeks).
* "To obey" (e.g., [[Romans 2:8]], referring to those who "do not obey" the truth).
* "To trust" or "to be confident" (e.g., [[Philippians 2:24]], where Paul "trusts" he will come soon).
Other conceptually linked words include:
* πειθώ (peithō, `{{G3983}}`), a noun meaning "persuasion," which is a variant reading in some manuscripts of [[1 Corinthians 2:4]].
* πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`), "faith" or "trust," as persuasion often aims to elicit belief or trust. The divine persuasion of the Holy Spirit ultimately leads to *pistis*.
* πίστευω (pisteuō, `{{G4100}}`), "to believe" or "to trust."
In [[1 Corinthians 2:4]], πειθός is directly contrasted with:
* σοφία (sophia, `{{G4678}}`), "wisdom," specifically human wisdom, which Paul deems inadequate for revealing divine truth.
* δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`), "power," referring to the divine power of the Holy Spirit, which Paul presents as the true and effective means of conviction and transformation.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of πειθός in [[1 Corinthians 2:4]] holds profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of evangelism and the source of true faith.
* **Divine vs. Human Agency:** Paul's rejection of "persuasive words of wisdom" establishes a critical theological distinction between human and divine agency in spiritual conversion. It asserts that genuine faith is not the product of human eloquence, intellectual arguments, or sophisticated rhetoric, but is supernaturally wrought by the power of the Holy Spirit. This truth safeguards against human pride in ministry and ensures that the glory for salvation belongs solely to God.
* **The Spirit's Indispensable Role:** The passage underscores the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit's "demonstration" (ἀπόδειξις) for effective Gospel proclamation. This "demonstration" is a divine act that transcends mere intellectual assent, leading to a profound, Spirit-empowered conviction and a transformation of the human heart.
* **Humility in Proclamation:** Paul's example serves as a model of humility for all who proclaim the Gospel. Despite his considerable intellectual gifts and training, he deliberately chose not to rely on human persuasive techniques. This challenges ministers and evangelists to prioritize dependence on God's power over their own abilities or worldly strategies.
* **Authenticity of Faith:** Faith that arises from human *peithos* may be superficial or transient, based on an appeal to intellect or emotion. In contrast, faith born of the Spirit's power is authentic, deep-rooted, and enduring, as it originates from God Himself and rests "not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God" [[1 Corinthians 2:5]].
### Summary
The Greek adjective πειθός (peithós, `{{G3981}}`), meaning "persuasive" or "enticing," is derived from the verb πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`), "to persuade" or "to trust." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 2:4]] is highly instructive. Here, the Apostle Paul contrasts his method of Gospel proclamation – which was "not with persuasive words of wisdom" (οὐκ ἐν πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις) – with a reliance on the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power." This distinction is foundational: it teaches that true faith and spiritual conviction are not the result of human eloquence, clever argumentation, or rhetorical skill, but are divinely wrought by the Holy Spirit. Thus, πειθός in this context highlights the inadequacy of human-centered persuasion in the realm of divine truth, emphasizing that the effectiveness of Christian witness depends not on human *peithos*, but on divine *dynamis* (power).
TRV