### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πείσμονή (peismonḗ, `{{G3988}}`) is derived from the verbal root πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`), which broadly means "to persuade," "to convince," "to trust," or "to obey." While πείθω can denote the act of persuading or the state of being persuaded, πείσμονή specifically emphasizes the *quality* or *state* of being persuadable, or the *result* of persuasion. Its core meaning leans towards "persuadableness," "credulity," or "a conviction that results from persuasion." Unlike the active verb, πείσμονή can imply a receptiveness to influence, which, depending on the context, may carry a negative connotation of being too easily swayed or convinced without proper discernment. It denotes a conviction that may not necessarily be rooted in divine truth but in human argumentation or influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πείσμονή appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's Epistle to the Galatians:
* [[Galatians 5:8]]: "This persuasion (πείσμονή) is not from Him who calls you."
In this singular occurrence, the context is crucial for understanding its nuanced meaning. Paul is addressing the Galatian believers who are being influenced by Judaizers to adopt circumcision and adhere to the Mosaic Law as a condition for salvation, thereby abandoning the freedom found in Christ. The "persuasion" (πείσμονή) Paul refers to is the compelling argument or influence of these false teachers, which is leading the Galatians astray from the true Gospel. Paul's emphatic statement, "This persuasion is not from Him who calls you," unequivocally dismisses its divine origin. It is a human-originated, deceptive influence that stands in direct opposition to the divine calling and the truth of salvation by grace through faith. The word here highlights a dangerous susceptibility to error, a conviction that is born of human manipulation rather than divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding πείσμονή is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`): The verbal root from which πείσμονή is derived. It signifies the act of persuading or the state of being persuaded. While πείθω can be used positively (e.g., to obey God, to be convinced of truth), πείσμονή in its sole biblical occurrence points to a negative, misleading persuasion.
* πειθώ (peithō, `{{G3981}}`): A noun meaning "persuasion" (the act of persuading) or "eloquence." This is very close to πείσμονή but the latter, as seen in Galatians, emphasizes the *state* of being persuaded, often implying a susceptibility.
* πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`): "Faith," "belief," "trust." While πίστις denotes a conviction, it is a divinely-enabled trust in God and His promises, often contrasted with human-induced πείσμονή that leads away from divine truth. True faith is a gift and a response to God's call, not a result of human manipulation.
* ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`): "Truth." The "persuasion" in [[Galatians 5:8]] is diametrically opposed to the truth of the Gospel, which Paul consistently upholds.
* κλῆσις (klēsis, `{{G2821}}`): "Calling." Paul contrasts the false "persuasion" with "Him who calls you," referring to God's divine calling to salvation. This emphasizes that the true source of spiritual conviction is God, not human argumentation.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of πείσμονή in [[Galatians 5:8]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores the critical distinction between human persuasion and divine truth. The "persuasion" condemned by Paul is not merely a different opinion; it is a spiritual deception that undermines the very foundation of the Gospel.
1. **Source of Truth:** It highlights that true conviction and spiritual understanding come from God ("Him who calls you"), not from human reasoning, tradition, or eloquent argumentation that deviates from Christ.
2. **Danger of False Teaching:** πείσμονή serves as a stark warning against being swayed by teachings that contradict the purity of the Gospel. It exposes the vulnerability of believers to human influence, especially when such influence promises a different path to righteousness.
3. **Nature of Grace vs. Works:** In the Galatian context, this "persuasion" was leading believers back to a system of works-righteousness. Thus, πείσμονή represents a human-centric approach to salvation that negates the sufficiency of Christ's work and God's grace.
4. **Discernment:** The word implicitly calls believers to discernment, to test the spirits and the teachings, ensuring that their convictions are rooted in the divine calling and the unadulterated truth of Christ, rather than in persuasive human arguments.
### Summary
πείσμονή (peismonḗ, `{{G3988}}`) signifies a "persuadableness" or a "conviction resulting from persuasion." Its sole appearance in [[Galatians 5:8]] is highly significant, where Paul uses it to condemn a human-originated persuasion that was leading the Galatian believers away from the true Gospel of grace. This term, derived from πείθω (to persuade), stands in stark contrast to the divine calling and the true faith (πίστις) that comes from God. Theologically, πείσμονή serves as a solemn warning against succumbing to deceptive human influences that undermine the foundational truths of Christianity, emphasizing the necessity of discerning the source of one's convictions—whether from God or from human error.
TRV