### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pneumatikōs**, represented by `{{G4153}}`, is an adverb meaning to act non-physically, divinely, or figuratively: **spiritually**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe a mode of perception or identification that transcends a purely physical or literal understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{G4153}}` establish a clear contrast between different ways of understanding reality. In [[1 Corinthians 2:14]], it explains that the things of the Spirit of God cannot be received by the "natural man" because they are **spiritually** discerned. In a different context, [[Revelation 11:8]] uses the term to assign a symbolic identity to "the great city," which is **spiritually** called Sodom and Egypt, highlighting its character rather than its geographical name.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of spiritual understanding:
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit): This word signifies a breeze, a rational soul, or the divine Spirit of God. The things that are "spiritually discerned" are the things of the **Spirit** of God [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
* `{{G5591}}` **psychikós** (natural): Defined as the sensitive or animate nature, this term is used for the **natural** man who cannot receive spiritual things, standing in direct contrast to that which is spiritual [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
* `{{G350}}` **anakrínō** (discern): This verb means to scrutinize, investigate, or judge. It is the action that must be performed "spiritually" to understand the things of God, which are spiritually **discerned** [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
* `{{G1097}}` **ginṓskō** (know): Meaning to "know" absolutely, this term is used to express the natural man's inability to **know** spiritual truths, which he considers foolishness [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4153}}` lies in its distinction between two realms of knowledge.
* **Spiritual Discernment:** The term establishes that an understanding of the things of God `{{G2316}}` is impossible for the natural `{{G5591}}` man. These truths are considered foolishness `{{G3472}}` and can only be known `{{G1097}}` when they are spiritually `{{G4153}}` discerned `{{G350}}`, as stated in [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
* **Figurative Identity:** [[Revelation 11:8]] demonstrates that "spiritually" can refer to a figurative or symbolic understanding. The great city is identified by its moral and spiritual corruption, akin to Sodom and Egypt, the place where the Lord was crucified.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4153}}` is a specific and impactful adverb that, while rare, is crucial for understanding biblical epistemology. It defines a method of comprehension that is not physical or intellectual but divine and figurative. It separates the "natural" understanding from the spiritual discernment required to know the things of God and to interpret the symbolic nature of prophecy.
TRV