of uncertain derivation; motley, i.e. various in character:--divers, manifold.
Transliteration:poikílos
Pronunciation:poy-kee'-los
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4164 (ποικίλος, *poikílos*) carries the core meaning of "motley," "variegated," or "diverse in character." While its precise etymological derivation is uncertain, its usage clearly conveys the sense of variety, multiplicity of kinds, or rich complexity, rather than mere quantity. It describes something that is not uniform or singular but exhibits a range of different qualities, forms, or types. English translations often render it as "divers" or "manifold," capturing this inherent sense of variedness and richness. It can denote a beautiful array or a perplexing mixture, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4164 appears a handful of times in the New Testament, applied to a range of concepts, both positive and negative, which illuminates its semantic breadth:
* In [[Hebrews 2:4]], the author speaks of God bearing witness "both with signs and wonders, and with various miracles (*poikílos*), and distributions of the Holy Spirit according to His own will." Here, *poikílos* emphasizes the diverse and multifaceted nature of God's miraculous attestations, highlighting the rich variety of ways He confirms His word.
* In [[2 Timothy 3:6]], Paul warns against those who "creep into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led away by various lusts (*poikílos*)." Similarly, [[Titus 3:3]] describes the unregenerate state as being "enslaved to various lusts (*poikílos*) and pleasures." In these instances, *poikílos* underscores the diverse, numerous, and often contradictory nature of sinful desires that ensnare individuals. It speaks to the myriad forms that human depravity can take.
* Peter employs G4164 twice, offering profound theological insights. In [[1 Peter 1:6]], believers are told that they "have been grieved by various trials (*poikílos*)." This signifies that the afflictions faced by believers are not uniform but come in many different forms, testing faith in diverse ways. The word acknowledges the multifaceted nature of suffering in the Christian life.
* Most significantly, in [[1 Peter 4:10]], Peter exhorts believers to use their spiritual gifts, "as good stewards of the manifold grace (*poikílos*) of God." Here, *poikílos* describes God's grace as being rich, diverse, and multiform. It is not a singular, undifferentiated grace, but one that manifests in countless ways, providing for every need and empowering every gift for service within the body of Christ. This is arguably the most profound theological application of the word.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G4164 specifically denotes "variety in kind," it naturally relates to other terms that convey multiplicity or complexity.
* `{{G4183}}` (πολύς, *polys*), meaning "many" or "much," often refers to quantity. G4164 adds the qualitative dimension of "many kinds" or "varied."
* `{{G3992}}` (πληθύνω, *plēthynō*), "to multiply," and `{{G4129}}` (πλήθος, *plēthos*), "multitude," focus on numerical increase, whereas *poikílos* emphasizes diversity within that number.
* The concept of God's "wisdom" (σοφία, *sophia*), particularly as "manifold wisdom" in [[Ephesians 3:10]] (though not using G4164 directly, but a related concept of "poly-poikílos" or "much-varied"), resonates strongly with the meaning of *poikílos* in [[1 Peter 4:10]]. It speaks to the intricate and diverse ways God works out His purposes.
* The idea of "gifts" (χάρισμα, *charisma*) is closely tied to the "manifold grace" ([[1 Peter 4:10]]), as grace manifests in diverse spiritual abilities given to believers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4164 is profound, particularly in its application to divine attributes and human experience.
Firstly, in describing the "manifold grace of God" ([[1 Peter 4:10]]), *poikílos* reveals a crucial aspect of God's character: His inexhaustible creativity, adaptability, and boundless provision. God's grace is not a monotonous, one-size-fits-all favor, but a dynamic, multi-faceted reality that meets diverse needs, empowers various ministries, and sustains believers through every circumstance. This "manifold grace" underscores the richness and comprehensive nature of God's benevolent activity in the world and in the lives of His people. It implies a God who is intimately involved, providing precisely what is needed in every unique situation.
Secondly, when applied to "various miracles" ([[Hebrews 2:4]]), it highlights the diverse ways God intervenes supernaturally, confirming His word through a spectrum of powerful demonstrations, not limited to a single mode of operation.
Conversely, its use in describing "various lusts" ([[2 Timothy 3:6]], [[Titus 3:3]]) and "various trials" ([[1 Peter 1:6]]) speaks to the complex and often challenging realities of the human condition. The "manifold" nature of sin reveals its deceptive power to manifest in countless forms, ensnaring individuals in different ways. Similarly, the "manifold trials" acknowledge that suffering is not monolithic but assumes diverse shapes, each designed by divine providence (or permitted by it) to test and refine faith in specific ways. This suggests that God's plan for refinement is as varied as the trials themselves.
### Summary
The Greek word G4164 (ποικίλος, *poikílos*) denotes "motley," "diverse," or "manifold," emphasizing variety in kind rather than mere quantity. Its biblical occurrences reveal its descriptive power for both positive and negative realities. It highlights the rich and multifaceted nature of God's divine attestations through "various miracles" ([[Hebrews 2:4]]) and, most significantly, the "manifold grace of God" ([[1 Peter 4:10]]), which provides for every need through diverse spiritual gifts. Simultaneously, it accurately describes the pervasive and diverse nature of sin through "various lusts" ([[2 Timothy 3:6]], [[Titus 3:3]]) and the complex, refining reality of "various trials" ([[1 Peter 1:6]]) faced by believers. Ultimately, *poikílos* underscores the intricate complexity and rich diversity inherent in God's creative work, His providential dealings, and the human experience, revealing a God whose wisdom and grace are infinitely varied and perfectly suited to every circumstance.
TRV