### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **poikílos**, represented by `{{G4164}}`, is a term meaning **motley**, or **various in character**. Translated as "divers" or "manifold," it appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. It is consistently used to describe a wide variety of subjects, ranging from physical sickness and spiritual trials to divine power and false teachings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4164}}` is used to describe the multifaceted nature of both negative and positive spiritual realities. The Gospels use it to characterize the **various** physical afflictions Jesus healed, such as **divers diseases** ([[Matthew 4:24]], [[Mark 1:34]], [[Luke 4:40]]). In the epistles, it describes the range of challenges believers face, including **divers lusts** [[Titus 3:3]] and **manifold temptations** [[1 Peter 1:6]]. In contrast, it also describes the diverse nature of God's power, shown through **divers miracles** [[Hebrews 2:4]], and His provision, expressed as the **manifold grace** of God [[1 Peter 4:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4164}}` is used:
* `{{G3986}}` **peirasmós** (a putting to proof): This word for **temptation** or adversity is described as **divers** and **manifold**, indicating that believers will face a variety of tests of their faith ([[James 1:2]], [[1 Peter 1:6]]).
* `{{G3554}}` **nósos** (a malady): Used for **disease** or sickness, this term is frequently modified by `{{G4164}}` to describe the **various** physical ailments Jesus healed during his ministry [[Matthew 4:24]].
* `{{G1322}}` **didachḗ** (instruction): This word for **doctrine** is paired with `{{G4164}}` in a warning against being carried about with **divers** and strange teachings [[Hebrews 13:9]].
* `{{G1939}}` **epithymía** (a longing): This term for **lust** is qualified as **divers**, highlighting the many different sinful desires that can characterize a life of disobedience ([[Titus 3:3]], [[2 Timothy 3:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4164}}` lies in its role as a modifier, revealing the scope of both human need and divine response.
* **The Variety of Human Struggle:** `{{G4164}}` emphasizes the wide array of trials and afflictions that are part of the human condition. This includes **divers diseases** that affect the body [[Luke 4:40]], the **divers lusts** that enslave the soul [[Titus 3:3]], and the **manifold temptations** that test one's faith [[1 Peter 1:6]].
* **The Threat of False Teaching:** The term is used to warn believers against being led astray by **divers** and **strange** `{{G3581}}` **doctrines**, which stand in contrast to the stability found in the **grace** `{{G5485}}` of God [[Hebrews 13:9]].
* **The All-Encompassing Nature of God's Grace:** Just as trials are manifold, so is God's provision. Peter describes the **manifold grace** `{{G5485}}` of God, of which believers are stewards, implying that for every varied trial, there is a corresponding grace [[1 Peter 4:10]].
* **The Scope of Divine Power:** God's power is shown to be **divers**, demonstrated through **signs** `{{G4592}}`, **wonders** `{{G5059}}`, and **miracles** `{{G1411}}` that serve as a witness to His will [[Hebrews 2:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4164}}` **poikílos** functions as a key descriptor, highlighting the multifaceted nature of both the challenges and the blessings described in Scripture. It encompasses the variety of human fallenness, from **divers lusts** [[Titus 3:3]] to **divers diseases** [[Mark 1:34]]. Conversely, it also illustrates the corresponding breadth of God's power and provision, seen in **divers miracles** [[Hebrews 2:4]] and the **manifold grace** [[1 Peter 4:10]] available to believers. The word illustrates that for every varied form of trial or temptation, God's grace and power are equally diverse and sufficient.
TRV