### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sophía**, represented by `{{G4678}}`, serves as the primary term for **wisdom**. It appears 51 times across 49 unique verses, highlighting its importance in spiritual and worldly contexts. The term encompasses both higher, spiritual insight and lower, earthly understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4678}}` is often used to draw a sharp contrast between the **wisdom** of God and the **wisdom** of this world. Worldly **wisdom** is described as "foolishness with God" [[1 Corinthians 3:19]], something God will destroy [[1 Corinthians 1:19]]. Conversely, divine **wisdom** is a gift from God, who gives it liberally to those who ask [[James 1:5]]. The **wisdom** that comes from above is characterized as pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy [[James 3:17]]. Christ is presented as the ultimate expression of God's **wisdom** [[1 Corinthians 1:24]], and in Him are hidden all the treasures of **wisdom** and knowledge [[Colossians 2:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of wisdom and its opposite:
* `{{G4680}}` **sophós** (wise): As the root of sophía, this word describes a person who is **wise**. Scripture contrasts the **wise** of the world, whom God catches in their own craftiness [[1 Corinthians 3:19]], with the one who demonstrates works "with meekness of wisdom" [[James 3:13]].
* `{{G1108}}` **gnōsis** (knowledge): Frequently appearing alongside **wisdom**, **knowledge** refers to knowing or discernment. The Bible speaks of the depth of the riches of both the **wisdom** and **knowledge** of God [[Romans 11:33]], and in Christ are hidden all the treasures of **wisdom** and **knowledge** [[Colossians 2:3]].
* `{{G3472}}` **mōría** (foolishness): This term is the direct antithesis of divine **wisdom**. The **wisdom** of this world is explicitly called **foolishness** with God [[1 Corinthians 3:19]]. It pleased God through the "**foolishness** of preaching to save them that believe" [[1 Corinthians 1:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4678}}` is significant and centers on several core themes:
* **The Two Wisdoms:** The Bible clearly distinguishes between human and divine **wisdom**. The former is described as "earthly, sensual, devilish" [[James 3:15]] and is ultimately made foolish by God [[1 Corinthians 1:20]]. Divine **wisdom**, in contrast, is "from above" [[James 3:17]] and is a key attribute of God Himself [[Romans 11:33]].
* **Christ, the Wisdom of God:** `{{G4678}}` finds its ultimate expression and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is called "the **wisdom** of God" [[1 Corinthians 1:24]] and has been made unto believers **wisdom**, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption [[1 Corinthians 1:30]].
* **A Gift of the Spirit:** True **wisdom** is not attained by human intellect alone but is a gift from God [[James 1:5]]. The Spirit gives a "word of **wisdom**" to the church [[1 Corinthians 12:8]], and believers can be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all **wisdom** and spiritual understanding [[Colossians 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4678}}` is far more than an intellectual concept. It represents a fundamental division between God's perfect insight and the world's limited understanding. This **wisdom** is not an abstract idea but a divine attribute fully embodied in Christ, offered as a gift to believers, and intended to shape a life of purity, peace, and good works. It illustrates how the believer's source of understanding must shift from the earthly to the divine.
TRV