Original Word: σοφός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: sophos
Pronunciation: so-foce'
Phonetic Spelling: (sof-os')
Definition: Wise, learned, skilled
Meaning: wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever.

wise.

Akin to saphes (clear); wise (in a most general application) -- wise. Compare phronimos.

see GREEK phronimos

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
skilled, wise
NASB Translation
wise (16), wise man (2), wise men (1), wiser (1).

STRONGS NT 4680: σοφός

σοφός, σοφή, σοφόν (akin to σαφής and to the Latinsapio, sapiens, sapor, 'to have a taste', etc.; Curtius, § 628; (Vanicek, p. 991)), the Sept. for חָכָם; (from Theognis, Pindar, Aeschylus down); wise, i. e.

a. skilled, expert: εἰς τί, Romans 16:19; of artificers (cf. Grimm, Exeg. Hdbch. on Sap. (), p. 151): ἀρχιτέκτων, 1 Corinthians 3:10; Isaiah 3:3 (δημιουργός, of God, Xenophon, mem. 1, 4, 7).

b. wise, i. e. skilled in letters, cultivated, learned: Romans 1:14, 22; of the Greek philosophers (and orators, see σοφία, a.), 1 Corinthians 1:19f, 26; 1 Corinthians 3:18f,(20); of the Jewish theologians, Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; of Christian teachers, Matthew 23:34.

c. wise in a practical sense, i. e. one who in action is governed by piety and integrity: Ephesians 5:15; James 3:13; and accordingly is a suitable person to settle private quarrels, 1 Corinthians 6:5.

d. wise in a philosophic sense, forming the best plans and using the best means for their execution: so of God, Romans 16:27, and Rec. in 1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 1:25; σοφώτερον, contains more wisdom, is more sagaciously thought out, 1 Corinthians 1:25. [SYNONYMS: σοφός, συνετός, φρόνιμος: σοφός wise, see above; συνετός intelligent, denotes one who can 'put things together' (συνιέναι), who has insight and comprehension; φρόνιμος prudent (A. V. uniformly, wise), denotes primarily one who has quick and correct perceptions, hence, 'discreet,' 'circumspect,' etc.; cf. Schmidt, chapter 147. See σοφία, at the end]

Word Origin: Derived from the root word σάφα (sáphēn), meaning "to be clear" or "to make wise."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H2450 חָכָם (chakam): This Hebrew word is often translated as "wise" and is used similarly to σοφός in the Old Testament, describing individuals who possess wisdom, skill, or understanding.
• H2449 חָכַם (chakam): A verb form meaning "to be wise" or "to act wisely," often used to describe the process of gaining wisdom or acting with discernment.

These entries reflect the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a divine gift that guides believers in living a life that honors God and reflects His character.

Usage: The word σοφός is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are wise in various aspects, including practical skills, intellectual understanding, and spiritual insight. It is often contrasted with foolishness or lack of understanding.

Context: The Greek word σοφός appears in several New Testament passages, highlighting the value and characteristics of wisdom from a biblical perspective. In the Berean Standard Bible, σοφός is used to describe both human and divine wisdom.

• Human Wisdom: In 1 Corinthians 1:19, Paul quotes Isaiah, saying, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." Here, σοφός refers to human wisdom that is often limited and flawed when compared to God's wisdom. The apostle Paul frequently contrasts human wisdom with the wisdom of God, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from understanding and following God's will.

• Divine Wisdom: James 3:13-17 discusses the characteristics of divine wisdom, stating, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." This passage highlights that true wisdom is demonstrated through righteous living and humility, qualities that reflect God's nature.

• Practical Wisdom: In Matthew 7:24, Jesus uses the term σοφός in the parable of the wise and foolish builders: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Here, σοφός is used to describe practical wisdom, emphasizing the importance of applying Jesus' teachings to one's life.

The New Testament presents σοφός as a desirable attribute, encouraging believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all who ask (James 1:5). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply connected to moral and spiritual understanding, guiding believers in their daily lives and relationships.

σοφά σοφαί σοφάς σοφή σοφήν σοφοι σοφοί σοφοὶ σοφοις σοφοίς σοφοῖς σοφόν σοφος σοφός σοφὸς σοφού σοφους σοφούς σοφοὺς σοφω σοφώ σοφῷ σοφων σοφών σοφῶν σοφώς σοφώτερα σοφωτερον σοφώτερον σοφώτερος σπάδοντας σπάδοντι sopho sophō sophoi sophoí sophoì sophôi sophō̂i sophois sophoîs sophon sophôn sophōn sophō̂n sophos sophós sophòs sophoteron sophōteron sophṓteron sophous sophoús sophoùsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts