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πειθός

peithós

G3981 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

having the quality of persuading or being persuasive; characterized by the capacity to convince, especially by appeal to reason or emotion. In particular contexts, can denote something or someone that exerts influence so as to induce belief or action; also used in contexts where something is attractive or enticing because it is convincing.

Semantic Range

persuasive, capable of convincing, enticing, alluring, inducing compliance or belief, charming

Root / Etymology

derived from the verb πείθω (to persuade, to convince), with the adjectival suffix -ός, indicating quality or capacity.

Historical & Contextual Notes

πειθός is a rare adjective in Greek literature, primarily attested in post-classical Greek and occasionally in the Septuagint (e.g., Prov 7:21, referring to the 'persuasive' or 'enticing' words of a seductress). Its usage in Hellenistic and Koine Greek often carries a neutral sense of persuasive capability, but in certain contexts, can take on a negative nuance, implying seduction or alluring deception, especially in moral or exhortative literature. English translations sometimes render the term as 'enticing', 'persuasive', or 'seductive', but context determines whether the word is neutral, positive, or negative in connotation. The word is extremely rare in the New Testament and extra-biblical Koine sources, thus its sense is most securely established from the Septuagint and later literary sources. It contrasts with related terms such as ἀπατηλός ('deceptive') in that πειθός does not inherently imply dishonesty, though it may be used in contexts where persuasion is associated with negative consequences.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πείθω; persuasive:--enticing.

Root Family

πειθός (peithos) — persuade, convince, induce belief, entice

Root πειθ- to persuade, to convince

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3981-01 πειθοῖς peithois ADJ.S DAT M PL persuasive to persuasive ones persuasive 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3981-01 1 Corinthians 2:4 πειθοῖς peithois ADJ.S DAT M PL persuasive to persuasive ones persuasive
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