πολυποίκιλος
polypoíkilos
G4182 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Highly diverse in form, appearance, or kind; marked by great variety or manifoldness. The term can refer to something richly variegated, exhibiting many colors or elements, and by extension, richly diverse or complex. Contextually, it can denote something that is intricate, multifaceted, or of many aspects; in figurative use, often characterizes something as being abundant in diversity, complexity, or manifestation.
Semantic Range
manifold, richly diverse, greatly varied, of many kinds, multifaceted, intricate, complex
Root / Etymology
From the prefix πολυ- (poly-, 'many, much') and ποικίλος (poikilos, 'varied, diverse, spotted, manifold'). The word is a compound meaning 'much-varied' or 'of many varieties.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The adjective πολυποίκιλος is rare in pre-Koine Greek, with its earliest attestations in late Classical or Hellenistic Greek. It appears in the New Testament (e.g., Eph 3:10) to characterize the divine wisdom as being exceedingly rich in its manifestations—possibly alluding to a tapestry of varied elements. In classical literature, the root ποικίλος could refer both to physical multicolored appearance (such as textiles or embroidery) and to figurative variety (as in changeableness or cunning). The compound intensifies this sense, emphasizing the abundant and rich diversity rather than mere multiplicity. Standard English translations as 'manifold' or 'varied' capture part of the sense but may not fully convey the richness and depth implied by the term. In the Septuagint and post-biblical usage, it continues to indicate something with complex variety, sometimes with implied intricacy or artfulness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πολύς and ποικίλος; much variegated, i.e. multifarious:--manifold.
Root Family
πολυ-, ποικιλο- (polypoíkilos) — many, much; varied, diverse
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4182-01 |
πολυποίκιλος | polupoikilos | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
manifold | richly diverse | richly diverse | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4182-01 |
Ephesians 3:10 | πολυποίκιλος | polupoikilos | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
manifold | richly diverse | richly diverse |