"wisdom in general, knowledge, Mt. 12:42; Lk. 2:40, 52; 11:31; Acts 7:10; ability, Lk. 21:15; Acts 6:3, 10; practical wisdom, prudence, Col. 4:5; learning, science, Mt. 13:54; Mk. 6:2; Acts 7:22; scientific skill, 1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1; professed wisdom, human philosophy, 1 Cor. 1:19, ..."
Definition and meaning
wisdom in general, knowledge, Mt. 12:42; Lk. 2:40, 52; 11:31; Acts 7:10; ability, Lk. 21:15; Acts 6:3, 10; practical wisdom, prudence, Col. 4:5; learning, science, Mt. 13:54; Mk. 6:2; Acts 7:22; scientific skill, 1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1; professed wisdom, human philosophy, 1 Cor. 1:19, 20, 22; 2:4, 5, 6; superior knowledge and enlightenment, Col. 2:23; in NT divine wisdom, Rom. 11:33; Eph. 3:10; Col. 2:3; revealed wisdom, Mt. 11:19; Lk. 11:49; 1 Cor. 1:24, 30; 2:7; Christian enlightenment, 1 Cor. 12:8; Eph. 1:8, 17; Col. 1:9, 28, 3:16; Jas. 1:5; 3:13
In the original Greek the word is written: σοφία
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of sophia (G4678) across the King James Bible.
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
But wisdom is justified of all her children.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
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Common questions
Strong's G4678 (sophia) is a Greek word that means: wisdom in general, knowledge, Mt. 12:42; Lk. 2:40, 52; 11:31; Acts 7:10; ability, Lk. 21:15; Acts 6:3, 10; practical wisdom, prudence, Col. 4:5; learning, science, Mt. 13:54; Mk. 6:2; Acts 7:22; scien... It appears 49 times in the King James Bible.
The word sophia (G4678) appears 49 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4678 is sophia, a Greek word defined as: wisdom in general, knowledge, Mt. 12:42; Lk. 2:40, 52; 11:31; Acts 7:10; ability, Lk. 21:15; Acts 6:3, 10; practical wisdom, prudence, Col. 4:5; learn. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
sophia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.