← G4163 G4165 →

ποικίλος

poikílos

G4164 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having many different kinds or features; marked by diversity or variety. Also used to describe something variegated, multi-colored, or complex in nature. In different contexts, can refer to diversity in form, manifestation, character, or quality.

Semantic Range

varied, diverse, manifold, of many kinds, intricate, variegated (in color or character), complex, artful, crafty, multifaceted

Root / Etymology

Of uncertain derivation; possibly connected to the root ποικ- meaning 'to be variegated' or 'to display variety.' No consensus on a definitive etymology. Used in Classical and Koine Greek with a consistent focus on diversity or variegation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ποικίλος was used for something variegated, multi-colored (as with woven fabrics or painted objects), or figuratively for something intricate, artful, or cunning (e.g., a mind with many devices). In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the term expanded its application to a broader notion of diversity—not just color or form, but also types, manifestations, or experiences ('various trials' in James 1:2). Standard English translations such as 'manifold,' 'various,' or 'diverse' sometimes obscure the visual or qualitative nuance present in Greek. In some contexts, ποικίλος could suggest richness and intricacy, but also duplicity or complexity in character (e.g., a 'varied' or 'capable of many things' mind). The term does not bear a specifically negative or positive connotation, but is shaped by context. No direct contrast with specialized terms for 'many' (πολύς) or for 'different kinds' (διάφορος), but more deeply connected with the idea of exhibiting diversity within unity.

Translation Consistency

primary "various" 7 occurrences

'Various' is the most natural, widely used adjective that captures the typical sense of ποικίλος—many kinds, diverse, or variegated. It matches the majority of existing renderings in the P2 corpus, reads smoothly before nouns, and avoids archaic choices like 'manifold' while covering the full semantic range (diverse, varied, multifaceted).

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"varied" (2x) "varied kind" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; motley, i.e. various in character:--divers, manifold.

Root Family

ποικίλος (poikilos) — varied, diverse, manifold, variegated, multifaceted

Root ποικ- to display variety, to be diverse, to be variegated

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4164-01 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones various 7
G4164-03 ποικίλοις poikilois ADJ.S DAT M PL various to varied ones various 2
G4164-02 ποικίλης poikiles ADJ.A GEN F SG manifold of varied kind of varied kind 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4164-01 Matthew 4:24 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones various
G4164-01 Mark 1:34 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones various
G4164-01 Luke 4:40 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones various
G4164-01 2 Timothy 3:6 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL divers to varied ones varied
G4164-01 Titus 3:3 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones to various ones
G4164-01 Hebrews 2:4 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones by means of various
G4164-01 Hebrews 13:9 ποικίλαις poikilais ADJ.A DAT F PL various to varied ones varied
G4164-03 James 1:2 ποικίλοις poikilois ADJ.S DAT M PL various to varied ones various
G4164-03 1 Peter 1:6 ποικίλοις poikilois ADJ.A DAT M PL various to varied ones various
G4164-02 1 Peter 4:10 ποικίλης poikiles ADJ.A GEN F SG manifold of varied kind of varied kind
← G4163 Greek Lexicon G4165 →