CRAFT; CRAFTINESS; CRAFTY

kraft, kraf'-ti-nes, kraf'-ti, (panourgia), (panourgos):

The original meaning is that of "ability to do anything," universally applied in a bad sense to unscrupulous wickedness, that stops short of no measure, however reprehensible, in order to attain its purposes; then, in a modified form, to resourcefulness in wrong, cunning (Daniel 8:25; 2 Macc 12:24; the Revised Version, margin "jugglery"). In Luke 20:23, Jesus perceives "the craftiness" of His adversaries, i.e. the complicated network which they have laid to ensnare Him. The art with which a plot is concealed, and its direction to the ruin of others, are elements that enter into the meaning. Heinrici on 1 Corinthians 3:19 illustrates from Plato the distinction between craftiness and wisdom. There is a touch of humor in 2 Corinthians 12:16, when Paul speaks of his conduct toward the Corinthians as having been "crafty."

H. E. Jacobs

Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'CRAFT; CRAFTINESS; CRAFTY'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.