γυναικάριον (gunaikarion)
gunaikarion
weak-willed woman
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gunaikarion is a diminutive form derived from the word for "woman," literally meaning "little woman." In its single New Testament occurrence in 2 Timothy 3:6, it carries a distinctly contemptuous tone. Rather than describing physical stature, the term highlights moral or intellectual frailty, effectively labeling someone as a silly or weak-willed person.
Translators typically render this word as "silly women" or "weak women," capturing the derogatory sense intended by the author. The usage suggests individuals who are easily led astray due to a lack of spiritual discernment or resolve, rather than simply being female. This specific lexical choice underscores the danger of those who infiltrate households not for genuine faith, but to manipulate vulnerable believers.
The word’s force lies in its diminutive structure, which often conveys affection but here serves to belittle. It paints a picture of someone lacking inner strength or firm conviction, making them susceptible to deceptive teachings. This precise vocabulary helps readers understand the specific character flaw Paul identifies as problematic in that context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gunaikarion appears only once in the New Testament, carrying a sharp tone of criticism rather than affection. In 2 Timothy 3:6, it describes individuals who are easily swayed by false teachers because they lack spiritual stability. This term highlights how deception targets those who are morally or intellectually weak, not necessarily their gender.
For your faith, this passage serves as a warning to cultivate inner strength through Scripture. It reminds us that vulnerability to error often stems from unaddressed sin or a lack of discernment. By grounding ourselves in truth, we protect our hearts from being led astray by those who seek to exploit spiritual weakness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- weak women1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γυναικάρια1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 3:6
For some of these are people who creep into houses and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
This verse uses the term to describe women who are easily manipulated by false teachers due to their spiritual vulnerability and burden of sin.