κυβεία (kubeia)
kubeia
cunning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kubeia refers to dice-playing, but in Scripture it carries a sharp metaphorical weight. Derived from kubos, meaning a cube or die, the word describes the deception and trickery inherent in games where players might cheat their opponents. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul uses this term to depict false teaching as a form of spiritual sleight of hand, designed to lead believers away from truth.
This single occurrence highlights how ancient gaming practices informed early Christian ethics. The image suggests that doctrinal error is not merely a mistake but an active, cunning manipulation. By linking falsehood to the dishonesty of dice players, the text emphasizes the moral danger of being "tossed to and fro" by every wind of doctrine, urging readers to recognize such teaching as a deliberate trap rather than a simple misunderstanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kubeia brings to mind the clatter of dice and the subtle hands that might rig the game. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul uses this image to warn us against spiritual trickery. He describes false teaching not as a simple mistake, but as a calculated deception designed to keep believers unstable. This vivid picture reminds us that doctrinal error is often a deliberate trap, not just an innocent misunderstanding.
For your faith, this means we must stay grounded in the truth. When we are rooted in Christ, we are less likely to be swayed by every new idea or clever argument. It invites us to approach Scripture with discernment, recognizing that some teachings aim to confuse rather than clarify. This stability is a gift, helping us stand firm when others are tossed about.
May you find peace in the certainty of God's word. Let it be your anchor, keeping you steady through every wind of doctrine. Trust in the clarity found in Christ, and rest in the knowledge that truth sets you free.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cunning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κυβείᾳ1×
Key Verses
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Ephesians 4:14
that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
This verse uniquely applies kubeia to describe the 'craftiness' of false teachers who use deception to destabilize believers.