ποικίλος (poikilos)
poikilos
various
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective poikilos describes something multicolored or variegated, like a patchwork of distinct hues. In the New Testament, it moves beyond simple visual description to signify manifold variety in experience or character. It appears in contexts ranging from physical ailments to spiritual gifts, always pointing to a rich diversity rather than a uniform state.
This word captures the complexity of human suffering and divine grace. Jesus heals those with "various" diseases (Matthew 4:24), highlighting the wide spectrum of physical brokenness. Similarly, Peter speaks of "various" trials that test faith (1 Peter 1:6), acknowledging that believers face a diverse array of challenges. The term also describes the manifold wisdom of God revealed through spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) and the varied signs confirming the gospel message (Hebrews 2:4).
Its usage underscores that Christian life is not monolithic. Whether referring to the many forms of illness, the diverse nature of trials, or the different ways grace is distributed, poikilos reminds readers that God’s work and human experience are richly textured. This variety is not chaos but a deliberate design, reflecting the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom and the complex reality of living in a fallen world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word poikilos brings to mind a tapestry of many colors, but in Scripture it points to something deeper than just visual variety. It describes the manifold ways God’s grace meets us and the diverse challenges we face as believers. When Jesus heals those with various diseases, He shows that no form of brokenness is too complex for His power. Similarly, Peter reminds us that trials come in many shapes, yet each one serves to refine our faith.
This richness extends to how God works through us. Spiritual gifts are not uniform; they are given in various forms so that the body of Christ can function together. Instead of seeking a single way to serve or a single type of experience, we can trust that God’s wisdom is multifaceted. His grace adapts to our specific needs, whether in suffering or in service.
Embracing this variety helps us see God’s hand in every situation. It invites us to appreciate the unique gifts He has placed in others and to find joy even when our own path involves different kinds of tests. The diversity of experience is not chaos but a deliberate design, reflecting the depth of divine love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- various4×
- various,3×
- of various1×
- of [the] manifold1×
- by various1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ποικίλαις5×
- ποικίλαις,2×
- ποικίλοις,1×
- ποικίλοις1×
- ποικίλης1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:24
The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.
This verse highlights Jesus’ comprehensive healing ministry, showing that His power extends to every distinct type of physical and spiritual affliction.
-
I Peter 1:6
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials,
Peter uses this term to describe the diverse nature of trials believers face, emphasizing that all forms of testing are part of faith's refinement process.
-
Hebrews 2:4
God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?
The author connects God’s testimony to the gospel through various works of power, indicating that divine confirmation comes in multiple miraculous forms.
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I Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
This passage explains that spiritual gifts are distributed in varied ways, requiring believers to steward them as managers of God’s multifaceted grace.