σοφίζω (sophizō)
sophizō
to make wise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sophizō means to make someone wise or to instruct them in understanding. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in passages emphasizing the value of Scripture. Paul writes that the sacred writings are able to make Timothy wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15), highlighting a practical, life-guiding wisdom rather than abstract knowledge.
Its meaning shifts slightly in 2 Peter 1:16, where it describes inventing or devising clever fables. Here, the word carries a negative tone, suggesting cunning fabrication rather than genuine insight. This contrast shows how "wisdom" can be used for truth or for deception, depending on the source.
Etymologically, sophizō derives from sophos (wise), linking it directly to the concept of skill and understanding. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for similar Hebrew terms, reinforcing its role in conveying divine instruction. Translators often render it simply as "make wise," though the Greek implies an active process of teaching that leads to discernment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sophizō describes an active process where truth shapes a person’s understanding. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul reminds Timothy that the Scriptures are able to make him wise for salvation. This is not abstract philosophy but practical guidance that leads to faith in Christ Jesus. It suggests that reading and meditating on God’s word changes how we see ourselves and our need for a Savior.
Interestingly, the same word appears in 2 Peter 1:16 with a different tone. Here it describes cleverly devised fables, showing that human ingenuity can mimic wisdom but lacks divine power. This contrast helps us distinguish between true insight from God and mere cleverness from men. We are invited to trust the source that leads to life rather than the deceptions that lead away from it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to make wise1×
- contrived1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σοφίσαι1×
- σεσοφισμένοις1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 3:15
From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
This verse highlights the positive power of Scripture to impart saving wisdom through faith in Christ.
-
II Peter 1:16
For we didn’t follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Here the word is used negatively to describe human inventions that lack the truth of eyewitness testimony.