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Sleight

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Sleight in the Bible?

The term 'sleight' refers to manual dexterity or skill, particularly in the context of manipulating objects such as cards or dice. In the King James Version of the Bible, it appears in Ephesians 4:14 within the phrase 'sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,' describing deceptive tactics used to mislead believers.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing 'sleight' as a reference to physical dexterity and trickery clarifies the biblical warning against spiritual deception. It highlights how false teachers may use clever, manipulative methods to exploit religious teachings for personal gain, urging readers to remain grounded in truth rather than being swayed by human cunning.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Sleight. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Sleight in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Sleight clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Ephesians 4:14

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Sleight." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sleight/
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