dē̇ -vı̄s ´: "A scheme," "invention," "plot." In the Old Testament it stands for six Hebrew words, of which the most common is maḥăshebheth (from ḥāshabh , "to think," "contrive"). In the New Testament it occurs only twice, once for Greek enthúmēsis (Acts 17:29 ), and once for nóēma (2 Corinthians 2:11 ). Sometimes the word means simply that which is planned or invented, without any evil implication, as in 2 Chronicles 2:14; Acts 17:29 (of artistic work or invention), and Ecclesiastes 9:10 (in the general sense of reasoning or contriving). But more frequently it is used in an evil sense, of a wicked purpose or plot, "Let us devise devices against Jeremiah" ( Jeremiah 18:18 ); "For we are not ignorant of his (i.e. Satan's) devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11 ), etc.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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