Strong’s G4639: A feminine noun meaning “shadow,” used both literally and metaphorically. In theological contexts, it describes the Old Testament ceremonies and laws as shadows of Christ’s reality. Also used to describe spiritual darkness and death’s shadow, contrasting with Christ’s light.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκιά carries profound theological significance beyond its literal meaning of “shadow.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts describing both spiritual darkness and typological foreshadowing. Paul especially uses it to describe the relationship between Old Testament practices and their fulfillment in Christ (Colossians 2:17). Early church fathers extensively used this imagery to explain how the Old Testament prefigured Christ. Today, it helps us understand both our need for Christ’s light and how He fulfills all Scripture.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκιά, skia, skee-AH
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκι (skee) ά (AH) – stress on second syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *skeh₂-i- (shade, shadow)
• Related to Sanskrit chāyā
• Basic term for shadow or shade

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical shadow
• Shade or darkness
• Type or prefiguration
• Spiritual darkness

Translation Options:

• Shadow – encompassing both literal and figurative meaning
• Dark shadow – emphasizing spiritual darkness
• Foreshadowing – highlighting typological usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκότος (skotos, SKO-tos) – See G4655: Darkness
• τύπος (typos, TU-pos) – See G5179: Type or pattern
• εἰκών (eikōn, ay-KONE) – See G1504: Image

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:
Nominative singular: σκιά
Genitive singular: σκιᾶς
Dative singular: σκιᾷ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and typological uses. Thayer’s notes its importance in theological contexts. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its use in contrasting shadow with reality. Moulton and Milligan cite examples showing common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 4:16: “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the [shadow] [σκιά] of death a light has dawned.”

Additional References:
Mark 4:32, Luke 1:79, Acts 5:15, Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 8:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκιά powerfully illustrates both humanity’s need for Christ’s light and how He fulfills all Scripture’s promises. This promotes the good news by showing how King Jesus brings reality to the shadows of the Old Testament and light to those in spiritual darkness.

D – Did You Know?

• Used in ancient Greek philosophy to discuss reality versus appearance
• Appears in both salvation contexts and typological discussions
• Forms the root of modern words like “sciography”

Strong’s G4639: A feminine noun meaning “shadow,” used both literally and metaphorically. In theological contexts, it describes the Old Testament ceremonies and laws as shadows of Christ’s reality. Also used to describe spiritual darkness and death’s shadow, contrasting with Christ’s light.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: shadow, darkness, type, prefiguration, light, fulfillment, old-testament, christ, typology, spiritual-darkness, reality, salvation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​