Brief Overview of σκιρτάω (Strong’s G4640: skirtaō)
Strong’s G4640: A verb meaning “to leap” or “jump for joy,” used specifically in Luke’s Gospel to describe both John the Baptist’s movement in Elizabeth’s womb and the joyful response of believers to persecution. Denotes exuberant, spirit-inspired movement.
U- Unveiling the Word
Σκιρτάω carries profound theological significance in its New Testament usage, particularly in Luke’s infancy narrative. Originally describing the playful leaping of young animals, it takes on deeper meaning when used to describe John the Baptist’s prenatal response to Mary’s arrival. Early church fathers saw in this word evidence of both prenatal consciousness and spiritual sensitivity. The word beautifully captures spontaneous, joyful response to divine presence, whether in the womb or in persecution (Luke 6:23).
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: σκιρτάω, skirtaō, skeer-TAH-o
- Detailed Pronunciation: σκιρ (skeer) τά (TAH) ω (o) – stress on second syllable
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- From ancient root meaning “to jump”
- Related to playful movement
- Possibly onomatopoeic origin
D – Defining Meanings
- To leap
- To jump for joy
- To bound
- To exult physically
Translation Options:
- To leap – emphasizing physical movement
- To jump for joy – highlighting emotional aspect
- To bound – suggesting animal-like movement
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō, ag-al-lee-AH-o) – See G21: To exult, rejoice greatly
- ἅλλομαι (hallomai, HAL-lo-mai) – See G242: To leap, spring up
- χαίρω (chairō, KHAI-ro) – See G5463: To rejoice
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- Tense: Present, Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
- Person and Number: All forms possible
Examples:
Present: σκιρτῶ (I leap)
Aorist: ἐσκίρτησα (I leaped)
Future: σκιρτήσω (I will leap)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its use for joyful movement. Thayer’s notes its original application to animals. LSJ documents its usage for playful movement. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance in Luke. Moulton and Milligan cite examples of exuberant celebration.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Luke 1:41: “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby [leaped] [σκιρτάω] in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Additional References:
Luke 1:44, Luke 6:23
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Aristotle: Historia Animalium | “Young goats [leap] [σκιρτάω] playfully in the fields.” |
| Xenophon: Anabasis | “The soldiers [jumped for joy] [σκιρτάω] at the sight of the sea.” |
| Euripides: Bacchae | “The maidens [bounded] [σκιρτάω] in their sacred dance.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Σκιρτάω beautifully illustrates spontaneous, Spirit-inspired joy in response to divine presence. From John’s prenatal leap to believers’ rejoicing in persecution, it shows how encountering King Jesus produces irrepressible joy that manifests physically.
D – Did You Know?
- Only Luke uses this word in the New Testament
- First biblical use describes prenatal response to divine presence
- Originally described young animals’ playful movement
Strong’s G4640: A verb meaning “to leap” or “jump for joy,” used specifically in Luke’s Gospel to describe both John the Baptist’s movement in Elizabeth’s womb and the joyful response of believers to persecution. Denotes exuberant, spirit-inspired movement.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: joy, leaping, john-the-baptist, prenatal, spirit-filled, persecution, celebration, movement, exultation, elizabeth, mary, visitation
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
