Brief Overview of σκοτίζω (Strong’s G4654: skotizō)

Strong’s G4654: A verb meaning to darken, make dark, or obscure. From σκότος (darkness), it describes both physical darkening and spiritual/mental obscuring. In NT usage, appears in both apocalyptic contexts describing cosmic events and metaphorically representing spiritual darkening of understanding.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκοτίζω carries significant weight in both its literal and metaphorical applications. As a verb, it describes the active process of darkening or becoming dark, whether physical or spiritual. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in apocalyptic contexts describing cosmic signs, particularly the darkening of heavenly bodies. The early church fathers expanded its usage to discuss spiritual blindness and the dulling of understanding that comes from rejecting God’s truth. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of both God’s sovereign control over creation and the spiritual darkness that can envelope those who turn from His light.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκοτίζω, skotizō, /skot-id’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skot’ as in “Scott,” ‘id’ as in “kid,” ‘zo’ as in “zone”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σκοτ- (skot-) – from σκότος (darkness)
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) – verbal ending indicating causative action
• Forms verb meaning “to make dark” or “to darken”

D – Defining Meanings

• To darken physically
• To obscure or dim
• To darken mentally or spiritually
• To become dark

For compound words: Not a compound word, but formed from root σκοτ- with causative verbal suffix -ίζω

Translation Options:

• “To darken” – Best captures both physical and metaphorical meanings
• “To obscure” – Emphasizes the process of making something unclear
• “To become dark” – Reflects the passive sense of the verb

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀμαυρόω (amauroo) /am-ow-ro’-o/ – to dim or dull See G282
• σκιάζω (skiazō) /skee-ad’-zo/ – to overshadow See G4639
• ζοφόω (zophoō) /dzof-o’-o/ – to darken by gloom See G2217

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σκοτίζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Examples:

• σκοτίζω – I darken (Present Active)
• σκοτισθήσεται – will be darkened (Future Passive)
• ἐσκοτίσθη – was darkened (Aorist Passive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical darkening in NT usage. Thayer’s notes its prominence in apocalyptic literature. LSJ traces its development from physical to metaphorical meanings. Vine’s connects it to spiritual blindness. Strong’s emphasizes its causative nature. Moulton and Milligan document its use in astronomical contexts in papyri. LEH notes its frequent appearance in prophetic literature of the Septuagint.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened [σκοτίζω], and the moon shall not give her light” Matthew 24:29

Additional References:
Mark 13:24
Luke 23:45
Romans 1:21
Romans 11:10
Ephesians 4:18
Revelation 8:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκοτίζω powerfully illustrates both God’s sovereign power over creation and the spiritual condition of those who reject Him. The word appears in crucial moments of biblical history, from the crucifixion to apocalyptic prophecies. It promotes the Gospel by showing how Christ’s light penetrates our spiritual darkness and warns of the consequences of rejecting His illumination.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient astronomical texts describing eclipses and celestial phenomena.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe the spiritual effect of the crucifixion on creation.
3. The -ίζω suffix makes it a causative verb, emphasizing the active process of darkening.

Strong’s G4654: A verb denoting the process of darkening or becoming dark, used both literally and metaphorically. In NT contexts, appears in apocalyptic prophecies and descriptions of spiritual blindness. Emphasizes both divine sovereignty over creation and the consequences of spiritual rebellion.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: darkness, apocalyptic, spiritual-blindness, crucifixion, judgment, prophecy, creation, sovereignty, eclipse, understanding, biblical-greek, new-testament, metaphor, eschatology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​