Brief Overview of σκότος (Strong’s G4655: skotos)

Strong’s G4655: A neuter noun denoting darkness in its most complete sense. From Proto-Indo-European *(s)keh₂-t- (shade). In NT usage, represents both physical darkness and the spiritual realm opposed to God’s light. Particularly significant in describing the state of those outside Christ’s salvation.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκότος represents darkness in its most fundamental form, serving as the root word for various terms related to darkness in Greek. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance, representing not just physical darkness but the spiritual condition of fallen humanity and the domain of evil powers. The word appears in crucial contexts describing both the physical darkness at Christ’s crucifixion and the spiritual darkness from which believers are delivered. Early church fathers extensively used this term when discussing spiritual blindness, sin’s bondage, and salvation’s transformative power. Today, it remains a powerful metaphor for the human condition apart from Christ and the dramatic change that occurs when one moves from darkness to light.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκότος, skotos, /skot’-os/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skot’ as in “Scott,” ‘os’ as in “moss”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)

Etymology:

• Root: σκοτ- (skot-) from Proto-Indo-European *(s)keh₂-t- (shade, shadow)
• Suffix: -ος (-os) – common Greek neuter noun ending
• Primary noun forming basis for many compound words

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical darkness or absence of light
• Spiritual darkness or ignorance
• The realm of evil powers
• Moral darkness or wickedness

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as root for many compounds

Translation Options:

• “Darkness” – Captures both physical and spiritual meanings
• “Dark domain” – Emphasizes realm or sphere of darkness
• “Gloom” – Emphasizes oppressive quality of darkness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκοτία (skotia) /skot-ee’-ah/ – darkness as abstract concept See G4653
• νύξ (nyx) /nuks/ – night See G3571
• ζόφος (zophos) /dzof’-os/ – deep gloom See G2217

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σκότος (darkness)
• Genitive: σκότους (of darkness)
• Dative: σκότει (in/to darkness)
• Accusative: σκότος (darkness as object)
• Cross-references: Related verb σκοτίζω and adjective σκοτεινός

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in NT theology of light versus darkness. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical to spiritual meanings. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its use in ethical contexts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of shadowing. Moulton and Milligan document its metaphorical uses in everyday language. LEH traces its significant role in Septuagint theology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The people which sat in darkness [σκότος] saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Matthew 4:16

Additional References:
Matthew 27:45
Luke 22:53
John 3:19
Acts 26:18
Romans 13:12
2 Corinthians 6:14
Ephesians 5:8
Colossians 1:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκότος powerfully illustrates humanity’s condition apart from Christ and the transformative power of His salvation. The word reminds us that we were once in darkness but have been called into His marvelous light. It promotes the Gospel by highlighting both our desperate need for Christ’s light and the dramatic deliverance He provides, moving us from the domain of darkness into His kingdom of light.

D – Did You Know?

1. The crucifixion darkness is described using σκότος, emphasizing its supernatural nature.
2. Ancient Greek mystery cults sometimes positively valued σκότος, contrasting with NT usage.
3. The word influenced early Christian baptismal liturgies contrasting darkness and light.

Strong’s G4655: A neuter noun representing darkness in its most complete sense, both physical and spiritual. In NT theology, symbolizes the realm opposed to God’s light and the condition of unredeemed humanity. Central to understanding salvation as movement from darkness to light.

Part of speech: Noun (Neuter)

Tags: darkness, spiritual-blindness, salvation, light-and-darkness, evil, sin, transformation, crucifixion, kingdom-of-darkness, redemption, spiritual-warfare, biblical-greek, new-testament, metaphor, theology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​