Brief Overview of σκοτία (Strong’s G4653: skotia)

Strong’s G4653: A feminine noun denoting darkness, both physical and spiritual. In NT usage, particularly significant in John’s writings, representing the realm opposed to God’s light. Used metaphorically for spiritual ignorance, moral evil, and the domain where God’s truth and love are absent.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκοτία represents darkness as a state or condition, carrying deep theological significance in the New Testament. While it can refer to physical darkness, its primary usage is metaphorical, representing the spiritual realm opposed to God’s light and truth. John’s Gospel particularly employs this term to contrast the darkness of the world with Christ as the Light. Early church fathers extensively used this word when discussing the state of unbelief, sin’s bondage, and spiritual ignorance. Today, it remains a powerful metaphor for the condition of those living outside God’s light and the transformative power of Christ’s illumination.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκοτία, skotia, /skot-ee’-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skot’ as in “Scott,” ‘ee’ as in “see,” ‘ah’ as in “father”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: σκοτ- (skot-) – from Proto-Indo-European *(s)keh₂-t- (shade, shadow)
• Suffix: -ία (-ia) – feminine abstract noun ending
• Forms abstract noun indicating state or condition of darkness

D – Defining Meanings

• Darkness (physical absence of light)
• Spiritual darkness or ignorance
• Evil or moral darkness
• The realm opposed to God’s light

For compound words: Not a compound word, but formed from root σκοτ- with abstract noun suffix -ία

Translation Options:

• “Darkness” – Captures both physical and spiritual meanings
• “Dark realm” – Emphasizes the state or sphere of darkness
• “Dark condition” – Highlights the abstract nature implied by the -ία suffix

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκότος (skotos) /skot’-os/ – darkness, more concrete term See G4655
• σκοτεινός (skoteinos) /skot-i-nos’/ – full of darkness See G4652
• γνόφος (gnophos) /gnof’-os/ – deep gloom See G1105

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative: σκοτία (darkness)
• Genitive: σκοτίας (of darkness)
• Dative: σκοτίᾳ (in/to darkness)
• Accusative: σκοτίαν (darkness as object)
• Cross-references: Related adjective σκοτεινός and verb σκοτίζω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in Johannine literature. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical to spiritual meanings. LSJ traces its development in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its use in ethical contexts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of shadowing. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its metaphorical use in everyday contexts. LEH notes its frequent appearance in Septuagint wisdom literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“What I tell you in darkness [σκοτία], that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” Matthew 10:27

Additional References:
John 1:5
John 6:17
John 8:12
John 12:35
1 John 1:5
1 John 2:8
1 John 2:9
1 John 2:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκοτία powerfully illustrates humanity’s condition apart from Christ. The word reveals our desperate need for divine light and truth. It promotes the Gospel by showing that while we were once darkness, Christ’s light penetrates the deepest spiritual darkness, bringing illumination, life, and truth. This transformation from darkness to light stands as a testament to His saving power.

D – Did You Know?

1. John’s Gospel uses σκοτία more frequently than any other NT book, emphasizing the light/darkness theme.
2. Ancient Greek mystical texts often used σκοτία positively to describe divine mystery, contrasting with NT usage.
3. Early Christian baptismal ceremonies often referenced moving from σκοτία to φῶς (light).

Strong’s G4653: A feminine noun denoting darkness as a state or condition, particularly significant in Johannine literature. Used both literally and metaphorically to represent the realm opposed to God’s light and truth. Emphasizes the spiritual state of those living without divine illumination.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: darkness, spiritual-blindness, john, light-and-darkness, moral-evil, spiritual-condition, transformation, gospel, salvation, truth, ignorance, biblical-greek, new-testament, metaphor, johannine-literature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​