Brief Overview of σπιλόω (Strong’s G4695: spiloō)

Strong’s G4695: A verb meaning to stain, defile, or contaminate. In New Testament usage, it describes moral and spiritual corruption, particularly in James’ discussion of the tongue’s defiling power and Jude’s warning about contamination from worldly influences.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπιλόω represents the contaminating effect of sin and moral corruption. In James, it powerfully illustrates how the tongue can defile the entire body (James 3:6), while in Jude it warns about worldly defilement. The early church understood this word as describing sin’s comprehensive corrupting influence on human nature. Today, it reminds us of both the pervasive nature of sin and our need for the Messiah’s cleansing power.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπιλόω, spiloō, /spiˈlo.ɔː/
• Pronunciation Guide: “spih-LO-oh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σπιλ- (spil-) meaning “spot” or “stain”
• Suffix: -όω (-oō) verbalization suffix
• Derived from σπίλος (spilos, “spot”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To spot or stain
• Secondary meaning: To defile morally
• Tertiary meaning: To contaminate spiritually

Translation Options:

• Defile – Best captures moral implications
• Stain – More literal physical meaning
• Contaminate – Emphasizes spreading effect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μιαίνω (miainō) /miˈai.nɔː/ – To pollute, defile ritually – See G3392
• μολύνω (molunō) /moˈly.nɔː/ – To soil, contaminate – See G3435
• ῥυπόω (rupoō) /ryˈpo.ɔː/ – To make filthy – See G4510

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Passive
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present Active: σπιλόω (spiloō)
• Perfect Passive: ἐσπίλωμαι (espilōmai)
• Present Participle: σπιλῶν (spilōn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its moral and spiritual implications. Thayer’s notes its development from physical to moral defilement. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its connection to character corruption. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing damaged goods.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
James 3:6: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles [σπιλόω] the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”

Additional References:
Jude 1:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπιλόω powerfully illustrates sin’s defiling nature but also points to our need for Jesus’ cleansing power. While highlighting the serious threat of moral contamination, it reminds us that the Messiah came to purify us from all defilement.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in ancient fabric cleaning instructions
• Early Christians used it to describe baptismal cleansing (by contrast)
• It influenced early church teachings on moral purity

Strong’s G4695: A verb denoting moral and spiritual defilement, used particularly to describe the corrupting power of sinful speech and worldly influences. Its usage emphasizes both the pervasive nature of sin and the need for divine cleansing.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: defilement, sin, purity, tongue, speech, James, Jude, contamination, holiness, sanctification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​