Strong’s G4646: An adjective meaning “crooked” or “perverse,” used both literally of physical paths and metaphorically of moral character. In the New Testament, it describes both physical crookedness needing straightening and spiritual/moral perversity requiring divine transformation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκολιός spans both physical and moral realms, moving from its basic meaning of “crooked” or “bent” to deeper spiritual applications. In the New Testament, it appears first in John the Baptist’s ministry (Luke 3:5), where physical and spiritual straightening merge in messianic preparation. The early church developed this imagery to contrast Christian righteousness with worldly perversity (Philippians 2:15). Today, it continues to illustrate both our need for spiritual straightening and God’s transformative work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκολιός, skolios, sko-lee-OS
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκο (sko) λι (lee) ός (OS) – stress on final syllable
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *skel- (to bend, twist)
• Related to Latin scelus (wickedness)
• Root of English “scoliosis”

D – Defining Meanings

• Physically crooked or bent
• Morally perverse
• Difficult or unpleasant
• Deviant from rightness

Translation Options:

• Crooked – encompassing both physical and moral meanings
• Perverse – emphasizing moral aspect
• Twisted – connecting physical and spiritual meanings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διεστραμμένος (diestramenos, dee-es-tram-ME-nos) – See G1294: Perverted, distorted
• στρεβλός (streblos, stre-BLOS) – See G4762: Twisted, tortuous
• ἄδικος (adikos, A-dee-kos) – See G94: Unrighteous

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: All cases
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First declension

Examples:
Masculine: σκολιός
Feminine: σκολιά
Neuter: σκολιόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical to moral meaning. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its use in ethical contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from common language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 3:5: “Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The [crooked] [σκολιός] roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.”

Additional References:
Acts 2:40, Philippians 2:15, 1 Peter 2:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκολιός powerfully illustrates humanity’s deviation from God’s righteous path and our need for divine straightening. The good news is that King Jesus came to make the crooked straight, transforming both our paths and our hearts through His redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

• Provides the root for modern medical term “scoliosis”
• Used in Septuagint translations of Isaiah’s messianic prophecies
• Applied to both geographical features and moral character

Strong’s G4646: An adjective meaning “crooked” or “perverse,” used both literally of physical paths and metaphorically of moral character. In the New Testament, it describes both physical crookedness needing straightening and spiritual/moral perversity requiring divine transformation.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: crookedness, perversity, transformation, straightening, moral-character, john-the-baptist, prophecy, paths, righteousness, conversion, ethical-behavior, divine-work​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​