Strong’s G4650: A verb meaning to scatter, disperse, or distribute widely. Originally used of scattering seeds in farming, it developed metaphorical meanings of dispersing people or possessions. In NT usage, it carries both positive connotations (generous distribution) and negative ones (spiritual scattering).

U- Unveiling the Word

σκορπίζω encompasses both the physical act of scattering and its metaphorical applications in spiritual contexts. Its agricultural origins of scattering seeds broadened to include dispersing people, wealth, or resources. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of both spiritual opposition (scattering the flock) and divine provision (distributing to the poor). Early church fathers employed this term when discussing both the dangers of spiritual dispersal from Christ and the virtuous scattering of wealth to the needy. Today, it continues to resonate as a powerful metaphor for both the consequences of spiritual disconnection and the beauty of generous distribution.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκορπίζω, skorpizō, /skor-pid’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skor’ as in “score,” ‘pid’ as in “pid-geon,” ‘zo’ as in “zone”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σκορπ- (skorp-) – related to scattering or dispersing
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) – common Greek verbal ending indicating causative action
• Possibly related to the noun σκορπίος (scorpion), suggesting quick, darting movement

D – Defining Meanings

• To scatter or disperse (as seeds or people)
• To distribute widely (as wealth or resources)
• To dissipate or waste

For compound words: Not a compound word, but combines the root σκορπ- with the causative suffix -ίζω

Translation Options:

• “Scatter” – Best captures the physical action of dispersal
• “Distribute” – Emphasizes intentional spreading, especially of resources
• “Disperse” – Broader term encompassing both voluntary and involuntary spreading

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διασκορπίζω (diaskorpizō) /dee-as-kor-pid’-zo/ – intensified form meaning to scatter abroad See G1287
• διασπείρω (diaspeirō) /dee-as-pi’-ro/ – to scatter like seed See G1289
• λικμάω (likmaō) /lik-mah’-o/ – to winnow, scatter like chaff See G3039

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σκορπίζω exhibits:

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

Examples:

• σκορπίζω – I scatter (Present Active Indicative)
• σκορπίσω – I will scatter (Future Active Indicative)
• ἐσκόρπισα – I scattered (Aorist Active Indicative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σκορπίζω’s range from literal scattering to metaphorical dispersal. Thayer’s notes its agricultural origins and later spiritual applications. LSJ traces its development from farming contexts to general dispersal. Vine’s highlights its use in both positive and negative contexts in the NT. Strong’s connects it to purposeful distribution. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its common use in agricultural papyri. LEH notes its frequent appearance in the Septuagint for divine judgment through dispersal.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth [σκορπίζω] abroad.” Matthew 12:30

Additional References:
Luke 11:23
John 10:12
John 16:32
2 Corinthians 9:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκορπίζω powerfully illustrates both spiritual danger and divine providence. While it warns of the perils of being scattered from Christ’s fold, it also celebrates the beauty of generous distribution to those in need. This dual nature promotes the Gospel by showing how Christ gathers His people while encouraging them to scatter their resources in love, reflecting His own sacrificial giving.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s agricultural origins influenced early Christian teachings about spiritual growth and harvest.
2. It shares linguistic roots with the word “scorpion,” possibly due to the creature’s quick, darting movements.
3. Early church fathers used this term to describe both martyrdom (scattered remains) and evangelism (scattered seed of the Gospel).

Strong’s G4650: A verb denoting the act of scattering or dispersing, used both literally and metaphorically. In NT contexts, it carries dual significance: warning against spiritual dispersal from Christ while encouraging generous distribution of resources. Reflects both agricultural and pastoral imagery.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: scatter, disperse, distribute, generous-giving, spiritual-warfare, agriculture, seeds, shepherding, unity, division, provision, stewardship, biblical-greek, new-testament, metaphor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​