Brief Overview of σκορπίος (Strong’s G4651: skorpios)

Strong’s G4651: A noun referring to a scorpion, a venomous arachnid common in ancient Palestine. In NT usage, it serves as a metaphor for spiritual dangers and evil powers. Jesus uses it to illustrate both the enemy’s deadly nature and His authority over all harmful forces.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκορπίος refers to the scorpion, a creature well-known for its painful and potentially lethal sting. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts emphasizing Christ’s authority over dangerous spiritual forces and His protection of His people. The word carried significant weight in ancient Near Eastern culture, where scorpions were a common threat to daily life. Early church fathers often used this term metaphorically to represent spiritual dangers, demonic forces, and the poisonous nature of heretical teachings. Today, it continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Christ’s victory over evil and His protective care over His church.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκορπίος, skorpios, /skor-pee’-os/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skor’ as in “score,” ‘pee’ as in “pea,” ‘os’ as in “moss”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• Root: σκορπ- (skorp-) – possibly related to quick, darting movement
• Suffix: -ίος (-ios) – common Greek nominal ending
• Ancient word with cognates in several Indo-European languages

D – Defining Meanings

• A scorpion (literal arachnid)
• A metaphor for spiritual danger or evil power
• A symbol of deadly or harmful forces

For compound words: Not a compound word, but a basic noun with the nominal suffix -ίος

Translation Options:

• “Scorpion” – Direct translation preserving both literal and metaphorical meanings
• “Venomous creature” – Emphasizes dangerous nature
• “Deadly striker” – Captures the quick, dangerous action implied in the etymology

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὄφις (ophis) /of’-is/ – serpent, often used similarly in metaphorical contexts See G3789
• θηρίον (thērion) /thay-ree’-on/ – wild beast, dangerous creature See G2342
• δράκων (drakōn) /drak’-own/ – dragon, serpent See G1404

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a masculine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σκορπίος (a scorpion)
• Genitive: σκορπίου (of a scorpion)
• Dative: σκορπίῳ (to/for a scorpion)
• Accusative: σκορπίον (direct object)
• Cross-references: Related verb σκορπίζω (to scatter)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses in biblical contexts. Thayer’s notes its significance in Jewish apocalyptic literature. LSJ provides extensive classical references to scorpions in both literal and figurative senses. Vine’s highlights its use in Luke’s gospel as a symbol of evil powers. Strong’s connects it to the concept of penetrating or piercing. Moulton and Milligan document its common occurrence in protective spells and amulets. LEH notes its frequent appearance in the Septuagint, particularly in desert wandering narratives.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions [σκορπίος], and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Additional References:
Luke 11:12
Revelation 9:3
Revelation 9:5
Revelation 9:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκορπίος powerfully illustrates spiritual warfare and Christ’s supreme authority. While representing genuine danger, its appearance in Scripture ultimately highlights Jesus’s complete victory over evil forces. This promotes the Gospel by demonstrating that in Christ, believers need not fear any spiritual enemy, for He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word σκορπίος gave us our modern scientific term “Scorpiones” for the order of scorpions.
2. Ancient Near Eastern houses often had specific prayers and symbols to ward off scorpions.
3. Early Christian art sometimes depicted Christ triumphantly standing on scorpions as a symbol of His victory over evil.

Strong’s G4651: A noun denoting both the literal arachnid and a metaphor for spiritual danger. Common in ancient Palestine, scorpions symbolized deadly threats in both physical and spiritual realms. In NT usage, particularly emphasizes Christ’s authority over evil powers.

Part of speech: Noun (Masculine)

Tags: scorpion, spiritual-warfare, evil, danger, protection, authority, jesus-victory, demons, revelation, luke, creatures, ancient-near-east, biblical-greek, new-testament, metaphor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​