Brief Overview of σκύβαλον (Strong’s G4657: skybalon)

Strong’s G4657: A neuter noun denoting refuse, rubbish, or waste. In common Greek, it often referred specifically to excrement or table scraps thrown to dogs. Paul uses this strong term in Philippians to emphasize the worthlessness of all things compared to knowing Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκύβαλον represents one of the strongest terms for worthless refuse in ancient Greek. Its primary meaning encompasses anything thrown away as worthless – from table scraps to excrement. In the New Testament, Paul employs this particularly vivid term in Philippians 3:8 to dramatically illustrate how he views his former religious achievements compared to knowing Christ. Early church fathers frequently used this word when discussing the radical nature of Christian conversion and the complete abandonment of former values. Today, it powerfully illustrates the total transformation of values that occurs when one encounters Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκύβαλον, skybalon, /skoo’-bal-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skoo’ as in “school,” ‘bal’ as in “ballet,” ‘on’ as in “on”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)

Etymology:

• Root: Possibly from κυσί (to dogs) and βάλλω (to throw)
• Suffix: -ον (-on) – neuter noun ending
• Some suggest derivation from ἐς κύνας βάλλω (to throw to dogs)

D – Defining Meanings

• Refuse or garbage
• Dung or excrement
• Table scraps thrown to dogs
• Anything considered worthless

For compound words: While possibly originally compound, it functions as a simple noun in NT usage

Translation Options:

• “Refuse” – Polite translation capturing worthlessness
• “Dung” – More literal but stronger translation
• “Garbage” – Modern equivalent capturing disposable nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περίψημα (peripsēma) /per-ip’-say-mah/ – off-scouring, refuse See G4067
• σαπρός (sapros) /sap-ros’/ – rotten, worthless See G4550
• κόπρια (kopria) /kop’-ree-ah/ – dung, manure See G2874

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative: σκύβαλον (refuse)
• Genitive: σκυβάλου (of refuse)
• Dative: σκυβάλῳ (to/for refuse)
• Accusative: σκύβαλον (refuse as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its strong negative connotation. Thayer’s notes its use for both garbage and excrement. LSJ provides evidence of its use in vulgar contexts. Vine’s highlights Paul’s intentionally strong language. Strong’s connects it to the concept of what is thrown to dogs. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in everyday contexts. LEH notes its rare appearance in religious texts, making Paul’s usage more striking.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung [σκύβαλον], that I may win Christ” Philippians 3:8

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκύβαλον powerfully illustrates the radical nature of Christian conversion. Paul’s use of this strong term emphasizes that nothing compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. It promotes the Gospel by showing that true faith involves counting everything else as worthless compared to gaining Christ, challenging believers to evaluate what they truly value.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was considered somewhat vulgar in polite Greek society.
2. Some ancient manuscripts use euphemisms when quoting Philippians 3:8.
3. Early Christian writers often used this term when describing conversion experiences.

Strong’s G4657: A neuter noun for refuse or dung, representing what is utterly worthless. Paul uses this strong term once in Philippians to dramatically illustrate the radical devaluation of all things compared to knowing Christ. Reflects complete transformation of values in Christian conversion.

Part of speech: Noun (Neuter)

Tags: refuse, worthlessness, paul, philippians, conversion, values, transformation, christ-supreme, worldly-achievement, religious-pride, biblical-greek, new-testament, metaphor, radical-change​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​