Brief Overview of σπιλάς (Strong’s G4694: spilas)

Strong’s G4694: A feminine noun referring to a hidden rock or reef in the sea, metaphorically describing dangerous people who threaten the church’s spiritual well-being. In Jude’s epistle, it pictures false teachers as hazardous obstacles that can shipwreck one’s faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπιλάς vividly depicts the danger of hidden spiritual threats. Originally describing treacherous underwater rocks that could destroy ships, Jude employs this nautical imagery to warn about false teachers who threaten the church’s spiritual navigation. The early church recognized this metaphor’s power in identifying subtle but destructive influences within the community. Today, it continues to warn believers about hidden spiritual dangers while emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and faithful navigation of truth.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπιλάς, spilas, /spiˈlas/
• Pronunciation Guide: “spih-LAHS”
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Root: σπιλ- (spil-) related to spot or stain
• Suffix: -άς (-as) forming concrete nouns
• Related to ancient maritime terminology

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Hidden rock or reef
• Secondary meaning: Dangerous obstacle
• Metaphorical meaning: Spiritual hazard

Translation Options:

• Hidden reef – Most precise nautical term
• Dangerous rock – More general hazard
• Treacherous obstacle – Metaphorical application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπίλος (spilos) /ˈspi.los/ – Spot, stain, moral blemish – See G4696
• πέτρα (petra) /ˈpe.tra/ – Rock, cliff – See G4073
• σκάνδαλον (skandalon) /ˈskan.da.lon/ – Stumbling block – See G4625

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σπιλάς (spilas)
• Genitive: σπιλάδος (spilados)
• Dative: σπιλάδι (spiladi)
• Plural: σπιλάδες (spilades)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its maritime origin and metaphorical application. Thayer’s notes its use in describing dangerous spiritual influences. LSJ provides extensive nautical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its singular New Testament appearance. Moulton and Milligan document its technical usage in maritime contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Jude 1:12: “These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπιλάς powerfully illustrates the danger of false teaching and spiritual deception. Just as hidden reefs threatened ancient ships, false teachers threaten the church’s spiritual journey. This reminds us to stay anchored in the truth of the Gospel and maintain vigilant spiritual discernment.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient sailors greatly feared hidden reefs in unfamiliar waters
• The word influenced early Christian maritime metaphors for spiritual danger
• It appears in ancient shipwreck accounts and maritime warnings

Strong’s G4694: A feminine noun describing hidden rocks or reefs, used metaphorically in Jude to warn of dangerous false teachers who threaten the church’s spiritual well-being. The nautical imagery emphasizes the subtle but destructive nature of spiritual deception.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: danger, false teaching, spiritual warfare, Jude, nautical terms, deception, warning, discernment, church, protection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​