G4656
σκοτόω
to obscure or blind (literally or figuratively)
Transliteration
skotóōPronunciation
(skot-o'-o)Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
to obscure or blind (literally or figuratively)
σκοτόω(skotóō)
Strong’s Definition
to obscure or blind (literally or figuratively)
from G4655 (σκότος);
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G4656: A verb meaning to darken completely or thoroughly. From σκότος (darkness), it represents a total darkening or obscuring. In NT usage, appears in Revelation's apocalyptic context, describing divine judgment through complete darkness, emphasizing God's sovereign power over both physical and spiritual realms.
U- Unveiling the Word
σκοτόω represents the action of complete darkening, carrying stronger emphasis than related words for darkening. Its single appearance in Revelation's fifth bowl judgment highlights its intensity - this is no partial darkness but a complete blackout of the beast's kingdom. Early church fathers used this term when discussing God's judgment on spiritual darkness and rebellion. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority over both physical and spiritual darkness, and His final judgment on systems opposed to His kingdom.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words: Not a compound word, but formed from root σκοτ- with intensive verbal suffix -όω
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
As a verb, σκοτόω exhibits:
Examples:
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes the thoroughness of the darkening action. Thayer's notes its intensive force compared to σκοτίζω. LSJ traces its use in classical literature for complete darkness. Vine's highlights its single NT usage in judgment context. Strong's connects it to the thoroughness implied by the -όω suffix. Moulton and Milligan document its use in severe contexts in papyri. LEH notes its appearance in Septuagint judgment passages.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
"And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness [σκοτόω]; and they gnawed their tongues for pain" Revelation 16:10
Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
σκοτόω powerfully illustrates God's ultimate authority over darkness itself. Its appearance in Revelation's judgment scenes shows that even the deepest darkness serves His purposes. This promotes the Gospel by revealing that Christ's kingdom will triumph over all opposing powers, encouraging believers to trust in His final victory over evil.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G4656: A verb denoting complete or thorough darkening, used only once in NT in Revelation's judgment context. Emphasizes total, not partial, darkness. The intensive form highlights divine power to bring complete darkness upon the kingdom of evil.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: darkness, judgment, apocalyptic, revelation, divine-power, beast, bowl-judgments, eschatology, victory, darkness-total, biblical-greek, new-testament, judgment-scene, sovereignty