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G4657 (σκύβαλον)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4657
Original Word: σκύβαλον
Transliteration: skýbalon
Pronunciation: skoo'-bal-on
Part of Speech: noun
Category: Warnings in Love
Root / Etymology: neuter of a presumed derivative of G1519 (εἰς) and G2965 (κύων) and G906 (βάλλω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 773

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 what is thrown to the dogs, i.e. refuse (ordure)

dung

neuter of a presumed derivative of G1519 (εἰς) and G2965 (κύων) and G906 (βάλλω);

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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:

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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

Author: Work	Text
Strabo: Geography	"The city's refuse [σκύβαλον] was thrown outside the walls."
Plutarch: Moralia	"He treated the finest delicacies as mere refuse [σκύβαλον] fit only for dogs."
Dio Chrysostom: Orations	"The philosopher considered worldly wealth as refuse [σκύβαλον] compared to wisdom."

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?

This word was considered somewhat vulgar in polite Greek society.
Some ancient manuscripts use euphemisms when quoting Philippians 3:8.
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

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