σκορπίζω
skorpízō
G4650 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To scatter or disperse, to cause something or someone to be spread abroad. In a literal sense, used of material objects or living beings being scattered in various directions; in a figurative sense, of people being separated or driven apart (such as dispersing a group), or of resources being spent or wasted (e.g., squandering wealth or means). The primary sense is active scattering, but it can also carry the sense of squandering or dissipating when used with non-physical subjects (such as wealth).
Semantic Range
to scatter (things or people), to disperse abroad, to put to flight, to squander (resources), to waste, to break up (a group or assembly)
Root / Etymology
From σκορπίος (skorpios, 'scorpion'), likely in reference to the scattered movement or dispersing effect associated with a scorpion's movements or attack; the root conveys the idea of movement in many directions. The formation from σκορπίος is not fully transparent and may have involved semantic development. Some connection with earlier Indo-European roots has been suggested but remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σκορπίζω can refer to the literal scattering of objects or fleeing of people and animals. In the Septuagint and Koine, especially in parabolic and narrative contexts (e.g., Luke 15:13), it often takes on a figurative nuance of 'wasting' or 'squandering,' especially when associated with wealth or inheritance. The verb can also describe the dispersal of people (e.g., scattering a crowd), and this sense continues through the Hellenistic and New Testament periods. English translations variably render the word as 'scatter,' 'disperse,' or, in the context of resources or wealth, 'waste' or 'squander.' The verb contrasts with συναγώ ('to gather'), highlighting its strong sense of causing division or loss of unity, whether in physical, communal, or economic domains.
Translation Consistency
The primary sense in the SILEX entry is active spreading or driving apart of persons/things; 'scatter' is the most natural, common English verb that covers literal dispersal and the extended sense of wasting/squandering (e.g., scattering resources). It matches the attested renderings ("scatters/scattered") and will produce natural translations across forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently from the same as σκορπίος (through the idea of penetrating); to dissipate, i.e. (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal:--disperse abroad, scatter (abroad).
Root Family
σκορπίζω (skorpizō) — to scatter, to disperse, to spread abroad
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4650-03 |
σκορπίζει | skorpizei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
scatters | scatters | scatters | 3 |
G4650-01 |
ἐσκόρπισεν | eskorpisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
He scattered | he scattered | he scattered | 1 |
G4650-02 |
σκορπισθῆτε | skorpisthete | V AOR PASS SUBJ 2P PL |
you will be scattered | you may be scattered | you may be scattered | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4650-03 |
Matthew 12:30 | σκορπίζει | skorpizei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
scatters | scatters | scatters |
G4650-03 |
Luke 11:23 | σκορπίζει | skorpizei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
scatters | scatters | scatters |
G4650-03 |
John 10:12 | σκορπίζει | skorpizei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
scatters | scatters | scatters |
G4650-02 |
John 16:32 | σκορπισθῆτε | skorpisthete | V AOR PASS SUBJ 2P PL |
you will be scattered | you may be scattered | you may be scattered |
G4650-01 |
2 Corinthians 9:9 | ἐσκόρπισεν | eskorpisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
He scattered | he scattered | he scattered |