σκορπίος
skorpíos
G4651 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A scorpion; a terrestrial arthropod known for its segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger. In extended metaphorical usage, denotes something that causes sharp pain, harm, or torment, particularly via stinging or striking.
Semantic Range
scorpion (the animal); sting or instrument causing pain; metaphor for one who wounds, punishes, or torments; figurative harm or danger
Root / Etymology
The root is σκορπ-, possibly an onomatopoeic form or related to Indo-European roots meaning 'to cut' or 'to sting.' There is no clear derivation from σκοπός ('watcher'), though some etymologies have speculated a connection with the idea of striking or piercing. The exact etymology remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σκορπίος refers specifically to the animal scorpion (order Scorpiones), well known in the ancient eastern Mediterranean. The term retains this primary zoological sense in Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament (cf. Lk 10:19; Rev 9:3-10), where it often appears in lists or metaphors for danger, pain, or divine punishment. In metaphorical usage, it may represent something or someone that delivers harm, injury, or oppression, sometimes with the nuance of hidden or unexpected attack, as with the scorpion's sting. In LXX 1 Kgs 12:11, 14 (3 Kgdms 12:11, 14), it is used for an instrument of punishment, probably a whip with knotted cords or embedded barbs evocative of a scorpion’s tail. English Bible translations typically render σκορπίος as 'scorpion,' but this often fails to capture the metaphorical and idiomatic connotations in ancient usage, especially where it connotes instruments of punishment or figurative harm rather than the literal animal.
Translation Consistency
The lemma is the animal noun skorpíos; using the singular noun 'scorpion' is the most natural, direct rendering and covers both literal and figurative uses (the animal, its sting/instrument of harm, or a person who wounds). It allows consistent inflection to plural/contextual forms while preserving typical biblical wording.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from an obsolete (perhaps strengthened from the base of σκοπός and meaning to pierce); a "scorpion" (from its sting):--scorpion.
Root Family
σκορπ- (diaskorpízō) — to scatter, to disperse
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4651-03 |
σκορπίων | skorpion | N GEN M PL |
a scorpion | of scorpions | a scorpion | 2 |
G4651-01 |
σκορπίοι | skorpioi | N NOM M PL |
scorpions | scorpions | scorpions | 1 |
G4651-02 |
σκορπίοις | skorpiois | N DAT M PL |
scorpions | to scorpions | scorpions | 1 |
G4651-04 |
σκορπίου | skorpiou | N GEN M SG |
of a scorpion | of a scorpion | of a scorpion | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4651-03 |
Luke 10:19 | σκορπίων | skorpion | N GEN M PL |
scorpions | of scorpions | scorpions |
G4651-03 |
Luke 11:12 | σκορπίον | skorpion | N ACC M SG |
a scorpion | of scorpions | a scorpion |
G4651-01 |
Revelation 9:3 | σκορπίοι | skorpioi | N NOM M PL |
scorpions | scorpions | scorpions |
G4651-04 |
Revelation 9:5 | σκορπίου | skorpiou | N GEN M SG |
of a scorpion | of a scorpion | of a scorpion |
G4651-02 |
Revelation 9:10 | σκορπίοις | skorpiois | N DAT M PL |
scorpions | to scorpions | scorpions |