← G4659 G4661 →

σκύλλω

skýllō

G4660 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To strip off skin; metaphorically, to harass or trouble severely. Primary meaning denotes literal flaying or tearing of the skin, while in extended metaphorical usage it signifies causing severe distress, vexation, or harassment.

Semantic Range

to remove/strip skin, to flay, to tear, to distress deeply, to vex, to harass, to trouble severely

Root / Etymology

Greek root σκυλ-; etymology uncertain but possibly related to terms for 'to despoil' or 'to strip.' Not derived from a clear verb family within Greek, and no certain Semitic cognate is attested.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σκύλλω most often refers literally to stripping off skin or flaying, found in contexts of butchery, battle, or punishment. By the Hellenistic period and in Koine Greek, the word is rare but acquires a strong metaphorical sense: to harass, trouble, or afflict severely (especially in literary or emotional descriptions). In the New Testament (notably Matt 9:36 and Mark 6:34), σκύλλω describes the people's condition as being 'harassed' or 'troubled' (like sheep without a shepherd), emphasizing deep weariness and affliction rather than mere annoyance. The term is related to other Greek words for suffering or distress but suggests a more violent or deeply wounding process than general terms such as ταλαιπωρέω. English Bible translations sometimes render it as 'troubled' or 'harassed,' which may understate the intensity suggested by the original verb. There is no indication the word is used for religiously motivated persecution in the period, but rather for general existential distress or violence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary verb; to flay, i.e. (figuratively) to harass:--trouble(self).

Root Family

σκύλλω (skyllō) — to flay, to strip off skin, to severely trouble, to harass

Root σκυλ- to flay, to strip off, to severely trouble

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4660-01 ἐσκυλμένοι eskulmenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL harassed having been severely troubled having been severely troubled 1
G4660-03 σκύλλεις skulleis V PRS ACT IND 2P SG trouble you are harassing you are troubling 1
G4660-02 σκύλλε skulle V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG trouble be flaying trouble 1
G4660-04 σκύλλου skullou V PRS PASS IMP 2P SG trouble be flayed trouble 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4660-01 Matthew 9:36 ἐσκυλμένοι eskulmenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL harassed having been severely troubled having been severely troubled
G4660-03 Mark 5:35 σκύλλεις skulleis V PRS ACT IND 2P SG trouble you are harassing you are troubling
G4660-04 Luke 7:6 σκύλλου skullou V PRS PASS IMP 2P SG trouble be flayed trouble
G4660-02 Luke 8:49 σκύλλε skulle V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG trouble be flaying trouble
← G4659 Greek Lexicon G4661 →