σκωληκόβρωτος
skōlēkóbrōtos
G4662 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Eaten by worms; subject to being consumed or corroded by worms. The term primarily describes flesh, organic matter, or objects that have been devoured by worms or maggots, indicating decay, ruin, or rapid decomposition. Applied metaphorically to signify complete destruction or utter corruption by vermin.
Semantic Range
eaten by worms, infested with maggots, consumed by worms, rotted away, decayed due to worms, destroyed by worms
Root / Etymology
A compound of σκώληξ (worm, maggot) and βρώσκω (to eat, to devour); formed as an adjective with the meaning 'worm-eaten' or 'devoured by worms.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term σκωληκόβρωτος is rare, appearing in the New Testament in Acts 12:23, where it describes the physical effect of sudden death attributed to divine judgment (Herod 'became eaten by worms'). The word is constructed with clear imagery of decomposition resulting from infestation by worms, consistent with Greek usage in other medical or descriptive contexts of decay. The formation mirrors figurative uses in Greek literature, but in the New Testament it refers concretely to a consequence of death. The choice of this vivid term underscores the completeness of the physical corruption, not merely a surface infection. Standard English translations often render the phrase as 'eaten of worms', which captures the literal meaning but may not reflect the nuance of sudden collapse or shame associated with such a death in the ancient imagination. No significant differences are apparent between Septuagint or classical usage, as the compound is not widely attested outside this passage; however, the elements of the compound (σκώληξ, βρώσκω) have longstanding connotations of rot, putrefaction, and the natural process of organic decay in Greek thought.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σκώληξ and a derivative of βιβρώσκω; worm-eaten, i.e. diseased with maggots:--eaten of worms.
Root Family
σκωληκ-, βρωτ- (skōlēkóbrōtos) — worm, to eat, to devour
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4662-01 |
σκωληκόβρωτος | skolekobrotos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
eaten of worms | worm-devoured | eaten by worms | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4662-01 |
Acts 12:23 | σκωληκόβρωτος | skolekobrotos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
eaten of worms | worm-devoured | eaten by worms |