σπιλάς
spilás
G4694 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A rock, reef, or submerged ledge in the sea that presents a hidden danger to navigators; metaphorically, someone or something that serves as a source of unseen hazard, endangering the well-being of a group or community. Used specifically for rocks beneath the surface of the water that are potential threats to ships, and figuratively in literature to refer to a concealed danger within a community.
Semantic Range
reef, submerged rock, hidden danger (literal and metaphorical), source of harm in a community
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. May be related in form to σπῖλος ('spot, stain'), but is distinct in both form and meaning. No secure cognates are attested in classical or Hellenistic Greek for this precise form as a noun for 'reef'. Some ancient sources and manuscripts seem to have confused the word with σπῖλος due to similarity in sound.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek within the context of 2 Peter 2:13 and the Epistle of Jude, both in lists warning about disruptive people within a communal meal or gathering, using vivid imagery of danger at sea. The metaphor draws on the peril posed by hidden reefs to ships, emphasizing an unseen, internal source of destruction. In classical Greek, other terms such as πέτρα or ξύφος would be used for 'rock' or 'reef'; σπιλάς is rare and appears to be a specialized or perhaps regional usage in Hellenistic Greek. The confusion with σπῖλος ('spot, blemish') is reflected in some manuscript traditions and later translations, leading to rendering σπιλάδες as 'spots' instead of 'reefs.' The typical English translation of 'spot' in some versions does not capture the maritime metaphor central to the original meaning, whereas 'reef' or 'hidden rock' reflects the figure more accurately. This word is characteristic of evocative, warning language in epistolary literature of the late Second Temple period. Not used in the Septuagint. Distinct from σπῖλος (G4696), which carries a moral connotation of stain, blemish, or moral corruption.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; a ledge or reef of rock in the sea:--spot (by confusion with σπίλος).
Root Family
σπιλάς (spilás) — rock, reef, submerged ledge
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4694-01 |
σπιλάδες | spilades | N NOM F PL |
hidden reefs | submerged reefs | hidden reefs | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4694-01 |
Jude 1:12 | σπιλάδες | spilades | N NOM F PL |
hidden reefs | submerged reefs | hidden reefs |