ἀποσκίασμα (G644) — Greek Lexicon

ἀποσκίασμα

aposkíasma

G644 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A casting of a shadow, an overshadowing or shading, specifically indicating the result or effect of something interposing and causing shade or obscuration. Also used in the sense of a dimming, obscurity, or something rendered indistinct by being put into shade. In context, typically refers to the act or state of being overshadowed by something, rather than just the shadow itself.

Semantic Range

a casting of a shadow, a shading-off, degree of obscuration, overshadowing, indistinctness due to shadow

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition ἀπό ('from' or 'away from') and a derivative of σκιά ('shadow')—thus, 'that which proceeds from a shadow' or 'an effect of shadow.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἀποσκίασμα is a rare term in Greek, attested in the Hellenistic period and found in the New Testament (Jas 1:17). In context, it refers not to a literal object but to the abstract effect of shadow or shade—used metaphorically to indicate changeability or variation, as seen in James 1:17 ('neither shadow caused by turning' as in some English renderings). Classical and Hellenistic Greek more commonly use σκιά for 'shadow' (as a physical thing); ἀποσκίασμα denotes the result of something being overshadowed or obscured. English translations often render it simply as 'shadow,' but this can obscure the nuance that the term denotes a shading caused by some alteration or movement. The theological significance occasionally attached to this word (especially in translation tradition) should be separated from its core semantic range. Its usage is highly context-dependent, with little evidence of a broader technical meaning outside biblical literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of ἀπό and a derivative of σκιά; a shading off, i.e. obscuration:--shadow.

Root Family

ἀποσκίασμα (aposkiasma) — overshadowing, casting of shadow, obscuration, shading-off

Root σκιά- to overshadow, to cast a shadow, to obscure

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G644-01`	ἀποσκίασμα	aposkiasma	`N NOM N SG`	shadow	an overshadowing	shadow	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G644-01`	James 1:17	ἀποσκίασμα	aposkiasma	`N NOM N SG`	shadow	an overshadowing	shadow

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