### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4640}}` *skirtáō* carries the primary meaning of "to skip" or "to jump." Its semantic range, however, is notably refined in its New Testament usage. While a general sense of physical movement is present, the specific contexts in which *skirtáō* appears imbue it with a deeper nuance: a sympathetic, often involuntary, and highly expressive movement, particularly associated with intense joy or recognition. The Strong's definition's mention of "the quickening of a fetus" precisely captures this specialized application. Thus, *skirtáō* signifies not merely a jump, but a "leap for joy," a spontaneous physical manifestation of profound inner emotion or spiritual discernment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G4640}}` *skirtáō* appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, with three distinct occurrences, each revealing significant theological depth:
1. **[[Luke 1:41]]**: "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Here, *skirtáō* describes the movement of John the Baptist in his mother Elizabeth's womb. This is not a mere physiological quickening, but a Spirit-prompted, prophetic recognition of the presence of the Messiah, Jesus, who was also in Mary's womb. The verb emphasizes the immediate, revelatory response of John to the Lord, even prior to birth.
2. **[[Luke 1:44]]**: "For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy in my womb." Elizabeth reiterates and elaborates on the event from [[Luke 1:41]], explicitly stating the motivation for the "leaping" as "for joy" (ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει, *en agalliasei*). This reinforces the idea that John's movement was a conscious, Spirit-filled act of worship and joyous acknowledgment of the Christ. It foreshadows John's later role as the forerunner who would "leap" ahead to prepare the way for the Lord.
3. **[[Luke 6:23]]**: "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets." In the context of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, this command is given to those who are persecuted, hated, excluded, and reviled for the sake of the Son of Man. Here, *skirtáō* is a deliberate, commanded action, a radical call to a counter-intuitive response. It is not an involuntary physiological reaction, but a volitional act of exultant joy in the face of adversity, rooted in the certainty of future heavenly reward and identification with the prophets of old. This "leaping" signifies a profound, active faith that transcends present suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G4640}}` *skirtáō* is illuminated by its connections to other Greek and Hebrew terms expressing joy, movement, and spiritual response.
In Greek, it is often paired with or related to:
* `{{G21}}` *agalliáō* (to exult, rejoice exceedingly): This verb is found alongside *skirtáō* in [[Luke 6:23]] ("rejoice... and leap for joy"), indicating a profound, overflowing joy. It also appears in [[Luke 1:44]] ("leaped for joy," where "for joy" is *en agalliasei*, the noun form of *agalliáō*), further cementing the link.
* `{{G5463}}` *chaírō* (to rejoice, be glad): A more general term for joy, but *skirtáō* implies a more intense, physical manifestation of this emotion.
* `{{G3736}}` *orchḗomai* (to dance): While *skirtáō* is not dancing, it shares the element of expressive, physical movement.
In the Old Testament, conceptual parallels can be found in Hebrew terms like:
* `{{H7500}}` *rāqad* (to skip, leap, dance): Used for the joyful leaping of mountains in [[Psalm 114:4]], [[Psalm 114:6]] or the dancing of David before the Ark ([[2 Samuel 6:16]]).
* `{{H6468}}` *pāṣaḥ* (to break forth into joy/singing): Often used in prophetic contexts where creation or individuals are called to burst forth in praise ([[Isaiah 44:23]]).
* `{{H1523}}` *gîl* (to rejoice, be glad, exult): A common term for deep joy, often associated with spiritual celebration.
The concept of `{{G4640}}` *skirtáō* is therefore deeply intertwined with themes of prophetic recognition, Spirit-filled response, eschatological hope, and the radical joy that characterizes true discipleship even amidst suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4640}}` *skirtáō* is profound, particularly due to its unique occurrences in Luke's Gospel:
1. **Divine Recognition and Prophetic Affirmation**: The "leaping" of John the Baptist in Elizabeth's womb ([[Luke 1:41]], [[Luke 1:44]]) is a powerful testament to the Holy Spirit's active presence and immediate revelation. It signifies John's prophetic recognition of the Messiah, even before birth, validating Jesus' divine identity and mission from the earliest possible moment. This spontaneous, Spirit-filled movement underscores God's pre-ordained plan and the supernatural nature of the Incarnation.
2. **Radical Joy in Persecution**: Jesus' command to "leap for joy" in [[Luke 6:23]] presents a counter-cultural and eschatological ethic of joy. It is a call to active, demonstrative rejoicing not despite, but *because of* suffering and persecution for Christ's sake. This joy is not based on earthly circumstances but on the certainty of heavenly reward and identification with the suffering prophets. It is a witness to the world that the believer's ultimate allegiance and hope lie beyond this temporal realm, rooted in God's promises.
3. **Embodied Spiritual Response**: In both contexts, *skirtáō* represents an intense, physical manifestation of an internal, spiritual reality. Whether it is John's Spirit-led acknowledgment or the disciples' commanded joyful response, the verb suggests that profound spiritual states can elicit a tangible, expressive, and often involuntary physical reaction. This highlights the holistic nature of faith, involving mind, spirit, and body in response to God's presence and promises.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G4640}}` *skirtáō* fundamentally means "to skip" or "to jump," but its specific New Testament usage in Luke's Gospel elevates its meaning to signify an intense, often involuntary, and deeply significant "leap for joy." In the narrative of John the Baptist ([[Luke 1:41]], [[Luke 1:44]]), it describes his Spirit-filled, prophetic recognition and joyful acknowledgment of the Messiah while still in the womb. This highlights divine revelation and the supernatural nature of Christ's advent. In Jesus' Sermon on the Plain ([[Luke 6:23]]), *skirtáō* becomes a radical command to His disciples: to actively and demonstrably "leap for joy" in the face of persecution and suffering. This commanded response is rooted in the assurance of great heavenly reward and identification with the prophets, embodying a counter-cultural, eschatological joy. In both applications, *skirtáō* underscores themes of divine recognition, Spirit-led response, and a profound, embodied spiritual affirmation that transcends earthly circumstances and points to a greater, heavenly hope.
TRV