from the base of σκέλος; warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse:--crooked, froward, untoward.
Transliteration:skoliós
Pronunciation:skol-ee-os'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word skoliós `{{G4646}}` derives from the base of skelos (leg), suggesting something bent or crooked. Its primary literal meaning is "warped," "winding," "bent," or "crooked," in contrast to that which is straight or direct. This physical sense readily extends into a profound figurative meaning, describing that which is morally "perverse," "unrighteous," "dishonest," or "unjust." It denotes a deviation from what is right, equitable, or straightforward in character or conduct. In this ethical sense, skoliós captures the essence of a twisted moral disposition or an unfair, difficult, and troublesome behavior. It signifies a departure from the divine standard of rectitude and integrity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term skoliós `{{G4646}}` appears in several significant New Testament contexts, each illuminating its semantic range:
* **[[Acts 2:40]]**: In Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, he exhorts the crowd, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." Here, skoliós describes the moral and spiritual depravity of the generation that rejected and crucified Jesus. It portrays a society characterized by twisted values, spiritual rebellion, and a profound deviation from God's righteous path. The "crookedness" refers to their inherent perversity and opposition to divine truth.
* **[[Philippians 2:15]]**: Paul encourages the Philippian believers to "be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation." Similar to [[Acts 2:40]], skoliós (often paired with diastraphō `{{G1294}}`, "twisted" or "perverted") characterizes the surrounding world. It underscores the pervasive moral distortion and spiritual rebellion of a humanity that has turned away from God's design. The call for believers to be "blameless" highlights the stark contrast desired between the church and the world.
* **[[1 Peter 2:18]]**: Peter instructs servants: "Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust (skoliós)." In this context, skoliós describes masters who are "unjust," "perverse," "harsh," or "difficult" in their treatment of their servants. It refers to their character and behavior, specifically their unfairness or moral deviation in exercising authority. This usage acknowledges the reality of living under unrighteous authority and calls for respectful submission even in challenging circumstances, for the sake of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Skoliós `{{G4646}}` stands in direct contrast to words denoting straightness, righteousness, and integrity. Its primary antonym is euthys `{{G2117}}`, meaning "straight," "right," or "upright," often used metaphorically for moral rectitude.
Other related concepts and words include:
* Diastraphō `{{G1294}}`: "to twist thoroughly," "pervert," "corrupt." Often used in conjunction with skoliós (e.g., "crooked and twisted generation"), emphasizing the deep-seated moral distortion.
* Poneros `{{G4190}}`: "evil," "wicked," "malicious." While poneros often describes the active manifestation of evil, skoliós points more to the inherent bent or deviation from righteousness.
* Adikia `{{G93}}`: "unrighteousness," "injustice." Skoliós can describe the character or nature that leads to adikia.
* Anomos `{{G458}}`: "lawless." The "crooked" generation is inherently lawless, deviating from divine law.
* The concept of "moral deviation" or "spiritual rebellion" is central to skoliós, highlighting humanity's departure from God's intended path.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of skoliós `{{G4646}}` is profound, encompassing several key aspects of biblical anthropology and ethics:
* **The Fallen Human Condition:** Skoliós powerfully describes the inherent moral bent of fallen humanity. Since the Fall, humanity's heart and will are naturally inclined away from God's straight path of righteousness. It speaks to the pervasive nature of sin, which distorts human reason, affections, and actions, making them "crooked" in God's sight.
* **The Nature of the World System:** The New Testament uses skoliós to characterize the world system that stands in opposition to God and His kingdom. This "crooked generation" represents the collective moral perversity, rebellion against divine authority, and the prevailing unrighteousness that marks human society apart from Christ.
* **The Call to Distinctive Living:** For believers, the presence of skoliós in the world serves as a stark contrast, underscoring the imperative to live blamelessly and righteously. Christians are called to be "lights in the world" [[Philippians 2:15]], shining brightly against the backdrop of moral darkness and perversion. This calls for a radical transformation of character and conduct, aligning with God's straight path.
* **Endurance in Suffering:** In [[1 Peter 2:18]], skoliós highlights the reality that believers will encounter injustice and unfair treatment from "unjust" individuals. This context underscores the call for patient endurance, respectful submission, and continued righteous living even when facing adversity from those who are morally "crooked." It points to the suffering that may accompany faithfulness in a fallen world.
### Summary
The Greek word skoliós `{{G4646}}`, meaning "crooked" or "bent," extends powerfully to describe that which is morally "perverse," "unrighteous," or "unjust." It encapsulates a fundamental deviation from the straight path of God's will and truth. Biblically, it characterizes a generation steeped in spiritual rebellion and moral depravity, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin in the world. For believers, skoliós serves as a crucial descriptor of the challenging environment in which they are called to live blamelessly, shining as lights amidst a morally distorted society. It also acknowledges the reality of encountering "unjust" individuals, requiring steadfastness and enduring faith in the face of adversity.
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