Word Study for G4650 (σκορπίζω)

skorpízō /skor-pid'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootapparently from the same as σκορπίος (through the idea of penetrating)

Meaningto dissipate, i.e. (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal

KJV usagedisperse abroad, scatter (abroad).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of skorpízō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word skorpízō, represented by G4650, is a term meaning to dissipate or scatter. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Based on the idea of penetrating, it is used figuratively to describe putting a group to flight, wasting something, or being liberal in giving.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G4650 is used in several key contexts. It establishes a spiritual principle of allegiance, where Jesus states that anyone who does not gather with him effectively scattereth (Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23). The term is also used prophetically by Jesus to describe the abandonment he will face, predicting that his disciples will be scattered, leaving him alone John 16:32. In a parable, it illustrates the failure of a false shepherd, as the hireling flees and the wolf scattereth the sheep John 10:12. In a contrasting positive sense, it describes the righteous act of one who has dispersed abroad by giving generously to the poor 2 Corinthians 9:9.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller picture of the actions associated with scattering:

G4863 synágō (to lead together, i.e. collect or convene): This word is presented as the direct antonym to scattering, used for the act of gathering with Christ Matthew 12:30.
G5343 pheúgō (to run away; by implication, to shun): This describes the action of the hireling whose cowardice leads to the flock being scattered John 10:12.
G863 aphíēmi (to send forth, in various applications... forsake, leave): This term is used for the act of leaving or forsaking that accompanies scattering, both by the hireling who leaves the sheep John 10:12 and the disciples who will leave Jesus John 16:32.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4650 is seen in its varied applications.

A Test of Allegiance: The word defines a clear spiritual boundary. Not actively gathering with Christ is equated with the destructive act of scattering, leaving no room for neutrality (Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23).
Consequence of False Leadership: The scattering of the sheep is a direct result of the hireling who flees, a powerful metaphor for how poor or self-serving leadership leads to the dispersal and harm of the flock John 10:12.
Dispersal Under Duress: The disciples being scattered demonstrates the fragmenting effect of fear and trial on a community, even one founded by Christ himself John 16:32.
Righteous Generosity: The term is uniquely used to frame generosity as a form of scattering, where dispersing wealth to the poor is an act of lasting righteousness 2 Corinthians 9:9.

Summary

In summary, G4650 is a dynamic word whose meaning is shaped entirely by its context. It can represent a negative outcome, such as the disintegration of a group due to fear or failed leadership. It also serves as a critical theological benchmark for allegiance to Christ. However, it can also powerfully illustrate a positive virtue, where scattering one's resources through charity is presented as a righteous act.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Passive Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×

Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in John (2 verses); never once in the other 23.

Matthew

Luke

John

2 Corinthians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.