### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **skorpíos**, represented by `{{G4651}}`, refers to a **"scorpion"**. Its definition suggests the idea of piercing, derived from its sting. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. In scripture, it is consistently used to represent something harmful, painful, and associated with hostile or demonic power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4651}}` appears in both literal and symbolic contexts. Jesus uses it to illustrate God's goodness, contrasting a father giving an egg with offering a harmful **scorpion** [[Luke 11:12]]. More significantly, it symbolizes hostile forces. Believers are given "power to tread on serpents and **scorpions**," representing authority over the power of the enemy [[Luke 10:19]]. In Revelation, the term describes demonic locusts given power like the **scorpions** of the earth [[Revelation 9:3]], whose torment `{{G929}}` is like that of a **scorpion** when it strikes a man [[Revelation 9:5]]. These creatures have tails like **scorpions**, with stings in them [[Revelation 9:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of the scorpion in scripture:
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength): This word for "delegated influence" is used for the power given to believers over scorpions [[Luke 10:19]] and also the power given to the scorpion-like locusts in Revelation ([[Revelation 9:3]], 9:10).
* `{{G3789}}` **óphis** (serpent): This term is used in tandem with **scorpion** to represent the power of the enemy over which believers are given authority to tread [[Luke 10:19]]. Figuratively, it can refer to a malicious person or Satan.
* `{{G2759}}` **kéntron** (prick, sting): This word identifies the source of the scorpion's harm. The demonic creatures in Revelation had tails like scorpions with **stings** in them, which was the source of their power to hurt [[Revelation 9:10]].
* `{{G929}}` **basanismós** (torment): This term is explicitly linked to the scorpion's effect, describing the pain inflicted by the apocalyptic creatures as "the **torment** of a scorpion" [[Revelation 9:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4651}}` lies in its consistent symbolism of evil and pain.
* **Symbol of Hostile Spiritual Forces:** The scorpion is directly linked with the "power of the enemy" `{{G2190}}`. In [[Luke 10:19]], Jesus gives believers authority `{{G1849}}` to tread on serpents and scorpions, signifying victory over demonic opposition.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** In Revelation, scorpion-like beings are unleashed to inflict torment `{{G929}}` upon men [[Revelation 9:5]]. Their power `{{G1849}}` is compared to that of earthly scorpions, serving as agents of a painful, but not lethal, judgment.
* **Antithesis of God's Good Gifts:** Jesus uses the scorpion to contrast with a father's good gift of an egg [[Luke 11:12]]. This illustrates that God, as a perfect father, does not give what is harmful or painful to His children when they ask of Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4651}}` is a potent biblical symbol for what is harmful, painful, and hostile. It represents the power of the enemy that believers are given authority over, and it serves as a vehicle for torment in apocalyptic visions. Furthermore, it is used as a point of contrast to highlight the goodness and provision of God. The scorpion illustrates how a creature can represent concepts of spiritual warfare, judgment, and divine character.
TRV