probably from an obsolete (perhaps strengthened from the base of σκοπός and meaning to pierce); a "scorpion" (from its sting):--scorpion.
Transliteration:skorpíos
Pronunciation:skor-pee'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma σκορπίος (skorpíos) `{{G4651}}` refers exclusively to the "scorpion," a venomous arachnid. Its etymology, possibly derived from a root meaning "to pierce" or "to sting," directly reflects the creature's most dangerous characteristic. The semantic range of σκορπίος is narrow, primarily denoting the physical animal. However, in biblical contexts, its inherent qualities of danger, pain, and threat are frequently leveraged to convey deeper metaphorical or symbolic meanings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σκορπίος appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Revelation:
* **[[Luke 10:19]]**: Jesus declares to His disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and σκορπίος (scorpions), and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you." Here, scorpions represent literal dangers found in the wilderness and, more significantly, symbolize the "power of the enemy"—demonic forces and spiritual opposition. The verse highlights the authority granted to believers over these spiritual and physical threats.
* **[[Luke 11:12]]**: In Jesus' teaching on prayer, He asks, "Or if he asks for an egg, he will not give him a σκορπίος (scorpion), will he?" This rhetorical question emphasizes God's perfect goodness and His willingness to provide good gifts to His children, contrasting His benevolent nature with the absurdity of a father giving a harmful creature instead of a needed provision.
* **[[Revelation 9:3]]**: "Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the σκορπίος (scorpions) of the earth have power."
* **[[Revelation 9:5]]**: "And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a σκορπίος (scorpion) when it stings a man."
* **[[Revelation 9:10]]**: "They have tails like σκορπίος (scorpions) and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt men for five months." In these passages from Revelation, σκορπίος is used metaphorically to describe the nature of the torment inflicted by the demonic locusts. The pain is likened to a scorpion's sting—intense, agonizing, but not immediately fatal. This imagery underscores a period of severe, non-lethal suffering as a form of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Serpent/Snake**: Often paired with σκορπίος (scorpions) as a symbol of danger and the "power of the enemy," particularly in [[Luke 10:19]]. The Greek word for serpent is ὄφις (óphis) `{{G3789}}`. Both creatures are associated with the wilderness, peril, and often, malevolent spiritual forces.
* **Sting/Torment**: The defining characteristic of the scorpion is its sting. Related concepts include κέντρον (kentron) `{{G2759}}` for "sting" and βάσανος (basanos) `{{G929}}` or βασανισμός (basanismos) `{{G928}}` for "torment" or "torture," which are central to the descriptive power of σκορπίος in Revelation.
* **Wilderness/Desert**: Scorpions are indigenous to arid, desolate regions. Biblically, these environments often symbolize trials, temptation, or places where spiritual battles are waged.
* **Enemy/Demonic Power**: In [[Luke 10:19]], σκορπίος explicitly symbolizes the "power of the enemy," connecting it directly to spiritual warfare and the forces of evil.
### Theological Significance
The σκορπίος (skorpíos) holds significant theological weight, serving as a multifaceted symbol:
* **Representation of Danger and Evil**: At its most basic, the scorpion embodies physical danger, pain, and the presence of malevolent forces. Its venomous nature makes it a clear and immediate symbol of threat.
* **Divine Authority and Protection**: In the Gospel of Luke, the granting of authority to "tread on serpents and scorpions" signifies Christ's empowerment of His disciples over all forms of spiritual and physical opposition. It underscores the believer's participation in Christ's victory over the kingdom of darkness, assuring divine protection against the enemy's schemes.
* **God's Benevolent Provision**: The contrast between an egg and a scorpion in [[Luke 11:12]] profoundly illustrates God's perfect character as a loving Father. It highlights His unfailing goodness and His commitment to providing what is truly beneficial for His children, never anything harmful.
* **Symbol of Divine Judgment and Torment**: In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, the σκορπίος becomes a powerful metaphor for the nature of divine judgment. The "scorpion's sting" represents intense, agonizing, and widespread torment inflicted upon humanity during a period of divine wrath. This imagery emphasizes the severity of the consequences for rebellion against God, portraying suffering that is excruciating but not immediately annihilating, thereby prolonging the experience of judgment.
### Summary
The Greek word σκορπίος (skorpíos) `{{G4651}}`, referring to the "scorpion," is a potent biblical symbol that transcends its literal meaning. In the Gospels, it represents both tangible dangers and the spiritual "power of the enemy," over which Jesus grants His followers authority ([[Luke 10:19]]). It also serves as a stark contrast in illustrating God's perfect and good provision for His children ([[Luke 11:12]]). In the eschatological context of Revelation, σκορπίος vividly portrays the excruciating, non-lethal torment experienced during divine judgment ([[Revelation 9:3]], [[Revelation 9:5]], [[Revelation 9:10]]). Across its occurrences, σκορπίος consistently evokes themes of peril, spiritual warfare, the triumph of divine authority, and the painful consequences of sin.
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