### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective σκοτεινός (skoteinós), Strong's number `{{G4652}}`, is derived directly from the noun σκότος (skotos, `{{G4655}}`), meaning "darkness." Its literal meaning refers to something that is "opaque," "darkened," or "lacking light." However, in its biblical occurrences, σκοτεινός is used exclusively in a figurative sense. It describes a state of being "benighted," characterized by spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, and an absence of divine illumination. This figurative usage extends beyond mere lack of knowledge to imply a pervasive condition of spiritual blindness and moral depravity, where one's inner being is obscured by sin and error.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σκοτεινός appears in the New Testament in three specific instances, all within the Synoptic Gospels, and always in the context of Jesus' teaching on the "eye" as the "lamp of the body":
* **[[Matthew 6:23]]**: "But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness (σκοτεινός)." This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on material possessions and spiritual priorities. The "bad eye" (πονηρός, `{{G4190}}`) is contrasted with the "single eye" (ἁπλοῦς, `{{G573}}`). Here, σκοτεινός describes the spiritual state of a person whose inner perception, moral intention, or spiritual understanding is corrupted. If the inner lamp, which is the "eye," is not functioning correctly—if it is obscured by greed, envy, or evil intent—then the entire person's life and being will be characterized by spiritual obscurity and moral confusion. The darkness is not merely external but originates from within.
* **[[Luke 11:34]]**: "When your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness (σκοτεινός)." This is the Lukan parallel to Matthew 6:23, reinforcing the same profound spiritual principle. The emphasis remains on the internal condition of the individual. A "bad eye" signifies a heart or mind that is oriented away from God's light, leading to a comprehensive state of spiritual darkness that permeates one's actions and understanding.
* **[[Luke 11:36]]**: "If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark (σκοτεινός), it will be wholly full of light, as when a lamp with its bright rays gives you light." This verse provides a crucial contrast, highlighting the ideal state of being "full of light" (φωτεινός, `{{G5457}}`). The absence of any "σκοτεινός" part signifies complete spiritual integrity and uncompromised illumination. This serves as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing that even a small area of spiritual "darkness" can compromise the entire being's ability to walk in the light.
In all occurrences, σκοτεινός describes a pervasive spiritual condition resulting from a corrupted inner disposition, rather than a mere lack of information.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σκότος (skotos, `{{G4655}}`):** The root noun, meaning "darkness" itself. While σκοτεινός describes something *as* dark or *full of* darkness, σκότος is the state or quality of darkness.
* **φωτεινός (phōteinos, `{{G5457}}`):** The direct antonym of σκοτεινός, meaning "full of light," "bright," or "luminous." This word is explicitly used in contrast in [[Luke 11:36]], underscoring the stark dichotomy between light and darkness.
* **φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`):** The noun for "light," which in biblical theology represents God's presence, truth, righteousness, and salvation. The absence of φῶς leads to the condition described by σκοτεινός.
* **πονηρός (ponēros, `{{G4190}}`):** "Evil," "wicked," or "bad." This adjective is used to describe the "eye" that leads to the σκοτεινός state ([[Matthew 6:23]], [[Luke 11:34]]), highlighting the moral dimension of this spiritual darkness.
* **Spiritual Blindness:** A pervasive biblical concept related to σκοτεινός. It denotes an inability to perceive spiritual truth or discern God's will, often rooted in moral corruption, unbelief, or hardened hearts.
* **Ignorance/Lack of Understanding:** While not purely intellectual, the state of being "benighted" implies a profound lack of spiritual illumination and comprehension of divine realities.
### Theological Significance
The term σκοτεινός carries profound theological significance, particularly as it illuminates Jesus' teaching on inner spiritual condition and its outward manifestation.
1. **The Primacy of Inner Disposition:** Jesus' use of σκοτεινός in relation to the "eye" underscores the critical importance of one's internal spiritual state. The "eye" serves as a metaphor for one's spiritual perception, moral intention, and the inner lamp of conscience. A "σκοτεινός" eye signifies a heart or mind that is corrupted, self-serving, or resistant to God's truth. This inner darkness then contaminates the entirety of one's being, affecting actions, thoughts, and the ability to discern spiritual realities.
2. **Consequences of Moral Corruption:** The "σκοτεινός" state is presented as the direct consequence of a "bad eye" (πονηρός). This highlights the profound impact of moral choices and the orientation of one's will on spiritual illumination. When the inner lamp is dark, the entire being is plunged into spiritual darkness, unable to navigate the path of righteousness or perceive divine truth. This is not a passive state but an active condition resulting from an inner turning away from light.
3. **The Dichotomy of Light and Darkness:** The vivid contrast with φωτεινός (full of light) in [[Luke 11:36]] emphasizes the absolute qualitative difference between a life lived in God's truth and one consumed by spiritual darkness. This dichotomy is central to biblical theology, where light represents God's presence, truth, righteousness, and salvation, while darkness represents sin, ignorance, judgment, and separation from God. To be σκοτεινός is to be alienated from the source of true light.
4. **Call to Spiritual Discernment:** The warning embedded in these passages is clear: believers must guard their "eye"—their spiritual perception and moral integrity—to avoid becoming "σκοτεινός." It serves as an urgent call for constant self-examination, repentance, and alignment with the divine light, lest one's entire being be consumed by darkness.
### Summary
The Greek adjective σκοτεινός (skoteinós, `{{G4652}}`), derived from σκότος (darkness, `{{G4655}}`), literally means "opaque" or "dark." However, in its New Testament occurrences ([[Matthew 6:23]], [[Luke 11:34]], [[Luke 11:36]]), it is used exclusively in a profound figurative sense. It describes a state of spiritual and moral benightedness, where the inner "eye"—representing one's spiritual perception, intention, and conscience—is corrupted or "bad" (πονηρός, `{{G4190}}`). This condition results in the entire being being engulfed in spiritual obscurity, lacking divine illumination and moral clarity. σκοτεινός stands in stark contrast to φωτεινός (full of light, `{{G5457}}`), emphasizing the critical theological distinction between lives lived in spiritual truth and those consumed by sin and ignorance. The term serves as a powerful warning about the dire consequences of internal corruption and the necessity of maintaining a "single" or "good" eye for true spiritual discernment, lest "how great is that darkness!"
TRV