The Greek word skoteinós, represented by G4652, means opaque or figuratively benighted. It is derived from the word for darkness, σκότος, and is translated as dark or full of darkness. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, where it describes a state of being completely pervaded by darkness.
In its biblical usage, G4652 is used metaphorically to describe the inner state of a person. In both Matthew and Luke, it is linked to the condition of the eye, which is presented as the "light of the body." If one's eye is "evil" G4190, then the result is that the "whole body shall be full of darkness" Matthew 6:23. This concept is repeated in Luke, which states when the eye is "evil, thy body also is full of darkness" Luke 11:34. The term is also used to illustrate the opposite condition, where a body "full of light" is defined by "having no part dark" Luke 11:36, emphasizing the totality of this spiritual state.
Several related words provide a broader context for the concept of light and darkness:
- G4655 skótos (shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively):--darkness): This is the root word for skoteinós. It refers to the realm of darkness from which believers have been delivered Colossians 1:13 and which has no communion with light 2 Corinthians 6:14.
- G5460 phōteinós (lustrous, i.e. transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively):--bright, full of light): This is the direct antonym of skoteinós used in the same passages. A "single" eye results in the whole body being "full of light" (Matthew 6:22, Luke 11:34).
- G4190 ponērós (hurtful, i.e. evil): This term describes the cause of the body being full of darkness. It is the "evil" eye that corrupts the whole person (Matthew 6:23, Luke 11:34).
- G5457 phōs (luminousness... fire, light): Representing the principle of light itself, this is what believers are called into 1 Peter 2:9 and are meant to be in the world Ephesians 5:8.
The theological weight of G4652 is significant in its portrayal of one's spiritual condition.
- The Condition of the Inner Self: The word is used exclusively to illustrate that a person's inner spiritual state, determined by their focus (the "eye"), affects their entire being. An evil focus makes one "full of darkness" Matthew 6:23.
- A State of Total Corruption: By describing the "whole body" as being full of darkness, the term emphasizes that spiritual corruption is not partial. It is an all-encompassing condition that leaves no room for light.
- The Consequence of Evil: The link between an "evil" G4190 eye and a body "full of darkness" G4652 frames this darkness not as a neutral state, but as a direct consequence of moral and spiritual evil.
In summary, G4652 is a potent figurative term. While used only three times, it powerfully conveys the idea of a person being entirely consumed by spiritual darkness. It illustrates the biblical principle that one's inner disposition—specifically, the focus of one's "eye"—determines whether their entire being is "full of light" or "full of darkness," establishing a clear and total opposition between the two states.
TRV