### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **skótos**, represented by `{{G4655}}`, means **darkness**, an obscurity that can be either literal or figurative. It appears 32 times across 31 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe not only the physical absence of light but also a spiritual realm of evil, a state of moral blindness, and a place of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4655}}` is used in several key ways. Figuratively, it represents a spiritual condition in direct opposition to God, as seen in the question, "what communion hath light with **darkness**?" [[2 Corinthians 6:14]]. Believers are described as having been delivered from the "power of **darkness**" [[Colossians 1:13]] and are reminded, "ye were sometimes **darkness**" [[Ephesians 5:8]]. This spiritual darkness is associated with evil deeds, referred to as the "unfruitful works of **darkness**" [[Ephesians 5:11]]. Literally, it describes a physical phenomenon, such as the supernatural **darkness** that covered the land during the crucifixion [[Mark 15:33]] or the cosmic signs of the end times [[Acts 2:20]]. It also denotes a place of judgment, often described as "outer **darkness**" [[Matthew 22:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and application of **darkness**:
* `{{G4639}}` **skiá** (shadow): This word is closely related to `{{G4655}}` and often appears alongside it to intensify the sense of gloom and spiritual peril, as in the phrase "to them that sit in **darkness** and in the **shadow** of death" [[Luke 1:79]].
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power): This term is used to describe **darkness** not just as a passive state, but as an active domain of control. Scripture speaks of believers being delivered from the "**power** of **darkness**" [[Colossians 1:13]] and being turned from the "**power** of Satan" [[Acts 26:18]].
* `{{G5457}}` **phōs** (light): This word serves as the direct spiritual and moral antithesis to **darkness**. The transition from a state of **darkness** to **light** is a central theme, as believers are called "out of **darkness** into his marvellous **light**" [[1 Peter 2:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4655}}` is profound, shaping our understanding of sin, salvation, and judgment.
* **A Realm of Spiritual Opposition:** **Darkness** is presented as a spiritual kingdom or domain with its own rulers and authority. Believers are engaged in a struggle "against the rulers of the **darkness** of this world" [[Ephesians 6:12]] and are saved from "the **power** of **darkness**" [[Colossians 1:13]].
* **A State of Moral Depravity:** The term describes the natural state of humanity separated from God. Scripture states that "men loved **darkness** rather than light, because their deeds were evil" [[John 3:19]]. To "walk in **darkness**" is to live a life of falsehood, out of fellowship with God [[1 John 1:6]].
* **A Place of Final Judgment:** **Darkness** is consistently used to describe divine punishment. Jesus speaks of an "outer **darkness**" reserved for judgment, a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" [[Matthew 8:12]]. For false teachers, "the blackness of **darkness**" is reserved forever [[Jude 1:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4655}}` extends far beyond a simple reference to the absence of physical light. It is a critical theological concept representing a spiritual domain of evil, a moral condition of humanity apart from God, and the ultimate consequence of judgment. Its constant juxtaposition with **light** `{{G5457}}` creates a powerful biblical metaphor for the conflict between good and evil, sin and righteousness, and Satan's kingdom and God's kingdom. Understanding **skótos** is essential to grasping the biblical narrative of deliverance and salvation.
TRV