### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **skotóō**, represented by `{{G4656}}`, means **to obscure or blind**, both literally and figuratively. It is defined as being **full of darkness**. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4656}}` is found in a moment of apocalyptic judgment in [[Revelation 16:10]]. Here, the **fifth** `{{G3991}}` **angel** `{{G32}}` **poured out** `{{G1632}}` his **vial** `{{G5357}}` directly **upon** `{{G1909}}` the **seat** `{{G2362}}` of the **beast** `{{G2342}}`. The immediate consequence of this action is that the beast's **kingdom** `{{G932}}` **was** `{{G1096}}` made **full of darkness**. This supernatural event caused such torment that its subjects **gnawed** `{{G3145}}` their **tongues** `{{G1100}}` **for** `{{G1537}}` **pain** `{{G4192}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of this event:
* `{{G1632}}` **ekchéō** (to pour forth): This is the action word that initiates the judgment. It is used to describe God's love being **shed abroad** [[Romans 5:5]] but also the shedding of righteous blood [[Matthew 23:35]].
* `{{G2362}}` **thrónos** (a stately seat ("throne")): This specifies the target of the judgment—the very center of the beast's power and authority. It is also used to describe the **throne** of God [[Hebrews 4:16]].
* `{{G932}}` **basileía** (kingdom, + reign): This defines the realm that is affected. The darkness is not just a personal affliction but a widespread judgment upon the beast's entire domain of influence.
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai** (to become): This word signifies a transformation or a coming into a new state. The beast's kingdom was not inherently dark but **became** so as a result of God's judgment [[Revelation 16:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4656}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage. It illustrates several key principles of divine judgment.
* **Targeted Judgment:** The darkness is not a random event but is precisely directed by God's **angel** `{{G32}}` **upon** `{{G1909}}` the **seat** `{{G2362}}` of the **beast** `{{G2342}}`, showing that God’s wrath is specific and strikes at the heart of evil authority.
* **Figurative Darkness:** The affliction upon the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` represents more than a physical lack of light; it symbolizes spiritual confusion, despair, and the obscuring of power that results from divine judgment.
* **Sovereign Power:** By darkening the beast's kingdom, God demonstrates his ultimate authority over all powers and principalities, including those that oppose him. The affliction causes **pain** `{{G4192}}`, highlighting the tangible consequences of standing against God.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G4656}}` appears only once, its impact is profound. It describes a singular, decisive act of God's judgment in Revelation, where the kingdom of the beast is plunged into darkness. This term encapsulates the concept of divine power obscuring and blinding an evil authority, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and His ultimate control over all realms, both light and dark.
TRV