### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σκοτόω (transliterated as *skotóō*, `{{G4656}}`) is derived from the noun σκότος (*skótos*, `{{G4655}}`), meaning "darkness." At its core, σκοτόω signifies the act of making dark, obscuring, or blinding. This obscuring can be understood in both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it refers to the dimming or removal of light, causing an object or space to become dark. Figuratively, it denotes a state of intellectual, moral, or spiritual blindness, where understanding is obscured, and perception is dulled or lost. The passive voice often indicates a state of being darkened or becoming dark. The semantic range thus extends from physical phenomena (e.g., celestial bodies losing their light) to profound spiritual conditions (e.g., the human mind becoming incapable of perceiving divine truth).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb σκοτόω appears in the New Testament with significant theological implications, primarily in two distinct contexts:
* **Cosmic Judgment:** In [[Revelation 8:12]], the word describes a literal, divine act of darkening: "The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark (*eskotōthē*), and a third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night." Here, σκοτόω is used in the aorist passive indicative, emphasizing the result of a direct divine judgment. The darkening of celestial bodies serves as a powerful sign of God's wrath and the disruption of the created order, foreshadowing the ultimate end. This aligns with Old Testament prophetic imagery where cosmic disturbances accompany the day of the Lord (e.g., [[Joel 2:10]], [[Joel 3:15]]).
* **Spiritual Blindness and Moral Degradation:** A pivotal occurrence is found in [[Romans 1:21]]: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened (*eskotisthē*)." In this context, σκοτόω (again in the aorist passive indicative) describes the internal, spiritual consequence of humanity's suppression of the truth about God. As people refuse to acknowledge and honor God, their understanding becomes obscured, and their moral compass is lost. This is not a direct divine act of blinding in the sense of an imposed judgment, but rather a consequence of human rebellion and turning away from the light of God, leading to a self-inflicted (though divinely permitted) state of spiritual and intellectual obfuscation. This darkening of the heart and mind is presented as the foundational step leading to pervasive idolatry and immorality described in the subsequent verses of Romans 1.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of σκοτόω is enriched by examining its lexical kin and antithetical concepts:
* **Lexical Family:**
* σκότος (*skótos*, `{{G4655}}`): The root noun, meaning "darkness," often used to denote spiritual or moral darkness, ignorance, or the realm of evil.
* σκοτία (*skotia*, `{{G4653}}`): Another noun for "darkness," frequently used in John's Gospel to contrast with light, representing moral and spiritual depravity.
* σκοτεινός (*skoteinós*, `{{G4654}}`): The adjective "dark" or "full of darkness," describing conditions or states characterized by lack of light, literal or figurative.
* **Antithetical Concepts:**
* φῶς (*phōs*, `{{G5457}}`): "Light," the primary opposite, representing divine revelation, truth, life, and God's presence.
* φωτίζω (*phōtízō*, `{{G5461}}`): "To enlighten," "to give light," the direct opposite action of σκοτόω, often used in the context of spiritual illumination and understanding imparted by God.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Ignorance/Blindness:** The state of not knowing or understanding, particularly spiritual truths.
* **Judgment:** Divine acts that bring about a state of darkness, whether cosmic or spiritual.
* **Moral Corruption:** The degradation of ethical character resulting from a darkened understanding.
* **Divine Revelation:** God's self-disclosure, which dispels darkness and brings light.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σκοτόω is profound, underscoring both God's sovereign power in judgment and the dire consequences of human sin.
In the context of divine judgment (Revelation), σκοτόω signifies God's absolute authority over creation. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is not merely a natural phenomenon but a supernatural act that signals the disintegration of the established order, a clear manifestation of divine wrath against a rebellious world. This cosmic darkening serves as a tangible sign of the approaching end and the ultimate triumph of God's justice.
In the context of human spiritual condition (Romans), σκοτόω highlights the internal spiritual decay that results from suppressing the truth about God. When humanity rejects the clear testimony of creation and conscience regarding God's existence and attributes, the consequence is a darkening of the "foolish heart." This is not an external imposition but an internal process where the mind's capacity for spiritual discernment is diminished, leading to a descent into idolatry and moral depravity. This theological truth emphasizes human responsibility for their spiritual state and the self-inflicted nature of spiritual blindness when God's light is rejected. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of intellectual and spiritual rebellion against the Creator.
### Summary
σκοτόω (*skotóō*, `{{G4656}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to make dark," "to obscure," or "to blind," operating in both literal and figurative senses. Its rare but significant occurrences in the New Testament reveal its dual theological application. In [[Revelation 8:12]], it describes a literal, catastrophic darkening of celestial bodies, serving as a sign of God's imminent judgment and the disruption of creation. Conversely, in [[Romans 1:21]], it portrays the figurative darkening of the human heart and mind, a spiritual blindness that results from humanity's willful suppression of God's truth, leading to moral and intellectual futility. Thus, σκοτόω encapsulates themes of divine judgment, the consequences of human rebellion, and the profound contrast between the light of God's truth and the darkness of spiritual ignorance and depravity.
TRV