neuter of a presumed derivative of εἰς and κύων and βάλλω; what is thrown to the dogs, i.e. refuse (ordure):--dung.
Transliteration:skýbalon
Pronunciation:skoo'-bal-on
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G4657 (σκύβαλον, *skýbalon*) is a potent term carrying a strong negative connotation. Its base definition, derived from a presumed compound of εἰς (into), κύων (dog), and βάλλω (to throw), refers to "what is thrown to the dogs." This etymological root vividly conveys the image of refuse, offscouring, or waste material that is utterly worthless and contemptible, fit only for disposal outside human dwelling. The term encompasses a semantic range that includes dung, excrement, rubbish, or any discarded matter. It signifies something vile, repulsive, and utterly devoid of value or dignity in the eyes of the one who discards it. The word expresses not merely worthlessness but also a sense of defilement or impurity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4657 (σκύβαλον) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular use is profoundly impactful, found in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Philippians:
[[Philippians 3:8]]: "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as *skýbalon*, in order that I may gain Christ."
In this passage, Paul employs G4657 to describe his former advantages and achievements, which he previously held in high regard. These include his Jewish heritage, his zealous adherence to the Law, and his impeccable legal righteousness (enumerated in [[Philippians 3:5-6]]). Having previously considered these things as "gain" (κέρδος, `{{G2771}}`), he now, in light of "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus," considers them "loss" (ζημία, `{{G2210}}`). The culmination of this re-evaluation is his declaration that he counts them as *skýbalon*. This is not merely a statement of worthlessness but of active repulsion; Paul views his former boasts as utterly vile and offensive when compared to the supreme value of Christ. The context reveals a radical inversion of values, where what was once a source of pride and spiritual confidence is now seen as refuse, discarded for the sake of an incomparably greater treasure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G4657 (σκύβαλον) is illuminated by its contrast with other key terms and concepts in [[Philippians 3]]:
* **Gain (κέρδος, `{{G2771}}`):** Paul's former advantages, which he once considered profitable, are now juxtaposed with *skýbalon*. This highlights the complete reversal of his value system.
* **Loss (ζημία, `{{G2210}}`):** The suffering of "loss of all things" for Christ's sake directly precedes the use of *skýbalon*. The word underscores the radical nature of this divestment.
* **Surpassing Worth (ὑπερέχω, `{{G5242}}` as a concept):** The "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" is the ultimate standard against which everything else is measured and found wanting, leading to its classification as *skýbalon*.
* **Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, `{{G1343}}`):** Paul contrasts his "own righteousness that comes from the law" with the "righteousness that comes from God by faith" ([[Philippians 3:9]]). His former self-righteousness is implicitly part of the *skýbalon* he discards.
* **Christ (Χριστός, `{{G5547}}`):** The entire renunciation of *skýbalon* is "in order that I may gain Christ." Christ is the supreme object of Paul's desire and the ultimate goal that makes all else seem like refuse.
### Theological Significance
The use of G4657 (σκύβαλον) in [[Philippians 3:8]] carries profound theological significance:
* **Radical Christocentricity:** It underscores the absolute supremacy of Christ in Paul's life and theology. Everything, no matter how esteemed by human standards, pales into utter insignificance, even becomes repulsive, when compared to the knowledge of Christ.
* **Justification by Faith Alone:** The term powerfully illustrates the Pauline doctrine that salvation is not by human merit or adherence to the Law, but by grace through faith in Christ. Paul's former "righteousness" from the Law, which he once relied upon, is now considered *skýbalon*, emphasizing that human effort cannot contribute to true righteousness before God.
* **Renunciation of Self-Righteousness:** It calls believers to a radical humility, urging them to abandon any reliance on their own achievements, heritage, or spiritual performance as a basis for their standing with God. All such things are but refuse.
* **The Cost of Discipleship:** Paul's willingness to "suffer the loss of all things" and count them as *skýbalon* highlights the demanding nature of following Christ. True discipleship often involves a re-evaluation and discarding of worldly values and comforts.
* **Value Inversion:** The word represents a complete inversion of worldly values. What the world, or even religious society, might esteem as valuable, the believer, in light of Christ, may see as utterly worthless and to be cast away.
### Summary
G4657 (σκύβαλον, *skýbalon*) is a vivid and forceful Greek term meaning "refuse," "dung," or "what is thrown to the dogs." Its single, yet powerful, occurrence in [[Philippians 3:8]] reveals the Apostle Paul's radical re-evaluation of all his former human advantages and achievements. In comparison to the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus," Paul considers these things not merely as loss, but as utterly worthless, repulsive refuse to be discarded. The theological significance of *skýbalon* is immense, underscoring the absolute supremacy of Christ, the necessity of radical humility and the renunciation of self-righteousness for justification by faith, and the profound value inversion inherent in true Christ-centered discipleship. It serves as a potent reminder that all human "gain" is but *skýbalon* when weighed against the incomparable treasure of Christ.
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