### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **skýllō**, represented by `{{G4660}}`, is a verb whose figurative meaning is to harass or **trouble**. It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its root meaning of "to flay," the word carries a sense of wearing someone out or causing them distress through bother.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4660}}` appears exclusively as a plea for someone to stop their efforts. In [[Luke 7:6]], a centurion sends friends to Jesus, urging him, "**trouble** not thyself," because the centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. Similarly, in both [[Mark 5:35]] and [[Luke 8:49]], messengers arrive from the home of the synagogue ruler to report that his daughter has died. They ask, "why **troublest thou** the Master any further?" In each case, the word is used to discourage an authority figure from taking further action due to perceived unworthiness or hopelessness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G4660}}` is used:
* `{{G1320}}` **didáskalos** (master, teacher): This title, defined as `an instructor... master, teacher`, is used for Jesus in the accounts where people are told not to **trouble** him further about the dead girl ([[Mark 5:35]], [[Luke 8:49]]). It establishes the authority of the one being addressed.
* `{{G3361}}` **mḗ** (not): This particle of qualified negation is used to form the command "**trouble** not" ([[Luke 7:6]], [[Luke 8:49]]). It functions as a direct plea to forbear or cease an action.
* `{{G599}}` **apothnḗskō** (to die off): Meaning `to die off (literally or figuratively)`, this word provides the reason for the plea in [[Mark 5:35]]. The daughter `is **dead**`, so from a human perspective, there is no longer a reason to bother the Master. A similar word for death, `{{G2348}}`, is used in the Luke account.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4660}}` is found in the motivations behind the plea.
* **A Posture of Humility:** The centurion's request for Jesus not to **trouble** himself is an expression of his own perceived unworthiness in the presence of divine authority [[Luke 7:6]].
* **The Limit of Human Hope:** For the messengers from Jairus's house, the plea stems from despair. Death is seen as final, making any further effort from the **Master** `{{G1320}}` seem futile ([[Mark 5:35]], [[Luke 8:49]]).
* **An Appeal to Authority:** In all instances, the word is used by a subordinate figure addressing a superior. It frames the interaction as a request made to one with the power and authority to act, but whom the speaker wishes to stop.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4660}}` is more than a simple term for annoyance. It is a specific type of plea directed at an authority figure, asking them to cease their efforts. It is a word that arises from either profound humility or deep hopelessness. Within the Gospel narratives, its use sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate that neither human unworthiness nor the finality of death can prevent his compassionate and powerful intervention.
TRV