### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σκῦλον (skŷlon), `{{G4661}}`, denotes "spoil" or "booty." It is a neuter noun derived from the verb σκύλλω (skyllō), `{{G4660}}`, which fundamentally means "to skin," "to flay," or "to tear." This etymological root reveals the inherent violence or forceful action implied in the acquisition of σκῦλον. It refers specifically to something stripped away or taken by force, typically from a defeated enemy. Its semantic range is thus tightly focused on the material gains or possessions acquired through conquest, plunder, or victory in conflict. The word carries the connotation of a prize taken from a vanquished foe, highlighting the act of despoiling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σκῦλον (`{{G4661}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 11:22]]**: "But when a stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his σκῦλον."
* This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the "strong man" (referring to Satan) and the "stronger man" (Jesus Himself). In this powerful parable, Jesus illustrates His authority and power over demonic forces. The "strong man" represents Satan, who guards his "house" (the realm of those he holds captive). The "stronger man," Jesus, invades this realm, defeats Satan, strips him of his "armor" (his means of defense and power), and then divides his σκῦλον.
* In this context, the σκῦλον is not literal material plunder but represents those individuals whom Satan had held captive or enslaved through sin and spiritual darkness. Jesus' victory over Satan is depicted as a decisive act of liberation, where the "spoil" consists of redeemed souls. This singular occurrence of σκῦλον is thus profoundly metaphorical, shifting from a military-material meaning to a spiritual-redemptive one. It underscores the complete defeat of the adversary and the subsequent reclamation of his former captives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which σκῦλον (`{{G4661}}`) is derived: σκύλλω (skyllō), `{{G4660}}`. While σκῦλον refers to the *object* of stripping or plundering, σκύλλω describes the *action*. Interestingly, σκύλλω is also used in the New Testament to mean "to trouble," "to annoy," or "to vex" (e.g., [[Matthew 9:36]], [[Mark 5:35]], [[Luke 7:6]]). This broader usage of the root verb suggests a forceful imposition or a distressing impact, aligning with the idea of being "stripped" or "torn" in a metaphorical sense.
In the Old Testament, several Hebrew terms convey the idea of "spoil" or "plunder" from military conquest, such as שָׁלָל (shalal), `{{H7998}}`, and בַּז (baz), `{{H962}}`. These terms frequently appear in narratives of warfare and the distribution of captured goods (e.g., [[Genesis 14:11]], [[Numbers 31:26]]). While the physical act of taking spoil is common across both Testaments, the New Testament's singular use of σκῦλον in [[Luke 11:22]] elevates the concept to a spiritual battle with eternal implications, contrasting with the often material focus of Old Testament "spoil."
Conceptually, σκῦλον is closely linked to themes of victory, conquest, liberation, and the transfer of dominion. It signifies a decisive triumph where the vanquished loses their possessions, and the victor gains them.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of σκῦλον (`{{G4661}}`) in [[Luke 11:22]] is of immense theological importance. It stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's absolute sovereignty and His victorious mission.
1. **Christ's Supremacy Over Satan**: The "stronger man" who overcomes the "strong man" is unequivocally Jesus Christ. This verse portrays Jesus not merely as a moral teacher or healer, but as the divine warrior who confronts and decisively defeats the forces of evil. His ability to take Satan's "armor" and divide his "spoil" signifies a complete dismantling of Satan's power and dominion over humanity.
2. **Liberation of Humanity**: The "spoil" in this context represents those whom Satan has held captive through sin, spiritual blindness, and the power of death. Jesus' act of taking the σκῦλον is an act of divine liberation, freeing individuals from the bondage of the enemy. It underscores the redemptive work of Christ, who came to set the captives free ([[Luke 4:18]]).
3. **The Kingdom of God's Advance**: This passage is part of Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God. The taking of σκῦλον signifies the aggressive and victorious advance of God's Kingdom against the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' exorcisms and ministry of healing are tangible demonstrations of this spiritual conquest, where the strong man's domain is invaded and his possessions (people) are reclaimed.
4. **Assurance of Victory**: For believers, this word study offers profound assurance. It testifies to the completed work of Christ on the cross and resurrection, which definitively broke the power of sin and death. The "spoil" taken by Christ is a testament to His triumph, providing hope and freedom to those who were once enslaved.
### Summary
The Greek word σκῦλον (`{{G4661}}`) fundamentally means "spoil" or "booty," derived from the verb σκύλλω (`{{G4660}}`), signifying "to strip" or "to tear." Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its usage in [[Luke 11:22]] is profoundly significant. In this context, σκῦλον metaphorically represents those individuals whom Jesus Christ, the "stronger man," liberates from the dominion of Satan, the "strong man." This single occurrence transforms the concept of material plunder into a powerful theological statement about Christ's decisive victory over spiritual evil, His supreme authority, and the glorious liberation of humanity from spiritual bondage. σκῦλον thus encapsulates the triumphant reclamation of souls by the victorious Son of God.
TRV