### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **skōlēkóbrōtos**, represented by `{{G4662}}`, describes a state of being **worm-eaten** or diseased with maggots. It is a highly specific term that appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as a word used to describe a singular, potent event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4662}}` is in [[Acts 12:23]], where it describes a dramatic act of divine judgment. The verse recounts that an **angel** `{{G32}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` **smote** `{{G3960}}` an individual because he failed to give **God** `{{G2316}}` the **glory** `{{G1391}}`. As a direct result of this, he was **eaten of worms** and subsequently **gave up the ghost** `{{G1634}}`, highlighting the word's use as a depiction of a fatal, divinely-inflicted condition.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the severity of the event:
* `{{G3960}}` **patássō** (smite): This is the action of the angel, defined as "to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)." In this context, it is clearly a fatal strike that initiates the judgment [[Acts 12:23]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): The failure to give God this "glory" is the reason for the punishment. It is something due to the supreme Divinity ([[Ephesians 1:17]], [[2 Peter 1:17]]).
* `{{G1634}}` **ekpsýchō** (gave up the ghost): This word, meaning "to expire," signifies the final and lethal outcome of being **eaten of worms** [[Acts 12:23]]. It is also used in Acts to describe the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira ([[Acts 5:5]], [[Acts 5:10]]).
* `{{G3916}}` **parachrēma** (immediately): This term emphasizes the swiftness of the judgment, which occurred "at the thing itself, i.e. instantly" [[Acts 12:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4662}}` is tied directly to its singular, graphic usage.
* **Divine Retribution:** Its appearance is a clear illustration of divine punishment for hubris. The narrative connects the physical affliction directly to the spiritual sin of withholding **glory** `{{G1391}}` from **God** `{{G2316}}`.
* **Sovereign Judgment:** The event is initiated by an **angel** `{{G32}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`, demonstrating God's sovereign authority to execute judgment fatally and **immediately** `{{G3916}}`.
* **The Physical and Spiritual Link:** The gruesome nature of being **eaten of worms** serves as a powerful, physical manifestation of spiritual corruption, culminating in death when he **gave up the ghost** `{{G1634}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4662}}` is a rare but impactful word. While its definition is simple, its single biblical use in [[Acts 12:23]] provides a stark and unforgettable image of swift and final divine judgment. It is a term that encapsulates the consequence of pride and the absolute necessity of giving **God** `{{G2316}}` the **glory** `{{G1391}}` He is due.
TRV