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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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