### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **spilóō**, represented by `{{G4695}}`, means to **stain** or **soil**. This term, which can be understood both literally and figuratively, is used in the Bible to convey the concepts of being **defiled** or **spotted**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, highlighting its specific application in contexts of moral and spiritual corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4695}}` is used to illustrate powerful figurative concepts of defilement. James describes the tongue as a force that **defileth** the whole body, framing it as a "world of iniquity" [[James 3:6]]. Jude uses the word to describe a "garment **spotted** by the flesh," urging believers to hate this defilement while saving others from the fire [[Jude 1:23]]. Both instances use the word to signify a pervasive and corrupting influence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of defilement associated with `{{G4695}}`:
* `{{G3404}}` **miséō**: Defined as "to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less:--hate(-ful)." This is seen in Jude's command to be **hating** the garment spotted by the flesh [[Jude 1:23]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx**: This word means "flesh... human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions)." It is identified as the source of the spotting or defilement in [[Jude 1:23]].
* `{{G93}}` **adikía**: Meaning "(legal) injustice... morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong." The tongue that defiles is described as a "world of **iniquity**" [[James 3:6]].
* `{{G5394}}` **phlogízō**: Defined as "to cause a blaze, i.e. ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion):--set on fire." This action is linked directly to the tongue that **defileth** the body in [[James 3:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4695}}` lies in its illustration of sin's corrupting power and the required response.
* **The Power of Indwelling Sin:** The tongue is presented as a source of defilement originating from within, capable of corrupting the "whole body" and setting the "course of nature" on fire [[James 3:6]]. This highlights how a single source of **iniquity** `{{G93}}` can have total, destructive influence.
* **Defilement by the Flesh:** The term is explicitly linked to **sárx**, or the **flesh**, in [[Jude 1:23]]. This establishes that defilement is not merely external but originates from "human nature (with its frailties... and passions)."
* **Active Opposition to Corruption:** Believers are instructed not just to avoid defilement but to actively **hate** `{{G3404}}` even the "garment **spotted** by the flesh" [[Jude 1:23]]. This signifies a required spiritual vigilance and detestation of sin's influence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4695}}` provides a vivid depiction of spiritual and moral defilement. Though used only twice, it powerfully communicates how influences like the tongue, representing a "world of **iniquity**" [[James 3:6]], can stain the entire person. The concept is further defined by its connection to the **flesh** `{{G4561}}`, identifying human frailty as the source of the "spot" [[Jude 1:23]]. Ultimately, **spilóō** serves as a potent warning about the corrupting nature of sin and the necessity of hating what is defiled.
TRV