σπιλόω

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.