### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σπιλόω (`{{G4695}}`, *spilóō*) is derived from the noun σπίλος (`{{G4696}}`, *spílos*), which signifies "a spot" or "blemish." Consequently, the verb inherently conveys the action of "to stain," "to soil," or "to defile." It describes the act of imparting a mark, discoloration, or impurity that mars an object's original pristine condition or cleanliness. While it can refer to a physical defilement, its more significant application in the New Testament is figurative, denoting moral or spiritual corruption. The semantic range thus encompasses both a literal blemish and, more profoundly, an internal, spiritual impurity that renders one ceremonially or morally unfit. It implies a loss of integrity, blamelessness, or purity, a marring of what was once undefiled.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb σπιλόω (`{{G4695}}`) appears in the New Testament in two distinct contexts, both illustrating its powerful figurative application to moral defilement.
In [[James 3:6]], the apostle James uses σπιλόω to vividly portray the destructive power of the tongue: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." Here, "defiles" (σπιλοῖ) signifies the profound moral corruption that an unrestrained, sinful tongue can inflict. It suggests that malicious or ungodly speech contaminates the entire person, affecting one's character, reputation, and spiritual state, much like a pervasive stain that permeates a fabric. The defilement is not merely superficial but deeply internal, impacting the very essence of one's being and leading to widespread moral decay.
In [[Jude 1:23]], σπιλόω is employed in a more nuanced, yet equally potent, sense: "but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." The phrase "garment spotted by the flesh" (τὸν ἀπὸ τῆς σαρκὸς ἐσπιλωμένον χιτῶνα) refers to clothing that has become soiled or defiled through contact with sinful acts or the corrupting influence of the flesh. While the image is ostensibly literal—a stained garment—its primary force is symbolic. It represents the moral contamination that clings to those involved in various forms of ungodliness, particularly the licentious behavior condemned throughout Jude's epistle. The command to "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh" underscores the necessity of extreme aversion to anything associated with sin and its defiling effects, emphasizing the need to preserve one's spiritual purity by avoiding even the slightest contact with moral impurity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of σπιλόω (`{{G4695}}`) is rich with terms related to purity, defilement, and corruption, highlighting the biblical emphasis on holiness. Its direct etymological root is the noun σπίλος (`{{G4696}}`), meaning "a spot" or "blemish," which inherently reinforces the idea of a marring mark.
Other significant Greek words that share conceptual overlap and illuminate the meaning of σπιλόω include:
* μιαίνω (`{{G3392}}`, *miainō*): To defile, pollute, or contaminate, often with a focus on ritual or moral impurity. This term is frequently used in the Septuagint for ritual uncleanness and in the New Testament for moral defilement.
* μολύνω (`{{G3435}}`, *molunō*): To stain, defile, or pollute, often implying a moral stain or contamination that makes something unclean.
* ἀκάθαρτος (`{{G169}}`, *akathartos*): An adjective meaning "unclean" or "impure," often referring to ritual impurity, moral depravity, or even demonic spirits. It describes the state of being defiled.
* ῥύπος (`{{G4507}}`, *rhupos*): Filth, dirt, or moral impurity. The related adjective ῥυπαρός (`{{G4508}}`, *rhuparos*) means "filthy" or "sordid."
Conversely, words expressing the opposite concept of purity and cleansing are also crucial for a comprehensive understanding:
* καθαίρω (`{{G2508}}`, *kathairō*): To cleanse, purify, or prune.
* καθαρισμός (`{{G2512}}`, *katharismos*): Cleansing or purification.
* ἁγνός (`{{G53}}`, *hagnos*): Pure, holy, chaste.
The concept of defilement by σπιλόω is thus deeply intertwined with the broader biblical themes of sin, moral corruption, and the essential antithesis between human unholiness and divine purity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σπιλόω (`{{G4695}}`) lies in its vivid portrayal of the pervasive and corrupting nature of sin. When something is "spotted" or "defiled" by σπιλόω, it loses its original integrity, cleanliness, or moral standing. This concept underscores several crucial theological truths:
1. **The Insidiousness of Sin:** The use of σπιλόω in [[James 3:6]] to describe the tongue's ability to "defile the whole body" highlights how sin, even in seemingly small manifestations (like uncontrolled speech), can permeate and corrupt an entire person. It is not merely an isolated act but a contaminating influence that affects one's inner being and outward conduct, leading to a comprehensive moral decay.
2. **The Call to Purity:** The exhortation in [[Jude 1:23]] to "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh" serves as a powerful call to radical separation from sin and its defiling effects. It emphasizes the necessity for believers to maintain spiritual and moral purity, avoiding not only direct participation in sin but also any close association with its corrupting influence. This reflects a broader biblical emphasis on holiness as a prerequisite for genuine fellowship with a holy God.
3. **The Contrast with Christ's Purity:** The defilement implied by σπιλόω stands in stark contrast to the perfect purity of Christ. While humanity is prone to being "spotted" by sin, Christ is described as "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners" ([[Hebrews 7:26]]). His absolute sinlessness is the foundational basis for His atoning work, which provides the divine means for humanity's cleansing from the stains of sin.
4. **The Need for Divine Cleansing:** Because sin inherently defiles, there is an absolute need for purification that humanity cannot achieve on its own. The New Testament teaches that this cleansing comes through the atoning work of Christ's blood ([[1 John 1:7]], [[Revelation 7:14]]) and the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to live undefiled lives in anticipation of Christ's return, when His church will be presented "without spot or wrinkle or or any such thing, but that she would be holy and blameless" ([[Ephesians 5:27]]), a state that explicitly negates the presence of σπίλος (spot, `{{G4696}}`).
### Summary
The Greek verb σπιλόω (`{{G4695}}`, *spilóō*) signifies "to stain," "to soil," or "to defile," deriving its core meaning from the noun σπίλος (`{{G4696}}`), "a spot" or "blemish." While capable of denoting literal staining, its primary New Testament usage is figurative, referring powerfully to moral or spiritual corruption. In [[James 3:6]], it illustrates how the tongue's sinful speech can "defile the whole body," highlighting sin's pervasive corrupting power. In [[Jude 1:23]], the command to "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh" underscores the imperative for radical separation from anything associated with sin's defiling influence. Theologically, σπιλόω illuminates the insidious nature of sin, the profound call for believers to pursue purity, and the stark contrast between human defilement and divine holiness, ultimately pointing to the indispensable need for Christ's atoning and sanctifying work to remove the indelible stains of sin.
TRV