### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **spílos**, represented by `{{G4696}}`, refers to a **stain or blemish**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can mean a literal stain, its biblical usage is figurative, denoting a moral **defect** or **disgrace**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4696}}` is used to illustrate two opposing spiritual states. In [[Ephesians 5:27]], it describes the ultimate goal for the **church** `{{G1577}}`, which Christ will **present** `{{G3936}}` to himself as **glorious** `{{G1741}}`, **not** `{{G3361}}` **having** `{{G2192}}` a **spot** `{{G4696}}` or **wrinkle** `{{G4512}}`. Conversely, in [[2 Peter 2:13]], the term is applied to false teachers who are themselves called **Spots** `{{G4696}}` and **blemishes** `{{G3470}}`, those who revel in their own **deceivings** `{{G539}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of spiritual purity and imperfection:
* `{{G299}}` **ámōmos** (without blemish): This describes a state of being faultless. It is used to define the ideal condition of the church, which should be **holy** `{{G40}}` and **without blemish** `{{G299}}`, in direct opposition to having a **spot** [[Ephesians 5:27]].
* `{{G3470}}` **mōmos** (blemish): This term, meaning a flaw or blot, is used as a parallel to `{{G4696}}` to describe disgraceful persons, emphasizing the moral corruption of false teachers [[2 Peter 2:13]].
* `{{G4512}}` **rhytís** (wrinkle): Used alongside **spot** in [[Ephesians 5:27]], this word refers to a fold or wrinkle, completing the figurative picture of the imperfections that will be absent from the perfected **church** `{{G1577}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4696}}` is centered on the biblical standard for holiness.
* **Ecclesiological Purity:** The word is crucial for understanding the nature of the **church** `{{G1577}}`. The goal of Christ's work is to **present** `{{G3936}}` a **glorious** `{{G1741}}` church, one defined by the absence of any **spot** `{{G4696}}` or moral defect [[Ephesians 5:27]].
* **Moral Defect and Judgment:** In contrast, `{{G4696}}` characterizes false teachers as moral **spots** and **blemishes** `{{G3470}}` who revel in their own **deceivings** `{{G539}}` and will ultimately **receive** `{{G2865}}` the **reward** `{{G3408}}` of **unrighteousness** `{{G93}}` [[2 Peter 2:13]].
* **Sanctification and Perfection:** The removal of every **spot** `{{G4696}}` points to the process and goal of sanctification. It signifies a transformation into a state of being **holy** `{{G40}}` and **without blemish** `{{G299}}`, made possible through Christ [[Ephesians 5:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4696}}` **spílos** is more than just a literal stain; it is a powerful figurative term for moral defect and disgrace. It is used in scripture to create a sharp contrast between the perfected, **glorious** `{{G1741}}` **church** `{{G1577}}` that Christ presents to himself [[Ephesians 5:27]] and the corrupt character of false teachers who are a **blemish** `{{G3470}}` within the community [[2 Peter 2:13]]. The word encapsulates the high standard of holiness God requires and the ultimate purity that defines the true people of God.
TRV