of uncertain derivation; a stain or blemish, i.e. (figuratively) defect, disgrace:--spot.
Transliteration:spílos
Pronunciation:spee'-los
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σπίλος (spílos, `{{G4696}}`) fundamentally denotes a "stain" or "spot" in its literal sense. This refers to a mark that mars or defiles the surface or appearance of something, implying a lack of purity or cleanliness. Figuratively, its semantic range extends to encompass moral or spiritual "blemish," "defect," or "disgrace." The word's derivation is noted as uncertain, suggesting its meaning is primarily understood through its contextual usage in ancient Greek literature and, critically, in the New Testament. It signifies an imperfection that detracts from an ideal state of integrity or blamelessness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σπίλος (spílos, `{{G4696}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance carrying significant theological weight:
1. **[[Ephesians 5:27]]**: "that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless." In this pivotal passage, σπίλος is used to describe the desired state of the Church, the bride of Christ. The absence of "spot" (σπίλος) and "wrinkle" (ῥυτίδα, `{{G4512}}`) signifies a church utterly pure, undefiled, and without any moral or spiritual blemish. This verse underscores Christ's ultimate goal for His redeemed people: perfect holiness and blamelessness, reflecting His own glory. The imagery is one of a pristine bride presented to her groom, free from any marring imperfection.
2. **[[2 Peter 2:13]]**: "suffering wrong as the wages of wrong; persons who are spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions while they feast with you." Here, σπίλος is applied to false teachers. It is paired with μῶμος (mōmos, `{{G3470}}`), meaning "blemish" or "disgrace." These individuals are not merely *having* spots, but *are* spots themselves, indicating their inherent moral corruption and the defiling influence they exert within the community. Their presence at communal feasts (likely love feasts) highlights their scandalous and hypocritical behavior, as they are sources of impurity and shame rather than fellowship.
3. **[[Jude 1:12]]**: "These are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever. These are spots in your love feasts..." Similar to 2 Peter, Jude employs σπίλος to condemn ungodly persons and false teachers who infiltrate the Christian community. They are described as "spots" within the sacred context of the love feasts (ἀγάπαις), emphasizing their defiling nature. The vivid metaphors used by Jude underscore their destructive character, their lack of spiritual substance, and their ultimate condemnation. Their presence is a disgrace that contaminates the purity of Christian fellowship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of σπίλος (spílos, `{{G4696}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἄσπιλος (áspilos, `{{G299}}`)**: This is the direct antonym, meaning "unspotted," "unstained," or "without blemish." It is used to describe moral purity, as in keeping oneself "unspotted from the world" ([[James 1:27]]), or the unblemished blood of Christ ([[1 Peter 1:19]]). The existence of this antonym highlights the significance of the "spot" as a mark of impurity.
* **μῶμος (mōmos, `{{G3470}}`)**: Often translated as "blemish" or "disgrace," this word is directly paired with σπίλος in [[2 Peter 2:13]], reinforcing the idea of a moral fault or defect that brings shame.
* **ἄμωμος (ámomos, `{{G784}}`)**: Meaning "blameless" or "without blemish," this term is frequently used in the Septuagint for sacrificial animals without defect and in the New Testament for moral perfection (e.g., [[Ephesians 1:4]]). It speaks to an integrity that is beyond reproach.
* **Concepts**: The word σπίλος touches upon broader biblical concepts such as purity and defilement, holiness and sanctification, moral integrity, and the pervasive nature of sin and spiritual corruption. Its usage underscores the divine standard of blamelessness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σπίλος (spílos, `{{G4696}}`) is profound, touching upon Christology, ecclesiology, and eschatology:
* **Christ's Redemptive Work and the Purity of the Church**: In [[Ephesians 5:27]], the absence of σπίλος in the Church is a direct result of Christ's sacrificial love and sanctifying work. It signifies the ultimate goal of redemption: a Church presented to Christ in perfect holiness, reflecting His own glory and purity. This speaks to the ongoing process of sanctification (making holy) and the eschatological hope of a perfectly purified bride.
* **The Nature of Moral and Spiritual Corruption**: The application of σπίλος to false teachers in [[2 Peter 2:13]] and [[Jude 1:12]] highlights the inherent and pervasive nature of their moral and spiritual corruption. They are not merely flawed individuals but embody defilement, bringing disgrace and scandal to the Christian community, particularly within contexts meant for sacred fellowship. Their presence is a stark contrast to the purity Christ desires for His Church.
* **God's Demand for Holiness**: Implicit in the use of σπίλος is God's unwavering standard of holiness. Any "spot" or "blemish" is contrary to His nature and His desire for His people. The removal of such stains, whether through Christ's atoning work or the believer's pursuit of purity, is central to walking in fellowship with a holy God.
### Summary
σπίλος (spílos, `{{G4696}}`) denotes a "stain" or "blemish," extending from a literal mark of impurity to a figurative representation of moral or spiritual defect and disgrace. Its New Testament occurrences are limited but highly significant. In [[Ephesians 5:27]], it describes the perfect, unblemished purity Christ desires for His Church. Conversely, in [[2 Peter 2:13]] and [[Jude 1:12]], it condemns false teachers as sources of defilement and scandal within the community. The word underscores the biblical emphasis on holiness, the defiling nature of sin and false doctrine, and Christ's supreme work in purifying His people to be without spot or blemish.
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