The meaning of “σκότος”
Understanding skótos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
darkness. - shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively)
σκότος
darkness. - shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 22:13 | “Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Word: σκότος (skótos) | |
| John 3:19 | “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Word: σκότος (skótos) | |
| 1 Corinthians 4:5 | “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” Word: σκότος (skótos) | |
| Colossians 1:13 | “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” Word: σκότος (skótos) | |
| 1 Peter 2:9 | “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” Word: σκότος (skótos) |
Theological Word Study: Darkness
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Darkness, obscurity
The Hebrew choshek (חֹשֶׁךְ) means darkness—absence of light and symbol of evil, ignorance, and judgment. 'Darkness was upon the face of the deep' (Genesis 1:2) until God spoke light into existence.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Darkness
The Greek skotos (σκότος) denotes darkness—spiritual blindness and the realm of Satan. 'The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not' (John 1:5). Believers are delivered from 'the power of darkness' (Colossians 1:13).