Lexical Summary skaptó: To dig Original Word: σκάπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dig. Apparently a primary verb; to dig -- dig. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root skaph Definition to dig NASB Translation dig (2), dug (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4626: σκάπτωσκάπτω; 1 aorist ἐσκαψα; (allied with it are English 'ship', 'skiff', etc.; Curtius, § 109; Fick 4:267; 7:336); to dig: Luke 6:48 (on which see βαθύνω); Topical Lexicon Physical and Agricultural Background In first-century Palestine the removal of surface soil and the cutting of hard sub-strata were indispensable to both construction and horticulture. Builders excavated until they reached bedrock to support stone walls, while farmers loosened and aerated soil around roots so that vines and fig trees could flourish despite arid conditions. The act called for endurance, forethought, and an appreciation of future gain—traits consistently commended in Scripture. Usage in the Teachings of Jesus 1. Luke 6:48 portrays a wise builder who “dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock.” The deliberate excavation contrasts with the superficial approach of the foolish builder (Luke 6:49), underscoring the necessity of penetrating beneath cultural sand to the unshakable words of Christ. Key Theological Motifs • Foundational Obedience—True discipleship demands penetrating engagement with Christ’s words until they govern life at its deepest level (Luke 6:47-48; see also 1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Historical Insight Archaeological studies of Galilean dwellings confirm that builders routinely cut through as much as three meters of alluvial soil to anchor foundations in limestone. Likewise, rabbinic sources note the practice of trenching around trees to improve drainage and reception of manure. Jesus’ parables draw from these common scenes, embedding eternal truths in everyday labor. Old Testament Resonance While the exact Greek term does not occur in the Septuagint, the Hebrew imagery of digging pits (Psalm 7:15), wells (Genesis 26:18), and foundations (Isaiah 28:16) supplies rich precedents. The motif consistently links strenuous effort with either righteous preparation or wicked scheming, depending on motive—parallels Jesus refines in His teaching. Pastoral and Ministry Significance • Expository preaching mirrors the wise builder’s task: careful excavation of the text until Christ, the Rock, is reached. Practical Application for Believers Believers are called to dig below surface religiosity, cultivate fruit-bearing habits, and embrace diligent service. The spade in Jesus’ parables invites modern disciples to sustained effort—whether in study, prayer, or service—confident that such labor, anchored in Christ, will withstand every flood and yield lasting fruit. Forms and Transliterations έσκαψε εσκαψεν ἔσκαψεν σκαπτειν σκάπτειν σκαφή σκαψω σκάψω eskapsen éskapsen skapso skapsō skápso skápsō skaptein skápteinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 6:48 V-AIA-3SGRK: οἰκίαν ὃς ἔσκαψεν καὶ ἐβάθυνεν NAS: a house, who dug deep and laid KJV: an house, and digged deep, and INT: a house who dug and deepened Luke 13:8 V-ASA-1S Luke 16:3 V-PNA Strong's Greek 4626 |
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