4649. skopos

Lexicon

skopos: Goal, mark, target

Original Word: σκοπός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: skopos
Pronunciation: sko-POS
Phonetic Spelling: (skop-os')
Definition: Goal, mark, target
Meaning: a watcher; a goal, a mark aimed at.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

goal, mark.

From skeptomai (to peer about ("skeptic"); perhaps akin to skapto through the idea of concealment; compare skepasma); a watch (sentry or scout), i.e. (by implication) a goal -- mark.

see GREEK skapto

see GREEK skepasma

HELPS Word-studies

4649 skopós (the root of the English term, "scope," like the zoom-scope on a rifle to hit the target) – properly, the "end-marker" of a foot-race; (figuratively) the final objective (destination) in the faith-life, i.e. the unique glorification the Lord awards to each believer at His return (cf. Phil 3:11,14). 4649 /skopós ("end-marker") is only used in Phil 3:14.

[4649 (skopós) represents the "end-marker" ("goal") in the race of faith (so TDNT/Kittel.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from skeptomai (to look carefully, consider)
Definition
a watchman, a mark (on which to fix the eye)
NASB Translation
goal (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4649: σκοπός

σκοπός, σκοποῦ, ὁ ((from a root denoting 'to spy,' 'peer,' 'look into the distance'; cf. also Latinspecio, speculum, species, etc.; Fick i., 251f; iv., 279; Curtius, § 111)); from Homer down;

1. an observer, a watchman.

2. the distant mark looked at, the goal or end one has in view: κατά σκοπόν (on this phrase see κατά, II. 1 c.), Philippians 3:14.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb σκοπέω (skopeō), meaning "to look at," "to observe," or "to watch."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "skopos," the concept of a goal or target can be related to Hebrew terms such as מַטָּרָה (mattarah, Strong's 4307), meaning "target" or "mark," and צָפָה (tsaphah, Strong's 6822), meaning "to watch" or "to look out." These terms similarly convey the idea of focus and vigilance in the pursuit of a goal.

Usage: The word "skopos" appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize focus, vigilance, or a goal to be attained. It is used to describe the aim or objective of a believer's life, often in the context of spiritual growth or moral vigilance.

Context: The Greek term "skopos" is used in the New Testament to illustrate the concept of a goal or target that one strives to reach. In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul uses "skopos" to describe the spiritual aim of his life: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" (BSB). Here, "skopos" signifies the ultimate objective of the Christian life, which is to attain the fullness of God's calling through Christ.

The metaphor of a "goal" or "mark" is significant in understanding the Christian journey as one of purpose and direction. Just as an athlete focuses on the finish line, believers are encouraged to keep their eyes fixed on their spiritual objectives, maintaining vigilance and perseverance. This concept is central to the teachings of the New Testament, where the life of faith is often depicted as a race or journey requiring steadfastness and focus.

The use of "skopos" underscores the importance of having a clear spiritual focus and the necessity of directing one's efforts towards achieving the divine calling. It serves as a reminder of the intentionality required in the Christian walk, urging believers to remain vigilant and purposeful in their pursuit of holiness and eternal life.

Forms and Transliterations

σκοποί σκοπον σκοπόν σκοπὸν σκοπός σκοπού σκοπούς σκορόδα skopon skopòn

Englishman's Concordance

Philippians 3:14 N-AMS
GRK: κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς
NAS: on toward the goal for the prize
KJV: I press toward the mark for the prize
INT: toward [the] goal I pursue for

Strong's Greek 4649
1 Occurrence

σκοπὸν — 1 Occ.