Lexical Summary skopos: Goal, mark, target Original Word: σκοπός 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 Originfrom 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: σκοπόςσκοπός, 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. Philippians 3 records Paul’s impassioned testimony of forsaking self-righteousness for the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ. In verse 14 he writes, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). The word translated “goal” is skopos (Strong’s 4649). It stands at the climax of Paul’s athletic metaphor, supplying the picture of the finish line that governs every stride of the runner’s race. Imagery from the Ancient Games First-century readers lived in a world captivated by Greco-Roman athletics. The stadion race in particular—about 200 meters—concluded at a stone pillar set up as the objective point. Runners fixed their eyes on this mark, refusing distraction in order to remain in their lane. Paul borrows that familiar scene to describe the Christian pilgrimage. In Christ, believers have not entered a casual stroll but an Olympic contest, and the only acceptable mindset is relentless, forward-leaning pursuit. Pauline Theology of the Goal 1. Christ Himself is the Goal. Paul’s earlier declaration, “that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8), identifies the person of Jesus as the focus of all Christian aspiration. Relationship to Perseverance and Sanctification Fixing one’s gaze on skopos supplies motivation for progressive sanctification. Paul’s “pressing on” (diōkō) is not an anxious striving to earn favor but a grace-driven exertion to lay hold of what has already been granted in Christ (Philippians 3:12). The singularity of focus implied by skopos guards against spiritual drift, complacency, and legalistic detours. Eschatological Orientation Skopos places the Christian life firmly within an “already/not yet” tension. The goal is certain yet still future. This forward pull fosters watchfulness (cf. Titus 2:13) and situates present suffering in the light of eternal glory (Romans 8:18). The language of attainment thereby harmonizes with passages describing crowns and rewards (1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:4), all of which look to the same eschatological consummation. Ministerial Implications • Preaching: Faithful exposition continually sets the congregation’s eyes on the final goal, preventing sermons from devolving into moralism detached from Christ. Pastoral Application 1. Cultivate Holy Focus. Encourage practical habits—daily Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship—that keep eyes fixed on Christ. Complementary Scriptures • “Run in such a way as to take the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Summary Skopos appears only once in the New Testament, yet its lone occurrence saturates the Christian life with purpose. By portraying salvation as a race directed toward a definite goal—the full possession of Christ and resurrection glory—Paul furnishes believers with an orienting center. Fixing our eyes on that goal fuels perseverance, shapes ministry priorities, and sustains hope until the day we cross the finish line and receive “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award” (2 Timothy 4:8). |
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