4658. Skuthés

Lexicon

Skuthés: Scythian

Original Word: Σκύθης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Skuthés
Pronunciation: SKOO-thace
Phonetic Spelling: (skoo'-thace)
Definition: Scythian
Meaning: a Scythian, as typical of the uncivilized.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Scythian.

Probably of foreign origin; a Scythene or Scythian, i.e. (by implication) a savage -- Scythian.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a Scythian, an inhab. of Scythia (considered the wildest of barbarians)
NASB Translation
Scythian (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4658: Σκύθης

Σκύθης, Σκυθου, ὁ, a Scythian, an inhabitant of Scythia i. e. modern Russia: Colossians 3:11. By the more civilized nations of antiquity the Scythians were regarded as the wildest of all barbarians; cf. Cicero, in Verr. 2, 5, 58 § 150; in Pison. 8, 18; Josephus, c. Apion. 2, 37, 6; (Philo, leg. ad Gaium § 2); Lucian, Tox. 5f; 2 Macc. 4:47; 3Macc. 7:5. (See Lightfoot on Colossians, the passage cited; Hackett in B. D. under the word ; Rawlinson's Herod., Appendix to book iv., Essays ii. and iii.; Vanicek, Fremdwörter, under the word.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the name of the Scythians, a group of ancient nomadic tribes known for their skills in horseback riding and archery, who inhabited the region north of the Black Sea.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for Σκύθης, as the term specifically refers to a group known primarily in the context of Greek and Roman writings. However, the concept of "barbarian" or "foreigner" might be loosely related to terms like גּוֹי (goy, Strong's Hebrew 1471), which is often used to denote nations or peoples outside of Israel.

Usage: The term appears once in the New Testament, specifically in Colossians 3:11, where it is used to illustrate the inclusivity of the Christian message, transcending cultural and social barriers.

Context: • Historical Context: The Scythians were a group of Iranian-speaking nomads who lived in the Eurasian steppes. They were known for their fierce warrior culture and were often regarded by the Greeks and Romans as barbaric due to their nomadic lifestyle and customs, which were vastly different from the settled, urbanized societies of the Mediterranean.
• Biblical Context: In Colossians 3:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." This passage emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or social backgrounds. The mention of "Scythian" serves to highlight the extent of this inclusivity, as Scythians were often viewed as the epitome of the "other" or the outsider in the ancient world.
• Theological Significance: The inclusion of Scythians in Paul's list underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which breaks down societal barriers and creates a new identity in Christ. It reflects the early Christian understanding that faith in Jesus transcends human divisions and unites all believers into one body.

Forms and Transliterations

Σκυθης Σκύθης σκυθρωπάζει σκυθρωπάζων σκυθρωπάσει Skuthes Skuthēs Skythes Skythēs Skýthes Skýthēs

Englishman's Concordance

Colossians 3:11 N-NMS
GRK: ἀκροβυστία βάρβαρος Σκύθης δοῦλος ἐλεύθερος
NAS: barbarian, Scythian, slave
KJV: Barbarian, Scythian, bond
INT: uncircumcision barbarian Scythian slave free

Strong's Greek 4658
1 Occurrence

Σκύθης — 1 Occ.