4663. skóléx

Lexicon

skóléx: Worm

Original Word: σκώληξ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: skóléx
Pronunciation: sko'-lakes
Phonetic Spelling: (sko'-lakes)
Definition: Worm
Meaning: a gnawing worm; gnawing anguish.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

worm.

Of uncertain derivation; a grub, maggot or earth-worm -- worm.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a worm
NASB Translation
worm (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4663: σκώληξ

σκώληξ, σκωληκος, ὁ (perhaps akin to σκολιός), a worm (Homer, Iliad 13, 654); specifically, that kind which preys upon dead bodies (Sir. 10:11 Sir. 19:3; 2 Macc. 9:9; Anthol. 7, 480, 3; 10, 78, 3): ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ τελευτᾷ, by a figure borrowed from Isaiah 66:24 (cf. Sir. 7:17; Judith 16:17), 'their punishment after death will never cease' (σκώληξ symbolizing perhaps the loathsomeness of the penalty), Mark 9:44, 46,(T WH omit; Tr brackets these two verses),48.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a primary root word in Greek.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 8438: תּוֹלֵעָה (tole'ah) • Often translated as "worm" or "maggot," used in similar contexts to describe decay or insignificance.
• Strong's Hebrew 8439: תּוֹלַעַת (tola'at) • Another term for "worm," used metaphorically in the Hebrew Bible to convey themes of destruction and judgment.

Usage: The term σκώληξ is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of decay, destruction, or the consequences of sin. It appears in contexts that emphasize the perishable nature of earthly things or the eternal consequences of judgment.

Context: The Greek word σκώληξ (skōlēx) appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the transient and corruptible nature of the physical world. In Mark 9:48, Jesus uses the imagery of the worm to describe the unending torment in hell, saying, "where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched." This vivid metaphor underscores the eternal nature of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. The worm, in this context, symbolizes the ongoing and unending nature of decay and punishment, contrasting with the eternal life promised to the righteous.

The use of σκώληξ in the New Testament reflects a broader biblical theme of decay and corruption as a result of sin. In the ancient world, worms were commonly associated with death and decomposition, serving as a powerful symbol of the impermanence of life and the reality of divine judgment. The imagery of the worm is also found in the Old Testament, where it often signifies destruction and the consequences of turning away from God.

Theologically, σκώληξ serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the hope of redemption through Christ. While the worm represents decay and judgment, the message of the Gospel offers the promise of eternal life and restoration for those who turn to God in faith.

Forms and Transliterations

σκώλα σκώληκας σκώληκι σκωλήκων σκωληξ σκώληξ σκώλον skolex skōlēx skṓlex skṓlēx

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 9:44 Noun-NMS
GRK: ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ
KJV: Where their worm dieth not,
INT: where worm their not

Mark 9:46 Noun-NMS
GRK: ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ
KJV: Where their worm dieth not,
INT: where worm their not

Mark 9:48 N-NMS
GRK: ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ
NAS: where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE,
KJV: Where their worm dieth not,
INT: where the worm of them not

Strong's Greek 4663
3 Occurrences

σκώληξ — 3 Occ.