Lexical Summary skóléx: Worm Original Word: σκώληξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance worm. Of uncertain derivation; a grub, maggot or earth-worm -- worm. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a worm NASB Translation worm (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4663: σκώληξσκώληξ, 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 OverviewStrong’s Greek 4663 appears three times in the New Testament, all in one passage (Mark 9:44, 46, 48). The word designates the “worm” cited by Jesus in His warning about Gehenna. The image draws on Old Testament language to underscore the horror and permanence of final judgment. Biblical Context: Mark 9:42–50 Within Mark 9 Jesus exhorts His disciples to radical holiness. Using graphic contrasts, He teaches that nothing—not even a hand, foot, or eye—should be spared if it causes sin. The repeated clause “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48) intensifies the warning. By repeating the phrase three times (verses 44, 46, 48), Mark highlights both certainty and emphasis in Christ’s words. Old Testament Background The phrase originates in Isaiah 66:24, where rebellious people meet a ghastly end: “Their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched”. In Isaiah, the scene unfolds at the close of history, outside the New Jerusalem, depicting perpetual disgrace rather than simple annihilation. Jewish tradition later associated this setting with the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), a refuse dump south of Jerusalem where fires smoldered continuously. By invoking Isaiah, Jesus affirms prophetic continuity, asserting that the fate of the wicked is eternal and conscious. Theological Significance 1. Perpetuity of Judgment The worm’s undying nature alongside unquenchable fire conveys unending punishment. Both images emphasize that judgment is neither momentary nor symbolic but everlasting. 2. Bodily Reality Jesus speaks of the worm gnawing at those who enter Gehenna “with two hands” or “with two feet,” indicating a resurrection unto judgment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29). Thus, eternal destiny involves the whole person, body and soul. 3. Divine Justice and Holiness The natural revulsion toward decay underscores God’s unwavering justice. Sin, left unchecked, culminates in corruption. The worm serves as a vivid marker of that corruption, while the unquenchable fire underscores God’s consuming holiness. Relation to New Testament Teaching Other passages affirm eternal punishment without employing the specific term: • Matthew 25:46 — “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” By using imagery familiar to His audience, Jesus reinforces a broader New Testament doctrine: judgment is real, personal, and irreversible. Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Ignatius, Justin Martyr) read Mark 9 literally: the worm figures the ceaseless torment of the impenitent. Medieval theologians, following Augustine, interpreted it both physically and spiritually—the worm as conscience that forever gnaws the condemned. The Reformers retained this emphasis, grounding the doctrine of eternal punishment on passages like Mark 9. Pastoral and Homiletical Application 1. Call to Repentance The graphic description stirs urgency. It magnifies the seriousness of sin and presses hearers toward Christ’s atonement. 2. Motivation for Holiness Self-denial—illustrated by severing offending limbs—becomes reasonable when set against eternal loss. Sanctification is not optional; it is demanded by the gravity of future realities. 3. Evangelistic Impetus Awareness of everlasting consequences energizes missions and personal witness. Love for neighbor compels believers to warn them of coming wrath (Acts 20:31). Practical Ministry Implications • Discipleship should include candid teaching on judgment, not merely comfort. Summary In Scripture, Strong’s Greek 4663 functions as a solemn emblem of everlasting judgment. Rooted in Old Testament prophecy and affirmed by Jesus, the undying worm warns believers and unbelievers alike. It summons repentance, fuels holiness, and anchors the church’s proclamation of a just and merciful God who offers salvation in Christ alone. Forms and Transliterations σκώλα σκώληκας σκώληκι σκωλήκων σκωληξ σκώληξ σκώλον skolex skōlēx skṓlex skṓlēxLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 9:44 Noun-NMSGRK: ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ KJV: Where their worm dieth not, INT: where worm their not Mark 9:46 Noun-NMS Mark 9:48 N-NMS |
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