Lexical Summary spilas: Blemish, Spot, Stain Original Word: σπιλάς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spot Of uncertain derivation; a ledge or reef of rock in the sea -- spot (by confusion with spilos). see GREEK spilos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a ledge of rock (over which the sea dashes), i.e. a reef NASB Translation hidden reefs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4694: σπιλάςσπιλάς, σπιλαδος, ἡ, a rock in the sea, ledge or reef (Homer, Odyssey 3, 298; 5, 401, and in other poets; Polybius, Diodorus, Josephus, b. j. 3, 9, 3); plural, tropically, of men who by their conduct damage others morally, wreck them as it were, equivalent to σκάνδαλα (R. V. text hidden rocks), Jude 1:12 (here L T Tr WH read οἱ (namely, ὄντες) σπιλάδες. Some (so R. V. marginal reading) make the word equivalent to the following; see Rutherford as there referred to.) Topical Lexicon Term Overview The noun σπιλάδες (spilades) denotes dangerous underwater rocks or reefs lying just beneath the surface. In Jude 1:12 this maritime image is metaphorically applied to insincere teachers moving unnoticed among believers. Scriptural Occurrence Jude 1:12: “These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, feasting with you without fear, caring only for themselves...” (Berean Standard Bible). This single use establishes the entire biblical portrait of the word. Metaphorical Significance 1. Concealed Danger: As reefs lurk below calm waters, the false brothers of Jude’s day concealed destructive error beneath the outward veneer of fellowship. Historical Background Love feasts (ἀγάπαι) were shared meals connected to the Lord’s Supper in the first-century church (Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 11:20–34). The presence of profiteering teachers at these meals threatened both doctrinal purity and practical charity. Jude’s letter, written in the late first century, confronts an early form of libertine antinomianism that distorted grace into license (Jude 1:4). Key Theological Themes • Discernment: Scripture commands testing of spirits (1 John 4:1). σπιλάδες warns that danger is often relationally close and theologically subtle. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Vigilance in Fellowship: Leaders must watch over communal gatherings, ensuring that teaching and conduct align with apostolic truth. Related Biblical Imagery • “Shipwreck” of faith (1 Timothy 1:19) parallels σπιλάδες in emphasizing nautical peril. Summary Reflections σπιλάδες challenges every generation to prize purity of doctrine and life. Jude’s vivid warning underscores that unseen hazards within Christian fellowship are often more perilous than overt external opposition. Anchored in truth, the church avoids the reefs and sails on toward the “harbor” of Christ’s promised salvation (Hebrews 6:19–20). Forms and Transliterations σπιλαδες σπιλάδες spilades spiládesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |