σκορπίζω (skorpizō)
skorpizō
to scatter
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb skorpizō means to scatter or disperse things in different directions. In the New Testament it describes a chaotic separation, often resulting from fear or defeat. Jesus uses this word to describe how a hired hand abandons the sheep when a wolf attacks, causing the flock to scatter (John 10:12). It also appears in his stark warning that anyone who is not actively gathering with him is effectively scattering what he has collected (Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23).
The word carries a sense of violent or sudden dispersion rather than gentle distribution. While it can describe the scattering of people, it also appears in the New Testament quoting the Old Testament to describe a person who scatters blessings abroad (2 Corinthians 9:9). This creates an interesting contrast: the same action that destroys unity in the sheepfold becomes a metaphor for generous giving when directed toward others.
Its root likely relates to the idea of penetrating or piercing, suggesting that the scattering is thorough and leaves no cohesive group behind. Translators typically render it as "scatter" or "disperse," capturing the loss of order and community that defines its usage in these critical moments of Jesus’ ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skorpizō describes a sudden, chaotic scattering, often triggered by fear or the absence of true leadership. In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses this image to contrast the hired hand with the Good Shepherd. When danger arrives, the one who does not truly care for the flock runs away, leaving the sheep vulnerable and dispersed. This vivid picture reminds us that our spiritual safety depends on a leader who owns the sheep and stays through the storm.
Yet there is a surprising turn in how this word appears elsewhere. Paul quotes Scripture in 2 Corinthians to describe someone who scatters blessings abroad to give to the poor. Here, the same action that causes chaos in the sheepfold becomes an act of generous, outward-flowing love. The difference lies in the heart’s direction: one scattering is born of self-preservation and leaves ruin; the other is born of generosity and brings life.
Jesus also warns that those who do not gather with Him are effectively scattering what He has collected. This invites us to examine our own alignment with Christ. Are we contributing to unity, or are we drifting into disconnection? The call is not to fear the wolf, but to cling to the Shepherd who gathers His own.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- scatters.2×
- you may be scattered1×
- scatters —.1×
- He has scattered abroad,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκορπίζει.2×
- ἐσκόρπισεν,1×
- σκορπίζει.¶1×
- σκορπισθῆτε1×
Key Verses
-
John 10:12
He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them.
This verse provides the primary context for the word, illustrating how fear causes a false leader to abandon his duty, resulting in the chaotic dispersion of the flock.
-
Matthew 12:30
“He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn’t gather with me, scatters.
Here the word highlights the spiritual reality that neutrality is impossible; failing to actively gather with Christ is equivalent to contributing to His defeat.
-
II Corinthians 9:9
As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.”
This usage offers a positive contrast, showing how scattering can describe the generous distribution of blessings to the poor rather than destructive dispersion.