σκορπίος (skorpios)
skorpios
scorpion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word skorpios refers to the scorpion, a small creature with a venomous tail that hides in stone walls and crevices. In both the Old Testament and New Testament, it serves as a vivid image of danger and pain. Jesus mentions this animal when describing the power given to his followers, stating they can tread on serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19). He also uses it in a parable about prayer, asking if any father would give his child a scorpion instead of a fish or an egg (Luke 11:12).
This word appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Revelation. In Revelation, John sees locusts with power like that of scorpions, whose stings cause severe torment for those without God’s seal (Revelation 9:3-10). The imagery highlights the intensity of divine judgment and the real threat of spiritual harm.
The etymology suggests a connection to piercing or stinging, reflecting the animal’s most dangerous feature. Translators consistently render skorpios as "scorpion," preserving the original sense of physical danger and fear. This straightforward translation helps modern readers grasp the immediate threat these creatures represented in the ancient world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skorpios brings to mind a creature that hides in shadows, striking with sudden pain. In the ancient world, this was no small threat; it represented real danger lurking in everyday places like stone walls and crevices. Yet, Scripture uses this image not just to warn us of harm, but to highlight the greater power available to believers. Jesus tells His followers that they have authority over these fears, ensuring that nothing can ultimately hurt them when they walk in His protection.
Even in moments of vulnerability, such as when we ask for help or provision, this word reminds us of God’s character. He is never the source of hidden traps or cruel surprises. Instead of offering a sting, He offers good gifts. This truth grounds our faith in the reliability of a Father who knows our needs and desires to bless us, not burden us with unexpected pain.
While Revelation uses the scorpion to describe severe judgment, it serves as a sobering contrast to the safety found in God’s seal. For those who trust in Christ, the sting of the enemy is broken. We do not need to live in fear of hidden dangers because our strength comes from One who holds all power.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- scorpions2×
- of a scorpion1×
- as scorpions1×
- a scorpion?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκορπίων1×
- σκορπίου1×
- σκορπίον;1×
- σκορπίοις1×
- σκορπίοι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
This verse establishes the believer's authority, showing that skorpios represents threats that are completely neutralized by Christ's power.
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Luke 11:12
Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he?
Here the word contrasts God's goodness with evil, proving He would never deceive or harm those who seek Him.
-
Revelation of John 9:5
They were given power, not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a person.
The comparison highlights the intense, specific nature of divine judgment, distinguishing it from ordinary suffering.