σκοτίζω (skotizō)
skotizō
to darken
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb skotizō means to darken or cover with darkness. In the New Testament, it appears only in the passive voice, describing something that has been darkened rather than an active act of darkening. This form emphasizes the state of being deprived of light, whether physical or spiritual.
Its primary usage describes cosmic events, specifically when heavenly bodies lose their light. The Gospels record this imagery during significant moments: Jesus predicts the sun will be darkened at the end of time (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24), and Luke notes the darkness that fell over the land during the crucifixion (Luke 23:45). Revelation also uses it for celestial signs (Revelation 8:12).
Paul applies this physical metaphor to the human mind. In Romans 1:21, he argues that when people fail to honor God, their understanding becomes darkened. He echoes this in Romans 11:10, quoting Psalm 69 to describe a spiritual dullness. The word links external cosmic signs with internal spiritual blindness, showing how lack of reverence leads to obscured perception.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word skotizō describes a state of being covered in darkness, whether by clouds over a star or by confusion in the mind. In the Gospels, it paints the dramatic scene of creation itself holding its breath during Jesus’ death and at the end of time. These cosmic signs remind us that God is sovereign over light and shadow, guiding history toward His final purposes.
Paul takes this physical imagery inward in Romans 1:21, noting how a heart that refuses to give thanks can become darkened in its reasoning. This is not just about missing facts; it is about losing the ability to see God’s glory clearly. Yet, this darkness is never final. The same God who controls the heavens offers light to every mind willing to return to Him.
When we feel spiritually dim or confused, we can look to Christ, the true Light. He does not leave us in the dark but invites us into His clarity and peace. Trusting in His guidance helps our hearts see clearly again, even when the world around us feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be darkened,2×
- was darkened1×
- should be darkened1×
- may be darkened1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκοτισθήσεται,2×
- ἐσκοτίσθη1×
- σκοτισθῇ1×
- σκοτισθήτωσαν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 24:29
“But immediately after the suffering of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken;
This verse uses the word to describe the sun being darkened as a specific sign of the end times, linking cosmic disruption with divine judgment.
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Romans 1:21
Because knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, and didn’t give thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
Here the term shifts from physical light to spiritual perception, explaining how unthankfulness leads to a heart that cannot see God’s truth.
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Revelation of John 8:12
The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars, so that one third of them would be darkened; and the day wouldn’t shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way.
The word describes one third of the celestial bodies being struck and darkened, serving as a warning trumpet before further judgments.