σκῦλον (skulon)
skulon
plunder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun skulon refers to the spoils taken from an enemy, specifically the arms and valuables stripped off after a conflict. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 11:22, where Jesus describes a stronger man overpowering a fully armed guard and carrying away his σκῦλα.
Its root meaning connects to stripping or taking what belongs to another, mirroring the Hebrew word שָׁלָל found frequently in the Septuagint. While it can technically mean an animal’s skin or pelt, the biblical usage focuses on the tangible goods seized in war. The image is one of total defeat: the weaker party loses everything they had to defend themselves.
This single occurrence carries significant theological weight. By using this term for military plunder, Jesus illustrates a spiritual reality where no neutral ground exists. One cannot remain untouched by the conflict between God’s kingdom and Satan’s forces; if the stronger one wins, he takes all the spoils.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skulon describes the spoils taken by a victor, specifically the weapons and valuables stripped from a defeated enemy. In Luke 11:22, Jesus uses this vivid military image to explain the spiritual battle between good and evil. He tells us that when a stronger man attacks a fully armed guard, he takes away his armor and divides the plunder. This is not just a story about war; it is a picture of authority.
For your faith, this means there is no neutral ground in the conflict between God’s kingdom and the forces of darkness. Jesus presents Himself as that stronger man who has overcome the enemy. Because He has won, the power that once held us captive is stripped away. We do not need to fear the strength of our struggles, for the One who holds all authority has already secured the victory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- plunder1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκῦλα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 11:22
But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his plunder.
This verse uses the word to show that Jesus, as the stronger one, strips Satan of his weapons and takes possession of what was previously held captive.