σκωληκόβρωτος (skōlēkobrōtos)
skōlēkobrōtos
worm-eated
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare adjective skōlēkobrōtos literally means "eaten by worms." It appears only once in the New Testament, describing King Herod Agrippa I in Acts 12:23. The text states that he was struck down because he did not give glory to God, and angels sent an affliction that caused him to be consumed by this condition.
The word combines skōlēx ("worm") and a root related to eating or devouring. This specific term highlights the physical horror of his death, suggesting a gruesome decomposition rather than a simple illness. It serves as a stark narrative detail in Acts, illustrating divine judgment through a visceral, bodily consequence that leaves no ambiguity about the severity of the event.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skōlēkobrōtos describes a state of being consumed by worms, appearing only once in Scripture to record the death of King Herod Agrippa I. This rare term paints a vivid picture of physical decay and divine judgment, reminding us that human power is fragile when it stands against God's glory.
For your faith, this passage offers a sobering reflection on humility. It shows how quickly earthly status can vanish when pride replaces reverence for the Creator. Rather than fearing such an end, we are invited to trust in God’s justice and mercy, knowing that our lives are held securely in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- eaten by worms1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκωληκόβρωτος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:23
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory. Then he was eaten by worms and died.
This verse uses the unique term skōlēkobrōtos to describe Herod's physical demise, linking his failure to honor God directly with a gruesome bodily consequence.