σκοτίζω

I darken

Definition

The verb σκοτίζω means 'to darken' or 'to obscure,' describing both literal and metaphorical darkness. In its literal sense, it refers to the darkening of celestial bodies, as when the sun and moon are darkened in the apocalyptic signs described in Matthew 24:29 and Mark 13:24. Metaphorically, it signifies spiritual or intellectual darkness, such as the darkening of the mind or heart. This is seen in Romans 1:21, where human reasoning becomes futile and darkened, and in Ephesians 4:18, where people are alienated from God due to the ignorance and hardness of their hearts.

Biblical Usage

This word is used eight times in the New Testament across Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. It appears in apocalyptic contexts describing cosmic disturbances (Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, Revelation 8:12, Revelation 9:2) and in theological discussions about human sin and judgment. In Romans 1:21 and 11:10, and Ephesians 4:18, it describes the spiritual condition of people whose understanding or perception is darkened. A unique literal usage is found in Luke 23:45, where the sun is darkened during the crucifixion.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek noun σκότος (skotos, G4655), meaning 'darkness.' The verb form σκοτίζω literally means 'to make dark' or 'to cover in darkness.' It shares this root with other darkness-related words in the New Testament, emphasizing the concept of absence of light, both physically and spiritually.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects physical darkness in creation with the spiritual darkness of the human condition. It illustrates the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, which result in a darkened understanding (Ephesians 4:18, Romans 1:21) and divine judgment (Romans 11:10). The darkening of the sun at the crucifixion (Luke 23:45) and in end-times prophecies (Matthew 24:29) also ties the concept to pivotal moments of redemption and judgment, enriching the biblical theme of light versus darkness.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, darkness was often associated with chaos, evil, and the unknown. The darkening of the sun or moon was viewed as a dire omen or a sign of divine displeasure, a perspective reflected in the biblical apocalyptic passages. The metaphorical use of darkness for ignorance or moral corruption was also common in philosophical and religious texts, aligning with the New Testament's portrayal of spiritual blindness.

σκότος (skotos, G4655) — The noun for 'darkness,' the state itself, whereas σκοτίζω is the action of causing darkness. σκοτεινός (skoteinos, G4652) — An adjective meaning 'dark' or 'full of darkness,' describing a quality. σκοτόω (skotoō, G4656) — A less common synonym also meaning 'to darken' or 'to blind.'

Word Details

Scripture References