Strong's Lexicon skolops: Thorn, stake Original Word: σκόλοψ Word Origin: Derived from a primary root meaning "to pierce." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "skolops," the concept of a thorn or a source of irritation can be related to Hebrew words like "קוץ" (qots), meaning "thorn" or "brier," as seen in passages like Genesis 3:18 and Hosea 10:8. Usage: The term "skolops" is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe a persistent problem or affliction. It conveys the idea of something sharp and painful, akin to a thorn or a stake, that causes continuous discomfort or distress. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, a "skolops" could refer to a physical thorn or a pointed stake used in various contexts, such as in agriculture or warfare. Metaphorically, it was used to describe any source of persistent irritation or suffering. In the context of the New Testament, it reflects the common understanding of enduring hardship or a burden that one must bear. HELPS Word-studies 4647 skólops – properly, anything with a sharp point, a thorn; (figuratively) an instrument producing pain, discomfort (acute irritation), used only in 2 Cor 12:7. [4647 (skólops) refers to a thorn (sharp splinter) or even a pointed stake; in Hellenistic vernacular, a thorn (Abbott-Smith). 4647 (skólops) typically means "thorn" in the LXX (WP).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition anything pointed, spec. a stake, thorn NASB Translation thorn (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4647: σκόλοψσκόλοψ, σκολοπος, ὁ, from Homer down, a pointed piece of wood, a pale, a stake: ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, a sharp stake (others say splinter, A. V. thorn; cf. Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24; Hosea 2:6 (8); Babrius fab. 122, 1. 10; others (Sir. 43:19)), to pierce my flesh, appears to indicate some constant bodily ailment or infirmity, which, even when Paul had been caught up in a trance to the third heaven, sternly admonished him that he still dwelt in a frail and mortal body, 2 Corinthians 12:7 (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4); (cf. Winers Grammar, § 31, 10 N. 3; Buttmann, § 133, 27. On Paul's thorn in the flesh see Farrar, St. Paul, i. 652ff (Excursus x.); Lightfoot's Commentary on Galatians, p. 186ff; Schaff in his 'Popular Commentary' on Galatians, p. 331f.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thorn. Perhaps from the base of skelos and optanomai; withered at the front, i.e. A point or prickle (figuratively, a bodily annoyance or disability) -- thorn. see GREEK skelos see GREEK optanomai Forms and Transliterations σκόλοπες σκολοψ σκόλοψ σκόλοψι σκόπελος skolops skólopsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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