Jump to: Smith's • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "Scythian" appears in the New Testament, specifically in Colossians 3:11, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" (Berean Standard Bible). In this context, Paul emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social distinctions.Historical Background The Scythians were a group of ancient nomadic tribes known for their skills in horseback riding and warfare. They inhabited the region known as Scythia, which extended across parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including areas north of the Black Sea. The Scythians were known for their fierce and warlike nature, often being described by Greek historians such as Herodotus. They were considered barbarians by the Greeks and Romans due to their nomadic lifestyle and differing customs. Cultural and Social Context In the Greco-Roman world, the term "Scythian" was often used to denote a person who was considered uncivilized or barbaric. This perception was largely due to the Scythians' nomadic lifestyle, which contrasted sharply with the settled, urban cultures of Greece and Rome. The Scythians were also known for their distinctive art, which often featured animal motifs and intricate designs, reflecting their connection to nature and the steppe environment they inhabited. Biblical Significance In Colossians 3:11, the mention of the Scythians serves to highlight the radical inclusivity of the Gospel message. By including Scythians in his list, Paul underscores that even those considered the most barbaric or outside the bounds of civilized society are welcomed into the body of Christ. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel to break down barriers and create a new community where all are equal before God. Theological Implications The inclusion of Scythians in Paul's epistle to the Colossians carries significant theological implications. It illustrates the universality of the Christian message and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers through the work of Christ. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for all nations and peoples, as seen in passages such as Galatians 3:28, which states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . Conclusion The reference to Scythians in the New Testament serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusivity and unity found in Christ. It challenges believers to transcend cultural prejudices and embrace the diverse body of Christ, reflecting the kingdom of God where all are valued and loved. Smith's Bible Dictionary Scythianoccurs in (Colossians 3:11) as a generalized term for rude, ignorant, degraded. The name often included all the nomadic tribes, who dwelt mostly on the north of the Black and the Caspian Sea, stretching thence indefinitely into inner Asia, and were regarded by the ancients as standing extremely low In point of intelligence and civilization. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Scythians consisted of "all the pastoral tribes who dwelt to the north of the Black Sea and the Caspian, and were scattered far away toward the east. Of this vast country but little was anciently known. Its modern representative is Russia, which, to a great extent, includes the same territories." They were the descendants of Japheth (Genesis 9:27). It appears that in apostolic times there were some of this people that embraced Christianity (Colossians 3:11). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to Scythia (a name given to the northern part Of Asia, and Europe adjoining to Asia), or its language or inhabitants.2. (n.) A native or inhabitant of Scythia; specifically (Ethnol.), one of a Slavonic race which in early times occupied Eastern Europe. 3. (n.) The language of the Scythians. Greek 4658. Skuthes -- a Scythian, an inhabitant of Scythia (considered ... ... a Scythian, an inhabitant of Scythia (considered the wildest of barbarians). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Skuthes Phonetic Spelling: (skoo ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4658.htm - 6k Library Of Isaac the Monk of Constantinople and Bretanio the Scythian ... Appendix I. Manes, the Founder of the Manich??an Heresy, and on his Origin. The Retreat from Scythia. Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. ) That the Inventors of Other Arts were Mostly Barbarians. The Life of Cassian. The First Point which Celsus Brings Forward, in his Desire to ... He Thus Proceeds to a Magnificent Discourse of the Interpretation ... Against Men who Embellish Themselves. Thesaurus Scythian (1 Occurrence)... Eastern Europe. 3. (n.) The language of the Scythians. Multi-Version Concordance Scythian (1 Occurrence). Colossians 3:11 where there ... /s/scythian.htm - 7k Magog (5 Occurrences) Barbarian (2 Occurrences) Scyth'ian (1 Occurrence) Scurvy (3 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) Freeman (9 Occurrences) Foreigner (99 Occurrences) Togarmah (4 Occurrences) Renewal (6 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about ethnocentrism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Paul say the gospel brings salvation to the Jew first and then the Gentile? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view apartheid? | GotQuestions.org Scythian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scythian (1 Occurrence)Colossians 3:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |