σκάπτω
skáptō
G4626 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to dig, excavate the ground, open or hollow out earth by removing soil, typically by means of a tool; more broadly, to make a hole or trench in the ground, either for agricultural, constructional, or burial purposes. In some contexts, also to delve or labor in manual work involving earth disruption.
Semantic Range
to dig, to excavate earth, to make a hole or trench, to labor in digging, to clear land, to open the ground, to prepare for planting or construction
Root / Etymology
The word σκάπτω is a primary Greek verb. It is of ancient Indo-European origin, possibly related to the root *skab-, meaning 'to scrape' or 'to cut.' It is cognate with the Latin 'scabo' (to scratch) and the English 'scab.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
σκάπτω is found in classical Greek literature, including Homer, where it refers straightforwardly to the act of digging or excavating—most often using hands, spades, or similar implements. In the broader Greek world, the term designated agricultural labor (digging land for planting), grave digging, or the creation of foundations for buildings. In Koine Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., Luke 6:48; 13:8), it retains this basic sense and refers mainly to agricultural or construction-related activities. The Septuagint also uses the term for similar practical activities. Unlike related verbs such as ὀρύσσω (to dig, often with the nuance of burrowing or mining), σκάπτω generally connotes manual human labor rather than animal activity or large-scale excavation. English translations usually render it as 'dig,' which largely captures the sense, though the wider nuances of labor, agriculture, and construction are sometimes implicit in Greek contexts. No known metaphorical senses are present in standard Koine usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary verb; to dig:--dig.
Root Family
σκάπτω (skáptō) — to dig, to excavate, to hollow out
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4626-03 |
σκάπτειν | skaptein | V PRS ACT INF |
to dig | to be digging | to dig | 1 |
G4626-01 |
ἔσκαψεν | eskapsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
dug | he dug | he dug | 1 |
G4626-02 |
σκάψω | skapso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
I dig | I may dig | I may dig | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4626-01 |
Luke 6:48 | ἔσκαψεν | eskapsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
dug | he dug | he dug |
G4626-02 |
Luke 13:8 | σκάψω | skapso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
I dig | I may dig | I may dig |
G4626-03 |
Luke 16:3 | σκάπτειν | skaptein | V PRS ACT INF |
to dig | to be digging | to dig |