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σκολιός

skoliós

G4646 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily, 'bent, curved, twisted'—of something not straight in shape or form. By extension, used metaphorically to describe what is morally or ethically crooked, perverse, or dishonest. In figurative contexts, indicates deviation from a standard or upright path, often implying injustice or moral corruption.

Semantic Range

bent, twisted, physically crooked, winding, not straight; figuratively: morally crooked, perverse, corrupt, unjust, deceitful, froward

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root σκολ-; related to σκέλος ('leg'), but direct derivation is debated. The sense of twisting or bending is evident in cognate adjectives; basic meaning likely reflects physical curvature, later applied metaphorically to conduct.

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in classical Greek (e.g., Homer, Hesiod), σκολιός referred to something physically crooked—bent roads, a twisted limb. In later periods, especially Hellenistic and Koine, it assumed strong metaphorical overtones, describing those whose behavior or speech departs from straightness or uprightness (e.g., dishonest officials, deceitful practices, corrupt generations). In the Septuagint, σκολιός is often used to render Hebrew עָקֵשׁ (aqesh, 'crooked' or 'perverse'), especially to characterize moral failure or deviation from covenantal standards. In the New Testament (e.g., Philippians 2:15), σκολιός similarly describes a morally corrupt or perverse generation. English translations often render σκολιός as 'crooked' or 'perverse,' but the breadth of the term spans from physical irregularity to profound ethical deviation. The contrast is frequently with terms like εὐθύς ('straight, upright') in both literal and figurative senses.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of σκέλος; warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse:--crooked, froward, untoward.

Root Family

σκολιός (skolios) — bent, twisted, curved, crooked

Root σκολ- to bend, to twist, to curve

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4646-02 σκολιᾶς skolias ADJ.R GEN F SG crooked of a crooked (feminine singular) crooked 2
G4646-01 σκολιὰ skolia ADJ.S NOM N PL crooked crooked things crooked things 1
G4646-03 σκολιοῖς skoliois ADJ.S DAT M PL unreasonable to crooked ones crooked ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4646-01 Luke 3:5 σκολιὰ skolia ADJ.S NOM N PL crooked crooked things crooked things
G4646-02 Acts 2:40 σκολιᾶς skolias ADJ.R GEN F SG perverse of a crooked (feminine singular) crooked
G4646-02 Philippians 2:15 σκολιᾶς skolias ADJ.A GEN F SG crooked of a crooked (feminine singular) of a crooked
G4646-03 1 Peter 2:18 σκολιοῖς skoliois ADJ.S DAT M PL unreasonable to crooked ones crooked ones
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