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σπίλος

spílos

G4696 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A physical stain, spot, or blemish; by extension, a moral or figurative defect, imperfection, or source of disgrace. In literal usage, refers to marks or stains that mar physical purity; metaphorically, to moral faults or unworthy characteristics that compromise purity, integrity, or reputation.

Semantic Range

physical stain, spot, blemish; figurative defect, moral flaw, source of disgrace

Root / Etymology

Root/Etymology: Etymology uncertain; possibly related to classical Greek σπῖλος (a stain or spot), though the root is not securely attested, and may be pre-Greek or an onomatopoeic formation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

σπίλος is a rare word in Koine Greek, found in the New Testament in Jude 1:12 and 2 Peter 2:13, where it is used metaphorically for people (or behaviors) that function as moral blemishes or corrupting influences within a group. In both passages, it conveys the idea of something that mars completeness, moral integrity, or purity, particularly in communal or ritual contexts. The term is sparingly attested in classical sources but appears alongside the related term μόμος, which also means 'blemish' but is more frequently used for both physical and moral flaws. In later translation traditions, σπίλος was commonly rendered as 'spot' or 'stain,' but these English terms do not always capture its figurative force, which emphasizes a negative quality that disrupts the coherence or sanctity of a collective or individual. The word does not specify the precise origin or nature of the flaw, only that it is disfiguring or dishonorable by its presence. In the context of Judean communal meals (e.g., Jude 1:12), it refers to corrupting individuals within the group. The rarity of the term in wider Greek literature suggests that its New Testament usage may be influenced by Jewish purity language or specific communal concerns of the early assemblies.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a stain or blemish, i.e. (figuratively) defect, disgrace:--spot.

Root Family

σπίλος (spílos) — stain, spot, blemish, defect, disgrace

Root σπιλ- to stain, to blemish, to mark

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4696-01 σπίλοι spiloi N NOM M PL spots stains stains 1
G4696-02 σπίλον spilon N ACC M SG spot a blemish a blemish 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4696-02 Ephesians 5:27 σπίλον spilon N ACC M SG spot a blemish a blemish
G4696-01 2 Peter 2:13 σπίλοι spiloi N NOM M PL spots stains stains
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