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A discussion on whether Paul used a crude or offensive word in Philippians 3:8, based on its meaning and usage in Greek and Septuagint. See different opinions and arguments from biblical scholars and laypeople.
- Using a Greek Lexicon, I was able to find that this same word is used in the Septuagint (LXX). This passage makes it seem that it is not offensive...
- I do not think that obscenities/profanities can be pigeon-holed. There is no point in figuring out if σκύβαλον is an obscenity. From one era the N...
- Theologian and author Michael J. Svigel, whom contributor Swasheck provided a hyperlink to (in a comment beneath OP's question), said it well: "We...
- Range of Meaning
- Related Terms3
- Summary
- Authorial Usage
- Conclusion
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This word is used primarily for excrement, especially human excrement; secondarily for rubbish, dirt, leavings, etc. It is a NT hapax legomenon (Phil 3:8).
Words from the σκυβαλ- root:
1. σκυβαλίζειν: to regard as dung, to treat contemptuously (D.H. Orat.Vett1) 2. σκυβαλεύειν (a derivative from σκυβαλίζειν): to regard as dung, to treat contemptuously (Schol. on Luc. Nec. 17) 3. σκυβαλικός: scorned, filthy (Timocr. 1.6) 4. σκυβαλώδης: waste, dung-like (Anon. Londinensis 29.39) 5. σκυβαλισμός: contemptuous rejection; table crumbs (Polyb. 30.19.12; Ps.-Phocyclides 156)
Terms not from the σκυβαλ- root:
1. κοπρός: excrement, manure—especially as used in animal husbandry (i.e., not as a vulgar term) (Od. 9.329; Hdt. 3.22; Thphr. HP2.7.4) 2. σκῶρ: dung, excrement (Ar. Ra. 146; Stratt. 9) 3. περίττωμα,περίσσωμα: excrement—apparently used as a medical term in particular (Arist. GA 724b26, HA 511b9; Epicur. Fr. 293; Meno Iatr. 4.35) 4. χέζω: to empty one’s bowels, to ease oneself (Stratt. 51; Id. Ach. 1170)
That σκύβαλον took on the nuance of a vulgar expression with emotive connotations (thus, roughly equivalent to the English “crap, s**t”) is probable in light of the following considerations: (1) its paucity of usage in Greek literature (“Only with hesitation does literature seem to have adopted it from popular speech” says Lang in TDNT 7:445);4 (2)...
The usage of this term in Phil 3:8has been taken in two different ways (each with two variations of their own): 1. (Human) excrement a. dung (without strong shock value) b. crap, s**t (with strong shock value) 2. non-excrement a. rubbish, refuse b. table scraps, leavings Some scholars feel that σκύβαλον in Phil 3:8 means “table scraps,” pointing to...
In Phil 3:8, the best translation of σκύβαλαseems clearly to be from the first group of definitions. The term conveys both revulsion and worthlessness in this context. In hellenistic Greek it seems to stand somewhere between “crap” and “s**t.” However, due to English sensibilities, and considering the readership (Christians), a softer term such as ...
Σκύβαλον is a neuter noun that means dung, rubbish, or dirt, and is used only once in the New Testament (Phil 3:8). Paul uses it to express his contempt for his former life without Christ, but also to show his love for Christ and his suffering for him.
May 3, 2018 · First, the descriptive precision of the genre means that the referent of the lexeme is explicitly clear. Secondly, they demonstrate the fundamental issue with the use of an English lexeme obscenity sh*t as a translational gloss for σκύβαλον. The English obscenity simply is not used in this type of clinical context.
Skubalon is a Greek word that means refuse, dregs, dung, or anything worthless and detestable. It is used only in Philippians 3:8 to describe what is good for nothing except to be discarded.
Discover the original meaning of Skubalon in the NAS Bible using the New Testament Greek Lexicon - King James Version. Learn the audio pronunciation, word origin and usage in the Bible, plus scripture verse references of Skubalon.
Apr 20, 2011 · The web page discusses the meaning and usage of the Greek word skubalon, which can mean dung or rubbish, in Philippians 3:8. It argues that Paul did not use profanity or contradict his own standards of holy living and speech.
Oct 1, 2015 · In Philippians 3:8, the apostle Paul compares his religious credentials to knowing Jesus. The difference could hardly be more emphatic: “knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” is of “surpassing value,” but Paul’s past success is like σκύβαλα (skubala). σκύβαλα is commonly translated as rubbish, refuse, o...
