Original Word: σκορπίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: skorpizó
Pronunciation: skor-PEE-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (skor-pid'-zo)
Definition: To scatter, to disperse
Meaning: I disperse, scatter abroad (as of sheep); I dissipate, waste; I distribute alms.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word σκορπίος (skorpios), meaning "scorpion," which metaphorically implies scattering or dispersing.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is פּוּץ (poots), Strong's Hebrew #6327, which also means to scatter or disperse.

Usage: The verb "skorpizó" primarily means to scatter or disperse, often used in the context of spreading or dispersing objects, people, or ideas. In the New Testament, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe the act of scattering, as in the scattering of sheep or the dispersion of people.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient agrarian societies, the concept of scattering was well understood in the context of sowing seeds. However, "skorpizó" often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of unity or cohesion, akin to the scattering of sheep without a shepherd. This imagery would resonate with a first-century audience familiar with pastoral life and the importance of community and guidance.

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
to scatter
NASB Translation
scattered (2), scatters (3).

STRONGS NT 4650: σκορπίζω

σκορπίζω; 1 aorist ἐσκορπισα; 1 aorist passive ἐσκορπίσθην; ((probably from the root, skarp, 'to cut asunder,' 'cut to pieces'; akin is σκορπίος; cf. Latinscalpere, scrobs, etc.; Fick 1:240; 3:811, etc.)); to scatter: ὁ λύκος σκορπίζει τά πρόβατα, John 10:12; ὁ μήν συνάγων μετ' ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει, Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23 (this proverb is taken from a flock — to which the body of Christ's followers is likened (others regard the proverb as borrowed from agriculture); συνάγει τούς ἐσκορπισμενους τό ὄργανον (i. e. a trumpet), Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 1, 56 at the beginning); τινα, in the passive, of those who, routed or terror stricken or driven by some other impulse, fly in every direction: followed by εἰς with the accusative of place, John 16:32 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 516 (481)) (1 Macc. 6:54; φοβηθέντες ἐκορπισθησαν, Plutarch, Timol. 4; add, Josephus, Antiquities 6, 6, 3). equivalent to to scatter abroad (what others may collect for themselves), of one dispensing blessings liberally: 2 Corinthians 9:9 from Psalm 111:9 () (cf. Winers Grammar, 469 (437)). (According to Phrynichus the word was used by Hecataeus; it was also used — in addition to the writings already cited — by Strabo 4, p. 198; Lucian, asin. 32; Aelian v. h. 13, 45 (here διεσκορπίζω (edited by Hercher); λόγους (cf. Latinspargere rumores), Josephus, Antiquities 16, 1, 2); cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 218; (Winers Grammar, 22; 92 (87)); the Sept. for הֵפִיץ, 2 Samuel 22:15; Psalm 17:15 (). Attic writers say σκεδάννυμι.) (Compare: διασκορπίζομαι.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

scatter, disperse abroad

Apparently from the same as skorpios (through the idea of penetrating); to dissipate, i.e. (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal -- disperse abroad, scatter (abroad).

see GREEK skorpios

Forms and Transliterations

Εσκορπισεν εσκόρπισεν Ἐσκόρπισεν εσκορπισμένον σκορπιεί σκορπιείς σκορπιζει σκορπίζει σκορπιζόμεθα σκορπισθητε σκορπισθήτε σκορπισθῆτε σκορπιώ Eskorpisen Eskórpisen skorpisthete skorpisthête skorpisthēte skorpisthē̂te skorpizei skorpízei

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