Lexical Summary kataskopos: Spy, Scout Original Word: κατάσκοπος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spy. From kata (intensive) and skopos (in the sense of a watcher); a reconnoiterer -- spy. see GREEK kata see GREEK skopos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from kataskopeó Definition a spy NASB Translation spies (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2685: κατάσκοποςκατάσκοπος, κατασκοπου, ὁ (κατασκέπτομαι (equivalent to κατασκοπέω)), an inspector, a spy: Hebrews 11:31. (Genesis 42:9, 11; 1 Samuel 26:4; 1 Macc. 12:26; in secular authors from Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Context Strong’s Greek 2685 refers to a “spy” or “scout,” one who enters foreign territory covertly to gather information. The single New Testament occurrence, Hebrews 11:31, recalls the two Israelite spies who entered Jericho before its conquest (Joshua 2). Old Testament Background of Spies Spying is attested early in Israel’s history. Moses sent twelve men to reconnoiter Canaan (Numbers 13–14). Joshua dispatched two men ahead of the army into Jericho (Joshua 2). Later, David used emissaries to observe enemy movements (2 Samuel 10:3; 2 Samuel 15:10). The practice was a normal military necessity, yet Scripture highlights spiritual lessons drawn from these missions—especially the contrast between faithful and faithless reports (Numbers 14:7-10 versus Numbers 14:36-38). Rahab and the Spies at Jericho Joshua 2 narrates how Rahab sheltered the spies, affirming, “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below” (Joshua 2:11). Her allegiance to Israel’s God placed her under covenant mercy, resulting in deliverance when Jericho fell (Joshua 6:22-25). Hebrews 11:31 elevates her act as a model of faith: “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient”. James 2:25 underscores the same event to illustrate living faith evidenced by works. New Testament Usage The noun appears only in Hebrews 11:31, but its cognate verb describes hostile infiltration: “some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy out our freedom in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 2:4). The contrast is striking—one spying mission advanced God’s redemptive plan; the other threatened gospel liberty. Scripture therefore distinguishes between righteous reconnaissance furthering covenant purposes and malicious observation aimed at subversion. Theological Themes 1. Providence: God sovereignly employs hidden agents to accomplish His saving purposes (Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31). Practical Ministry Applications • Missions Strategy: Just as spies assessed Jericho to pave the way for Israel’s advance, modern mission work often involves cultural “intel”—learning language, customs, and spiritual strongholds before overt engagement. Related Scriptures to Explore Numbers 13:17-20; Numbers 14:30-38 Forms and Transliterations κατάσκοποι κατάσκοποί κατασκοπους κατασκόπους κατεσμικρύνθην kataskopous kataskópousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |