Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 2821: חָשַׁךְ (chashak) • to be or grow dark, to darken.
• Strong's Hebrew 6205: עָרַף (arap) • to be dark, to grow dark.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the concept of darkness, both in a physical and metaphorical sense, and are used in the Old Testament to describe the absence of light or understanding.

Usage: The verb σκοτίζω is used in the New Testament to describe both physical and metaphorical darkening. It can refer to the literal darkening of the sky or the spiritual and moral darkening of the heart and mind.

Context: The Greek verb σκοτίζω appears in several New Testament passages, often conveying a sense of spiritual or moral obscurity. It is used to describe the condition of those who are unable to perceive or understand divine truth due to their spiritual blindness or hardness of heart.

In Romans 1:21 (BSB), Paul writes, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." Here, σκοτίζω is used metaphorically to describe the darkening of the heart, indicating a loss of spiritual insight and understanding due to sin and rebellion against God.

Another significant usage is found in Ephesians 4:18 (BSB), where Paul speaks of the Gentiles: "They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts." This passage highlights the spiritual alienation and lack of understanding that results from a hardened heart, using σκοτίζω to emphasize the obscured perception of divine truth.

The verb also appears in the context of eschatological events, as in Revelation 16:10 (BSB), where the fifth angel pours out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and "his kingdom was plunged into darkness." Here, σκοτίζω is used in a more literal sense, describing the physical darkening associated with divine judgment.

Overall, σκοτίζω serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual blindness and moral confusion that can result from turning away from God. It underscores the biblical theme that true enlightenment and understanding come from a relationship with God, while separation from Him leads to darkness.