A scatter-brained approach to the sting of a scorpion

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [kjv]

ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει [gnt]

In Greek, the words for "scorpion" and "scatter" are related.

The ancient Greek word "σκορπίος" ≈ "scorpion" and is the source of the English word "scorpion".

It is unclear as to which word came from which, but both are used in the LXX (Septuagint) and GNT (Greek New Testament). Certainly scorpions would cause a group to scatter or move away from them.

The word for "gather" is that of a "gathering" or "synagogue" which is a Greek word and not a Hebrew word.

The ancient Greek word "συναγωγή" ≈ "gathering".

A scatter plot is used to display data to help visualize the distribution of the data.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [kjv]

ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει [gnt]

Matthew 12:30

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KJV: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Greek: ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει

Latin: qui non est mecum contra me est et qui non congregat mecum spargit

Wycliffe: He that is not with me, is ayens me; and he that gaderith not togidere with me, scaterith abrood.

Luther: Wer nicht mit mir ist, der ist wider mich, und wer nicht mit mir sammelt, der zerstreuet.

Spanish: El que no es conmigo, contra mí es; y el que conmigo no recoge, desparrama.

Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [kjv]

επεινασα γαρ και εδωκατε μοι φαγειν εδιψησα και εποτισατε με ξενος ημην και συνηγαγετε με [gnt]

The "gathering" is to be contrasted with "scattering".

More: Matthew 25:38 Taking someone into a synagogue

The Greek word for "gathering" used here is the same word used for "took me in" in the parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25.

More: Matthew 25:31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats

Matthew 25:35

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KJV: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Greek: επεινασα γαρ και εδωκατε μοι φαγειν εδιψησα και εποτισατε με ξενος ημην και συνηγαγετε με

Let us return to "scatter".

*G4650 *5 σκορπίζω (skor-pid'-zo) : apparently from the same as G4651 σκορπίος (through the idea of penetrating); to dissipate, i.e. (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal:--disperse abroad, scatter (abroad).

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σκορπιζει *3

Matthew 12:30 ... not with me scattereth abroad.
Luke 11:23 ... not with me scattereth.
John 10:12 ... catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

σκορπισθητε

John 16:32 ... now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, ...

εσκορπισεν

2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his ...

*G4651 *5 σκορπίος (skor-pee'-os) : probably from an obsolete skerpo (perhaps strengthened from the base of G4649 and meaning to pierce); a "scorpion" (from its sting):--scorpion.

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σκορπιων

Luke 10:19 ... on serpents and scorpions, and over all ...

σκορπιον

Luke 11:12 ... an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

σκορπιοι

Revelation 9:3 ... was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

σκορπιου

Revelation 9:5 ... torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

σκορπιοις

Revelation 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings ...

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. [kjv]

ιδου δεδωκα υμιν την εξουσιαν του πατειν επανω οφεων και σκορπιων και επι πασαν την δυναμιν του εχθρου και ουδεν υμας ου μη αδικησει [gnt]

Are these actual "scorpions"? People have died thinking that this "dreaded" verse would protect them.

The first "power" is that of "lack of restraint".
The second "power" is that of "potentiality".

The word translated as "hurt" is the ancient Greek word "ἀδικοῦσιν" ≈ "in the wrong, do one wrong" and is from "ἀδικέω" ≈ "be in the wrong, do one wrong" which is from "ἀδικος" ≈ "wrong, unjust" and is related to the Greek word for "righteousness". The "not hurt you" appears to be that of "not deceive you".

Do false teachers or "snakes" inflict "pain" or "hurt"? Do false teachers "do wrong" that, like the sting of a "scorpion", may not be noticed immediately.

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. [kjv]

10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. [kjv]

10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. [kjv]

ιδου δεδωκα υμιν την εξουσιαν του πατειν επανω οφεων και σκορπιων και επι πασαν την δυναμιν του εχθρου και ουδεν υμας ου μη αδικησει [gnt]

10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. [kjv]

Remember that Luke reports what people remembered.

Luke 10:17

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KJV: And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Greek: υπεστρεψαν δε οι εβδομηκοντα δυο μετα χαρας λεγοντες κυριε και τα δαιμονια υποτασσεται ημιν εν τω ονοματι σου

Luke 10:18

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KJV: And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Greek: ειπεν δε αυτοις εθεωρουν τον σαταναν ως αστραπην εκ του ουρανου πεσοντα

Luke 10:19

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KJV: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Greek: ιδου διδωμι δεδωκα υμιν την εξουσιαν του πατειν επανω οφεων και σκορπιων και επι πασαν την δυναμιν του εχθρου και ουδεν υμας ου μη αδικηση αδικησει

Luke 10:20

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KJV: Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Greek: πλην εν τουτω μη χαιρετε οτι τα πνευματα υμιν υποτασσεται χαιρετε δε μαλλον οτι τα ονοματα υμων εγραφη εγγεγραπται εν τοις ουρανοις

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. [kjv]

τοτε ο ιησους ανηχθη εις την ερημον υπο του πνευματος πειρασθηναι υπο του διαβολου [gnt]

6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: … [kjv]

και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

Paraphrase: Do not be deceived by ideas/beliefs that you already think you understand. Help us move/flow from being oppressed by others or oppressing others or oppressing ourselves with toils (based on those deceptions).

Avoid confirmation bias (deciding what it says before investigation).
Ask deep questions.
Do fundamental research on meanings and ideas.
When there are differences, which makes more sense?

More: Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? [kjv]

η και αιτησει ωον επιδωσει αυτω σκορπιον [gnt]

Luke 11:12

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KJV: Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

Greek: η και εαν αιτηση αιτησει ωον μη επιδωσει αυτω σκορπιον

The San Antonio Scorpions are a professional soccer team.

The element of (horrified and painful) surprise can be associated with the sting of a scorpion.

The Scottsdale Scorpions are a minor league baseball team based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In Arizona, scorpions are common. Real scorpions, not just the baseball team.

1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [kjv]

που σου θανατε το νικος που σου θανατε το κεντρον [gnt]

The sting of the scorpion might be compared to the "sting of death" referred to by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55-56.
When stung by a scorpion, the pain does not happen immediately but is somewhat delayed. Thus the element of delayed surprise. This may be intended in places where there is an after-the-fact wailing and gnashing of teeth.

1 Corinthians 15:55

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KJV: O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Greek: που σου θανατε το κεντρον νικος που σου αδη θανατε το νικος κεντρον

1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [kjv]

το δε κεντρον του θανατου η αμαρτια η δε δυναμις της αμαρτιας ο νομος [gnt]

1 Corinthians 15:56

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KJV: The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Greek: το δε κεντρον του θανατου η αμαρτια η δε δυναμις της αμαρτιας ο νομος

The Greek word used by Paul for "sting" is used in Revelation 9 as the sting of a "scorpion".

Consider the following verse. What might the "scorpions of the earth" be?

literal meaning - scorpion insect
figurative meaning - weapons system (e.g., attack helicopters)

Revelation 9:3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. [kjv]

και εκ του καπνου εξηλθον ακριδες εις την γην και εδοθη αυταις εξουσια ως εχουσιν εξουσιαν οι σκορπιοι της γης [gnt]

Revelation 9:3

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KJV: And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Greek: και εκ του καπνου εξηλθον ακριδες εις την γην και εδοθη αυταις εξουσια ως εχουσιν εξουσιαν οι σκορπιοι της γης

It is not clear what as to what the "locusts of the earth" refer.

literal meaning - locust insect
figurative meaning - biological attack

In general:

Locusts (in large numbers) cause famine.
Scorpions cause pain.

Revelation 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. [kjv]

και εχουσιν ουρας ομοιας σκορπιοις και κεντρα και εν ταις ουραις αυτων η εξουσια αυτων αδικησαι τους ανθρωπους μηνας πεντε [gnt]

Revelation 9:10

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KJV: And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

Greek: και εχουσιν ουρας ομοιας σκορπιοις και κεντρα ην και εν ταις ουραις αυτων και η εξουσια αυτων αδικησαι τους ανθρωπους μηνας πεντε

*G91 *27 ἀδικέω (ad-ee-keh'-o) : from G94; to be unjust, i.e. (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically):--hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust, (do, suffer, take) wrong.

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αδικησαι *4

Revelation 7:2 ... angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Revelation 9:10 ... their power was to hurt men five months.
Revelation 11:5 ... any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he ...

αδικων *3

Acts 7:27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him ...
Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is ...
Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, ...

αδικω *2

Matthew 20:13 ... and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not ...
Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing ...

αδικειτε *2

Acts 7:26 ... are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
1 Corinthians 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and ...

ηδικησεν *2

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is ...
Philemon 1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, ...

αδικησει

Luke 10:19 ... and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

αδικουμενον

Acts 7:24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged ...

ηδικηκα

Acts 25:10 ... to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou ...

αδικεισθε

1 Corinthians 6:7 ... another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye ...

ηδικησαμεν

2 Corinthians 7:2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, ...

αδικησαντος

2 Corinthians 7:12 ... for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our ...

αδικηθεντος

2 Corinthians 7:12 ... for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our ...

ηδικησατε

Galatians 4:12 ... am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

αδικηθη

Revelation 2:11 ... unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

αδικησης

Revelation 6:6 ... of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

αδικησητε

Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, ...

αδικησουσιν

Revelation 9:4 ... them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, ...

αδικουσιν

Revelation 9:19 ... and with them they do hurt.

αδικησατω

Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, ...

Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. [kjv]

ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει [gnt]

Luke 11:23

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KJV: He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Greek: ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει

John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. [kjv]

ο μισθωτος και ουκ ων ποιμην ου ουκ εστιν τα προβατα ιδια θεωρει τον λυκον ερχομενον και αφιησιν τα προβατα και φευγει και ο λυκος αρπαζει αυτα και σκορπιζει [gnt]

John 10:12

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KJV: But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Greek: ο μισθωτος δε και ουκ ων ποιμην ου ουκ εισιν εστιν τα προβατα ιδια θεωρει τον λυκον ερχομενον και αφιησιν τα προβατα και φευγει και ο λυκος αρπαζει αυτα και σκορπιζει τα προβατα

John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. [kjv]

ιδου ερχεται ωρα και εληλυθεν ινα σκορπισθητε εκαστος εις τα ιδια καμε μονον αφητε και ουκ ειμι μονος οτι ο πατηρ μετ εμου εστιν [gnt]

John 16:32

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KJV: Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Greek: ιδου ερχεται ωρα και νυν εληλυθεν ινα σκορπισθητε εκαστος εις τα ιδια και εμε καμε μονον αφητε και ουκ ειμι μονος οτι ο πατηρ μετ εμου εστιν

The same words appear in the LXX.

Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; [kjv]

του αγαγοντος σε δια της ερημου της μεγαλης και της φοβερας εκεινης ου οφις δακνων και σκορπιος και διψα ου ουκ ην υδωρ του εξαγαγοντος σοι εκ πετρας ακροτομου πηγην υδατος [lxx]

Deuteronomy 8:15

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KJV: Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Hebrew: המוליכך במדבר הגדל והנורא נחש שרף ועקרב וצמאון אשר אין מים המוציא לך מים מצור החלמיש׃

Greek: του αγαγοντος σε δια της ερημου της μεγαλης και της φοβερας εκεινης ου οφις δακνων και σκορπιος και διψα ου ουκ ην υδωρ του εξαγαγοντος σοι εκ πετρας ακροτομου πηγην υδατος

Job 39:15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. [kjv]

και επελαθετο οτι πους σκορπιει και θηρια αγρου καταπατησει [lxx]

In Job, the meaning is translated as "crush" and not "scatter".

Job 39:15

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KJV: And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.

Hebrew: ותשכח כי רגל תזורה וחית השדה תדושה׃

Greek: και επελαθετο οτι πους σκορπιει και θηρια αγρου καταπατησει

Psalms 144:6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. [kjv]

αστραψον αστραπην και σκορπιεις αυτους εξαποστειλον τα βελη σου και συνταραξεις αυτους [lxx]

In Psalms 144:6, the "scatter" with "lightning" is a parallel part of "destroy" with "arrows".

Interestingly, a later Roman military weapon (first century AD) shot arrows and was called the "scorpion". It was somewhat like the later crossbow.

Psalms 144:6

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KJV: Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

Hebrew: ברוק ברק ותפיצם שלח חציך ותהמם׃

Greek: αστραψον αστραπην και σκορπιεις αυτους εξαποστειλον τα βελη σου και συνταραξεις αυτους

In astronomy, Scorpius is one of the constellations in the Zodiac, between Libra (the scales) and Sagittarius (the archer).

♈	Κριός	Aries	ram
♉	Ταῦρος	Taurus	bull
♊	Δίδυμοι	Gemini	twins
♋	Καρκίνος	Cancer	crab
♌	Λέων	Leo	lion
♍	Παρθένος	Virgo	virgin
♎	Ζυγός	Libra	scales
♏	Σκορπίος	Scorpius	scorpion
♐	Τοξότης	Sagittarius	archer
♑	Αἰγόκερως	Capricornus	goat
♒	Ὑδροχόος	Aquarius	water‑bearer
♓	Ἰχθύες	Pisces	fish