Lexical Definition

‎Σκύθης‎ Skýthēs (skoo'-thace) Scythian ^N:N--LG
probably of foreign origin

Scythian.

• a Scythene or Scythian, i.e. (by implication) a savage

Abbott-Smith

Σκύθης, -ου, ὁ
Scythian, an inhabitant of Scythia, i.e. Russia and Siberia, a synonym with the Greeks for the wildest of barbarians: Col 3:11.†

Abbott-Smith References

Liddell-Scott-Jones

Σκύθης-ης, ου, ὁ:

vocative Σκύθηςᾰ [Refs 8th c.BC+], of a desert, [Refs 5th c.BC+]: metaphorically, rude, rough person, ἐν λόγοις Σ. [Refs 4th c.BC+]

__2 adjective [Refs 4th c.BC+]; σίδηρος [Refs 4th c.BC+]
__II at Athens, one of the city police, which was mainly composed of Scythian slaves, [Refs 5th c.BC+]
__II.2 ={ἱπποτοξότης}, [Refs 2nd c.AD+]

Profile

Group • Nomadic people group mentioned by Paul

People living in Scythia

The Scythians were a nomadic people group known for their barbaric reputation.

• People living in Scythia, only mentioned at Col.3.11;
• only referred to as Scythians Σκύθης.

Scythians were a nomadic people group mentioned by Paul in Colossians 3:11. In this passage, Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman. The Scythians were known for their barbaric reputation and were considered uncivilized by the Greeks and Romans. They lived in the area north of the Black Sea and were skilled horsemen and archers. By mentioning the Scythians, Paul highlights that the gospel message transcends cultural and ethnic barriers, and that all people are equal in Christ.

All entries for Scythians: Σκύθης