Original Word: σκωληκόβρωτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: skólékobrótos
Pronunciation: sko-lay-kob-ro'-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (sko-lay-kob'-ro-tos)
Definition: eaten by worms.
Meaning: Worm-eaten; consumed or destroyed by worms.

Word Origin: From σκώληξ (skōlēx, meaning "worm") and βρωτός (brōtos, meaning "eaten" or "consumed").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σκωληκόβρωτος, the concept of being consumed by worms is echoed in the Hebrew Scriptures. The closest related terms include:
• תּוֹלֵעָה (tôlē'ah, Strong's Hebrew 8438), meaning "worm" or "maggot," often used metaphorically to describe decay or insignificance (e.g., Job 25:6).
• רִמָּה (rimmâh, Strong's Hebrew 7415), meaning "worm" or "maggot," used in contexts of decay and corruption (e.g., Job 21:26).

These Hebrew terms similarly convey themes of decay, judgment, and the impermanence of human life, aligning with the message conveyed by σκωληκόβρωτος in the New Testament.

Usage: This term is used in the New Testament to describe something that is physically consumed or destroyed by worms, often symbolizing decay or divine judgment.

Context: The term σκωληκόβρωτος appears in the New Testament in Acts 12:23, where it describes the death of Herod Agrippa I. The passage recounts how Herod, after accepting the people's acclamation of him as a god, was struck down by an angel of the Lord and subsequently "eaten by worms" (σκωληκόβρωτος) and died. This event is depicted as a divine judgment against Herod's pride and blasphemy. The imagery of being consumed by worms serves as a powerful symbol of mortality and the consequences of hubris before God. In the cultural and historical context of the time, such a death would have been seen as particularly ignominious and a clear sign of divine retribution.

The use of σκωληκόβρωτος in this context underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of human arrogance. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate accountability of all individuals to divine authority. The vivid description of Herod's demise would have resonated with early Christian audiences as a testament to the power and justice of God.

Word Origin
from skóléx and bibróskó
Definition
eaten by worms
NASB Translation
eaten by worms (1).

STRONGS NT 4662: σκωληκόβρωτος

σκωληκόβρωτος, σκωληκοβρωτον (σκώληξ and βιβρώσκω), eaten of worms: Acts 12:23, cf. 2 Macc. 9:9. (of a tree, Theophrastus,

c. pl. 5, 9, 1.)

eaten of worms.

From skolex and a derivative of bibrosko; worm-eaten, i.e. Diseased with maggots -- eaten of worms.

see GREEK skolex

see GREEK bibrosko

σκωληκοβρωτος σκωληκόβρωτος skolekobrotos skolekóbrotos skōlēkobrōtos skōlēkóbrōtosInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts