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Greek

Worm

σκώληξStrong’s G4663

skōlēx

Appears in 3 verses of the New Testament

In short

Skōlēx is the Greek word usually translated “worm”. It appears in 3 verses of the New Testament.

“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Mark 9:44 KJV
Meaning

Usually translated “worm”. Open the dictionary entry below for the full range of meaning, with the verses it cites.

How it's translated
  • worm 3

Word-by-word English from the STEPBible tagged text.

Where it's used most
  • Mark 3

1 book in all.

Related words
Explore in Scripture
Greek dictionary

σκώληξ skōlēx · worm

σκώληξ, -ηκος, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for תּוֹלָע and cogn. forms ;] a worm: of the kind which preys upon dead bodies, metaphorically, of fut. punishment, Mrk.9:48 (LXX, Isa.66:24; cf. Sir.7:17, Jdth.16:17).† (AS)

From STEPBible’s Greek lexicon (based on Abbott-Smith).

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

How the English word “worm” was understood when the King James Version was still the common Bible of English readers.

WORM, noun

[G. This word is probably named form a winding motion, and the root of swarm.]

  1. In common usage, any small creeping animal, or reptile, either entirely without feet, or with very short ones, including a great variety of animals of different classes and orders, viz.
  2. In zoology, the term Vermes or worms has been applied to different divisions of invertebral animals, by different naturalists.
  3. Remorse; that which incessantly gnaws the conscience; that which torments.“Where their worm dieth not” Mark 9:44
  4. A being debased and despised.“I am a worm and no man” Psalms 22:6
All definitions and other forms of “worm”
  1. A spiral instrument or iron screw, used for drawing wads and cartridges from cannon or small arms.
  2. Something spiral, vermiculated, or resembling a worm; as the threads of a screw.
  3. In chemistry and distilleries, a spiral leaden pipe placed in a tub of water, through which the vapor passes in distillation, and in which it is cooled and condensed.
  4. A small worm-like ligament situated beneath a dogs tongue.

WORM, verb intransitive

To work slowly, gradually and secretly.

    WORM, verb transitive

    1. To expel or undermine by slow and secret means.
    2. To cut something, called a worm from under the tongue of a dog.
    3. To draw the wad or cartridge from a gun; to clean by the worm
    4. To wind a rope spirally round a cable, between the strands; or to wind a smaller rope with spun yarn.

    Noah Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). Verse references are checked against the KJV. Read the full entry.

    Verses are from the King James Version. Word meanings come from the original Greek, not from any one translation.