[Greek] σκολιός (skolios), [Latin] prava: curved, winding, crooked, perverse, unreasonable, warped, untoward, unscrupulous, corrupt, twisted, dishonest, false, cunning, slanting; Lk.3:5, Act.5=2:40, Php. 2:15, 1Pet. 2:18
The serpent was the most cunning of all the animals. (Gen.3:1)
Background Information:
Secular Greek: In its literal sense, this term refers to rivers, roads, difficult access to knowledge, staffs, and snakes. In other senses, this term refers to straightening what is crooked. In his dialogue Phaedrus, Plato illustrates different aspects of the soul. One part is like a crooked horse, filled with hubris and pretension. In Enneads I 6,9 Plotinus states, as a sculptor works on his piece, so one should work at one’s own image. He states “remove what is superfluous, straighten what is crooked, and never stop sculpting your own statue, until the godlike splendor of virtue shines forth to you.” Interestingly, this term doesn’t occur frequently in Hellenism.
Old Testament: On the other hand, this term occurs more frequently in a literal sense. In addition, this term predominately occurs in a moral and religious sense in the book of Proverbs. Other examples occur in Deuteronomy, Job, the Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Essentially, this term expresses the nature of one who does not walk in the straightness and uprightness that God has planned for him. This behavior is sometimes guilty and worthy of punishment.
Literal sense: Leviathan, the coiled serpent (Isa.27:1). The serpent was the most cunning of all the animals (Gen.3:1). They were dying from the bite of crooked serpents (Wis.16:5). But those who turn aside to crooked ways may the Lord send down with the wicked (Psa. 124:5). I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked way straight (Isa.42:16).
Moral and religious sense: Whose ways are crooked, and devious their paths (Prov.2:15). He who is devious in his ways spurn Him (Prov.14:2). Thorns and snares are on the path of the crooked (Prov.22:5). He whose ways are crooked falls into a pit (Prov. 28:18). No one of them (words) is wily and crooked (Prov. 8:8). Put away from you dishonest talk (Prov.4:24).
New Testament: This term’s infrequent occurrence in Hellenism may also help explain why this term does not frequently occur in the New Testament. This term occurs only four times in the New Testament in three different ways. Luke makes reference to rough, crooked, and uneven obstacles (hindrances) that will be overcome and set aside. In part, this will be the task of John the Baptist in preparing the way. Paul and Luke make reference to a corrupt and perverse generation who will be an obstacle to Jesus’ message. Peter’s letter refers to masters who crookedly and perversely subjugate their slaves. This also speaks to those pagan masters enslaved in idolatry.
Scripture:
“He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’” Act. 2:40
Jesus speaks to the Jewish’s opposition around Jesus. Jesus also speaks to the world’s opposition to the message of Christianity.
“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall me made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.” Lk. 3:5
Jesus refers to the ethical and social misconduct rooted in ungodliness and unbelief which will vanish with the coming of the Messiah. This is also becomes the task for John the Baptist in preparing the way.
“Slaves, be subject to your master with all reverence, not only to those who are d and equitable but also to those who are perverse.” 1 Pet.2:18
This scripture passage calls Christians to respect their captors. In addition, the masters (those in authority) are also called to show respect to those who are in captivity. Respect even must be shown to those who are crooked and perverse. This also applies to those pagan masters who are enslaved in idolatry.
Conclusion:
Scoliosis, depraved
I was somewhat surprised that this term is not frequently used in Hellenism, despite its varied and nuanced uses. As Hellenism did influence Christianity, it is seems that there is a casual relationship between these belief systems. Not surprisingly, this term is associated with the character of snakes and dragons.
I did not expect to discover a larger number of instances in the Old Testament. In addition its literal sense, the wisdom books employed this term with a moral and religious sense. It was interesting to see such a high incidence of this term in the book of Proverbs. Perhaps, the serpent (snake) provides the best description of Satan, the tempter.
The New Testament continues the Old Testament’s moral sense of this term. The New Testament makes note of the reality of the slaveowner/slave relationship. Even in this relationship, it was incumbent that respect was to be shown both ways. This follows the Christian practice of loving one’s neighbor. This term speaks to these crooked masters who abused (took advantage) of their slaves.
Scoliosis is a medical condition involving the curvature of the spine. Interestingly, the scalar muscles are a group of uneven muscles which support the neck, spine, and ribs. Scalar, which means uneven, is most likely related to skolios. Hence, a scalene triangle has three unequal sides. I bet you never thought I would get from crooked to a triangle. Go figure!