σκύβαλον

The Greek word σκύβαλον (skubalon) is a noun that translates to "garbage." It is a term used to describe waste or refuse, likely referring to the type of waste that would be discarded in a city or town. The limited occurrence of this word in the Bible (only one instance) suggests that it was not a commonly used term in ancient Greek. The significance of σκύβαλον lies in its use in the New Testament, where it is employed by the Apostle Paul in a metaphorical sense. In this context, the word σκύβαλον is used to convey the idea of something being considered worthless or of no value. The fact that Paul uses this term to describe the crucifixion of Christ, saying that he was "crucified in weakness" and that his body was "a thing of shame" (2 Corinthians 12:10), highlights the depth of the Apostle's understanding of the significance of Christ's sacrifice.