📖 Biblical Definition
The scorpion is a venomous arachnid of the wilderness — and in Scripture an emblem of fierce affliction. Rehoboam’s arrogant threat to Israel: "my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:11, 14) precipitated the kingdom’s division. Ezekiel was sent to a rebellious people "though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions" (Ezekiel 2:6). The demonic torment of the fifth trumpet stings "as the scorpions of the earth have power" (Revelation 9:3-10). And Christ uses the scorpion in His fatherhood-comparison: what father, asked for an egg, would give a scorpion (Luke 11:12)? Christ also gives His servants authority over scorpions (Luke 10:19).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
SCOR'PION, n.
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1. In zoology, an insect of the genus Scorpio. There are several species. They have eight feet, two claws in front, eyes on the back, and a long jointed tail ending in a pointed sting. The bite is sometimes mortal. 2. In scripture, a painful scourge.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 10:19 — "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions."
Luke 11:12 — "Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?"
1 Kings 12:11 — "My father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
Revelation 9:5 — "Their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern parenting hands children scorpions and calls it freedom.
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Jesus argued from the lesser to the greater: even an evil father will not hand his hungry son a scorpion (Luke 11:12). The premise was once safe. It is no longer. A culture that affirms a child's gender confusion, hands him puberty blockers, and calls the surgery “care” has become the father offering scorpions in the place of eggs. The illustration Christ used to be sure of has been overturned by the modern home.
Yet Luke 10:19 stands beside Luke 11:12: Christ gives His servants authority over serpents and scorpions. The man who walks in obedience does not need to fear what crawls in this hour. Whatever scorpions the age sends — cultural, demonic, political — the believer's heel is shod with the gospel of peace.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew ʿaqrab (H6137); Greek skorpios (G4651).
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H6137 — aqrab — scorpion
G4651 — skorpios — scorpion
Usage
"Christ's “will a father give a scorpion?” argument has become a courtroom indictment of our age."
"Authority over scorpions is given; it must be walked in."
"When the scorpion-trumpet sounds in Revelation 9, only the sealed are safe."