Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Scythian" appears in the New Testament, specifically in
Colossians 3:11, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" (Berean Standard Bible). In this context, Paul emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social distinctions.
Historical BackgroundThe Scythians were a group of ancient nomadic tribes known for their skills in horseback riding and warfare. They inhabited the region known as Scythia, which extended across parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including areas north of the Black Sea. The Scythians were known for their fierce and warlike nature, often being described by Greek historians such as Herodotus. They were considered barbarians by the Greeks and Romans due to their nomadic lifestyle and differing customs.
Cultural and Social ContextIn the Greco-Roman world, the term "Scythian" was often used to denote a person who was considered uncivilized or barbaric. This perception was largely due to the Scythians' nomadic lifestyle, which contrasted sharply with the settled, urban cultures of Greece and Rome. The Scythians were also known for their distinctive art, which often featured animal motifs and intricate designs, reflecting their connection to nature and the steppe environment they inhabited.
Biblical SignificanceIn
Colossians 3:11, the mention of the Scythians serves to highlight the radical inclusivity of the Gospel message. By including Scythians in his list, Paul underscores that even those considered the most barbaric or outside the bounds of civilized society are welcomed into the body of Christ. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel to break down barriers and create a new community where all are equal before God.
Theological ImplicationsThe inclusion of Scythians in Paul's epistle to the Colossians carries significant theological implications. It illustrates the universality of the Christian message and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers through the work of Christ. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for all nations and peoples, as seen in passages such as
Galatians 3:28, which states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" .
ConclusionThe reference to Scythians in the New Testament serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusivity and unity found in Christ. It challenges believers to transcend cultural prejudices and embrace the diverse body of Christ, reflecting the kingdom of God where all are valued and loved.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Scythianoccurs in (Colossians 3:11) as a generalized term for rude, ignorant, degraded. The name often included all the nomadic tribes, who dwelt mostly on the north of the Black and the Caspian Sea, stretching thence indefinitely into inner Asia, and were regarded by the ancients as standing extremely low In point of intelligence and civilization.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Scythians consisted of "all the pastoral tribes who dwelt to the north of the Black Sea and the Caspian, and were scattered far away toward the east. Of this vast country but little was anciently known. Its modern representative is Russia, which, to a great extent, includes the same territories." They were the descendants of Japheth (
Genesis 9:27). It appears that in apostolic times there were some of this people that embraced Christianity (
Colossians 3:11).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Of or pertaining to Scythia (a name given to the northern part Of Asia, and Europe adjoining to Asia), or its language or inhabitants.
2. (n.) A native or inhabitant of Scythia; specifically (Ethnol.), one of a Slavonic race which in early times occupied Eastern Europe.
3. (n.) The language of the Scythians.
Greek
4658. Skuthes -- aScythian, an inhabitant of Scythia (considered...... a
Scythian, an inhabitant of Scythia (considered the wildest of barbarians). Part
of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Skuthes Phonetic Spelling: (skoo
...Library
Of Isaac the Monk of Constantinople and Bretanio theScythian...
... Book IV. Chapter XXXI."Of Isaac the monk of Constantinople and Bretanio
theScythian Bishop. It is related that Isaac, who lived...
Appendix I.
... in touch with the Ashguzai for over a century and for a shorter time probably in
alliance with them; which alliance was the cause of theScythian advance to...
Manes, the Founder of the Manich??an Heresy, and on his Origin.
... the nature of his presumptuous daring. A Saracen namedScythian married
a captive from the Upper Thebes. On her account he dwelt...
The Retreat from Scythia.
... embassy to the neighboring tribes."Habits of the Scythians."Their mode of
warfare."Message to Indathyrsus."His reply."TheScythian cavalry."Their...
Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... 1. As it has reached us, the FirstScythian Song, Ch. IV.5-8, opens with the general
formula".... 3. The Third of theScythian Songs is without introduction....
That the Inventors of Other Arts were Mostly Barbarians.
... Kelmis and Damnaneus, Id??an Dactyli, first discovered iron in Cyprus. Another Id??an
discovered the tempering of brass; according to Hesiod, aScythian....
The Life of Cassian.
... however, of the precision of this statement, considerable doubt hangs over Cassian's
nationality, and it is hard to believe that he was in reality aScythian....
The First Point which Celsus Brings Forward, in his Desire to...
... like-minded with himself; so, if truth is to decide, the laws of the heathens which
relate to images, and an atheistical polytheism, are "Scythian" laws, or...
He Thus Proceeds to a Magnificent Discourse of the Interpretation...
... is one father among the Ethiopians, and another among the Scythians, and each of
these has a son, the Ethiopian's son black, but theScythian white-skinned and...
Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... Both these barbarian races hate luxury. As clear witnesses will be produced by
the German, the Rhine; [1614] and by theScythian, the waggon....
Thesaurus
Scythian (1 Occurrence)... Eastern Europe. 3. (n.) The language of the Scythians. Multi-Version Concordance
Scythian (1 Occurrence). Colossians 3:11 where there
...Magog (5 Occurrences)
... Gog, the second of the "sons" of Japheth (Genesis 10:2; 1 Chronicles 1:5). In Ezekiel
(38:2; 39:6) it is the name of a nation, probably someScythian or Tartar...
Barbarian (2 Occurrences)
... In Colossians 3:11, "barbarian,Scythian" is not a classification or antithesis
but a "climax" (Abbott) = "barbarians, even Scythians, the lowest type of...
Scyth'ian (1 Occurrence)
Scyth'ian.Scythian, Scyth'ian. Scythians . Multi-Version Concordance
Scyth'ian (1 Occurrence).... (See RSV).Scythian, Scyth'ian. Scythians . Reference
Scurvy (3 Occurrences)
Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:11 where there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision,
foreigner,Scythian, servant, freeman -- but the all and in all -- Christ....
Freeman (9 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:11 where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian,Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all....
Foreigner (99 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:11 where there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision,
foreigner,Scythian, servant, freeman -- but the all and in all -- Christ....
Togarmah (4 Occurrences)
... (2.) A nation which traded in horses and mules at the fairs of Tyre (Ezek. 27:14;
38:6); probably an Armenian or aScythian race; descendants of (1). Int....
Renewal (6 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:11 where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian,Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all....
Resources
What does the Bible say about ethnocentrism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Paul say the gospel brings salvation to the Jew first and then the Gentile? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view apartheid? | GotQuestions.orgScythian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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