Brief Overview of κυλίω (Strong’s G2947: kyliō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word κυλίω (kyliō) is essential for grasping the nuanced meanings in biblical texts. This word, which first appears in Mark 9:20, is particularly significant because it conveys physical movement that often implies a deeper spiritual or emotional struggle. In New Testament interpretation, κυλίω helps paint vivid imagery of actions that carry moral or spiritual connotations. In ancient Greek culture, the idea of rolling or being moved without control was often associated with fate, instability, or a lack of agency. Thus, this word provides rich layers of meaning when examining biblical narratives.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κυλίω (kyliō) [koo-LEE-oh]
Etymology: The word κυλίω is derived from the root κυλ-, which is associated with rolling or moving in a circular manner. The root conveys a sense of continuous movement or an action that lacks a definite endpoint, reflecting a state of being carried along without clear direction.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κυλίω functions in various grammatical contexts to indicate the action of rolling or moving something circularly. It can appear in different tenses, voices, and moods to convey nuanced meanings in narrative or descriptive texts.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To Roll or Move in a Circular Manner
The primary meaning of κυλίω is “to roll” or “to cause to roll.” This literal meaning is used in physical contexts, such as rolling a stone or moving something that can turn or spin on its axis.

Meaning 2: To Revolve or Turn Around
In an extended sense, κυλίω can mean to revolve or turn around, not just in the physical sense but also in the figurative sense of events or circumstances that repeat or cycle back to an original point.

Meaning 3: To Be Rolled or Tumbled About
κυλίω is also used to describe something that is not in control of its movement—like a person or object being rolled or tumbled about by external forces. This can metaphorically imply a loss of stability or direction in life or spiritual matters.

Exploring Similar Words

κυλισμός (kylismos) [koo-lee-SMOS]: This word, a noun derived from κυλίω, means “wallowing” or “rolling about,” often in filth or mud. It differs from κυλίω in that it emphasizes the ongoing state or result of the action rather than the action itself.

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τροχός (trochos) [TRO-khos]: This noun means “wheel” and is related in the sense that wheels roll. Unlike κυλίω, which is a verb describing the act of rolling, τροχός is the object that rolls.

περιστρέφω (peristrefō) [pe-ris-TRE-fo]: This verb means “to turn around” or “to revolve,” often used in contexts involving circular or rotational movement, similar to κυλίω but emphasizing a complete turning or circling action.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: κυλίω appears in various tenses (present, aorist, perfect), voices (active, middle, passive), and moods (indicative, subjunctive, imperative). For example, the present indicative active form is κυλίω, and the aorist indicative active form is ἐκύλισα.
• Person and Number: The verb κυλίω is conjugated differently depending on the person (first, second, third) and number (singular, plural). Examples:
• 1st person singular (present indicative active): κυλίω
• 3rd person singular (aorist indicative active): ἐκύλισε
• Aspect: The verb κυλίω can convey different aspects, such as imperfective (ongoing action) in the present tense or perfective (completed action) in the aorist tense.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative Active:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κυλίω is rich in lexical insights across several Greek lexicons. In biblical contexts, it often carries both literal and metaphorical meanings. For example, in Mark 9:20, it refers to the physical action of a person rolling or convulsing on the ground due to demonic possession. This physical imagery is tied to deeper spiritual meanings, suggesting turmoil and instability. In classical literature, κυλίω is similarly used to describe both physical and metaphorical rolling, such as the movement of objects or the repetition of actions.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Mark 9:20: “And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed [κυλίω] foaming.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb κυλίω (kyliō) is a dynamic word that captures both literal and figurative meanings of rolling, turning, or being moved by external forces. In biblical usage, it is particularly evocative, providing vivid imagery of spiritual and physical unrest. The term’s use in both New Testament and classical Greek texts highlights its flexibility in conveying both concrete actions and abstract concepts, such as instability or repetitive cycles.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? In ancient Greek culture, the act of rolling, as implied by κυλίω, could symbolize instability or lack of control, often used metaphorically in philosophical discussions.
• Did you know? The word κυλίω is found in both Homeric epic and early Christian writings, illustrating its wide-ranging application across different genres.
• Did you know? The imagery of κυλίω rolling or tumbling was often used in ancient Greek literature to convey the futility or cyclical nature of certain human endeavors, such as fate or the repetition of history.