Brief Overview of κυλισμός (Strong’s G2946: kylismos)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the Greek word κυλισμός (kylismos) is crucial for grasping the depth of its imagery and moral connotations. This word appears in 2 Peter 2:22, painting a vivid picture of moral degradation and spiritual backsliding. In the context of New Testament interpretation, κυλισμός conveys a powerful message about returning to sinful behaviors after having known righteousness. It carries significant weight in discussions on repentance, purity, and the consequences of spiritual neglect. Moreover, the word offers insight into ancient Greek cultural attitudes towards cleanliness, both physical and spiritual, which often had overlapping meanings.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κυλισμός (kylismos) [koo-lee-SMOS]
Etymology: The word κυλισμός is derived from the root verb κυλίω (kyliō), which means “to roll” or “to wallow.” This etymology suggests a sense of repetitive, uncontrolled motion, often associated with animals rolling in the mud or filth. The noun form, κυλισμός, takes on the meaning of “wallowing” or “rolling about,” often implying a degradation or soiling of what was once clean.

Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine). κυλισμός is a masculine noun that falls under the second declension in Greek grammar. It is used to convey the act of wallowing, particularly in a moral or spiritual context where the imagery of defilement is prominent.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Wallowing or Rolling in Mud
The primary meaning of κυλισμός is “wallowing,” particularly in a physical sense, such as an animal rolling in mud or filth. This literal sense provides a stark visual image used to convey deeper spiritual or moral implications.

Meaning 2: Moral Degradation
In a metaphorical sense, κυλισμός is used to describe a state of moral or spiritual degradation. It reflects a return to sinful or corrupt behaviors after having experienced a period of cleansing or repentance. This use is particularly relevant in 2 Peter 2:22, where the author uses it to depict the foolishness and self-destructive nature of turning back to sin.

Exploring Similar Words

κυλίω (kyliō) [koo-LEE-oh]: This is the verb form from which κυλισμός is derived. It means “to roll” or “to wallow” and provides the basis for understanding the noun’s imagery.

ῥύπος (rhupos) [HRU-pos]: Meaning “filth” or “dirt,” this noun is similar in that it conveys a sense of uncleanness. However, it lacks the specific connotation of “rolling in” that κυλισμός carries.

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ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia) [a-ka-thar-SEE-a]: Translated as “uncleanness” or “impurity,” this word is often used in moral or ritual contexts. Unlike κυλισμός, it does not emphasize the action of returning to impurity but rather the state of being unclean.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

• Case, Number, Gender: κυλισμός is a masculine noun that appears in different cases depending on its syntactic function. In the nominative singular, it is κυλισμός; in the genitive singular, it is κυλισμοῦ. It is typically used in the singular form, as it describes a singular action or concept of wallowing.
• Declension: κυλισμός follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns. Here is a declension table for κυλισμός:

For a more detailed explanation on Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κυλισμός is discussed in several lexicons for its strong connotations of moral and spiritual degradation. In the New Testament context, it is used in 2 Peter 2:22 to refer to a person returning to their sinful ways, much like a pig returning to wallow in the mud. This metaphor highlights the futility and self-destructiveness of abandoning a life of righteousness. Classical Greek literature also uses κυλισμός to describe physical rolling or wallowing, but its adoption into Christian texts adds layers of spiritual and ethical implications, enhancing its gravity.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

2 Peter 2:22: “It has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing [κυλισμός] in the mire.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

κυλισμός (kylismos) is a powerful Greek noun that conveys both physical and spiritual connotations of wallowing and degradation. In biblical texts, it is employed to represent the regression into sin after having been cleansed. The word’s imagery resonates with the ancient Greek understanding of moral and physical purity, making it a poignant choice for New Testament writers. The term’s use in both biblical and classical literature underscores its vivid portrayal of spiritual backsliding and moral decay.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? The word κυλισμός is closely associated with pigs, who are known for their natural tendency to roll in mud to cool off, serving as a metaphor for those who return to sin.
• Did you know? In ancient Greek philosophy, physical actions like κυλισμός were often used metaphorically to illustrate inner moral or psychological states.
• Did you know? The imagery of κυλισμός as “wallowing” also appears in the writings of early Church Fathers, who used it to warn against apostasy and moral laxity.