Understanding κυλλός (kullos) G2948: The Biblical Word for Physical Deformity that Points to Divine Restoration

κυλλός – Pronunciation Guide: koo-LOSS

Basic Definition

Strong’s G2948: Crippled or maimed, specifically referring to a physical deformity or malformation of a limb. The term particularly describes someone with a disabled or missing hand, though it can apply to other body parts as well.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Ancient Greek root: κυλ- (kul-) meaning “crooked” or “bent”

Morphological forms:

• κυλλός (kullos) – nominative singular masculine
• κυλλόν (kullon) – accusative singular masculine
• κυλλοί (kulloi) – nominative plural masculine

Word Origin & History

The term κυλλός has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing in medical texts by Hippocrates when describing physical deformities and congenital conditions. In these contexts, it often referred specifically to curved or bent limbs resulting from birth defects or injury.

The word maintained remarkable consistency in meaning from classical Greek through the Koine period, though its usage in the New Testament takes on additional theological significance through its connection to divine healing and restoration.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, κυλλός appears predominantly in healing narratives, particularly in Matthew 15:30 and Matthew 18:8. Its usage often pairs with other terms describing physical ailments, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Messiah’s healing ministry.

Key passages include:

• Matthew 15:30-31 – The healing of multitudes, including the κυλλοί
• Mark 9:43 – Metaphorical usage in teaching about spiritual sacrifice

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish society, physical deformities often carried significant social and religious implications. Those with such conditions were frequently marginalized, sometimes prevented from fully participating in temple worship due to strict purity laws. The healing of the κυλλοί thus represented not just physical restoration but social and religious reintegration into the community.

Theological Significance

The healing of the κυλλοί demonstrates the Messiah’s power to restore what was broken from birth or by accident, pointing to His authority over creation itself. This physical healing serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual restoration, showing how Yahweh can make whole what sin has damaged.

The term’s usage in the Gospel narratives particularly emphasizes the fulfillment of messianic prophecies from Isaiah 35:6, where the healing of the lame is presented as a sign of the coming Kingdom.

Personal Application

When we encounter this word in Scripture, we’re reminded that no condition is beyond His healing touch. Whether our brokenness is physical, emotional, or spiritual, the same power that restored the κυλλοί continues to work in believers’ lives today.

Related Words

• χωλός (lame, crippled) – See G5560
• ἀνάπηρος (maimed) – See G376
• θεραπεύω (to heal) – See G2323

Did you Know?

• The term κυλλός appears in ancient Greek medical papyri describing surgical procedures for correcting deformed limbs
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of κυλλός in medical terminology
• Archaeological evidence suggests various ancient treatments and prosthetics were used to help those with conditions described by κυλλός

Remember This

“Where human limitation ends, divine restoration begins – the κυλλοί remind us that in His hands, our weaknesses become displays of His power.”