Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for deeper Biblical study, as it allows readers to grasp the original meanings and nuances of the text. The Greek word κάμπτω (kamptō) is significant in this context, primarily because it conveys the idea of bending or bowing. This term is relevant not only in New Testament interpretation but also in understanding ancient Greek culture, where physical postures often reflected spiritual or social attitudes.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κάμπτω, transliterated as kamptō, pronounced [KAMP-toh].
• Etymology: Derived from a root meaning “to bend” or “to bow,” which is often associated with submission or humility.
• Part of Speech: Verb; it follows a regular verb conjugation pattern in Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To bend: Refers to the physical act of bending or curving something.
• To bow: Often used in a figurative sense to indicate bowing down in worship or submission.
• To cause to bend: Can imply the act of causing another to bend or bow, as in reverence or fear.

Similar Words: γονυκλινέω (gonuklineō) [go-noo-KLEE-neh-oh], meaning “to bend the knee,” is similar in the sense of expressing submission or reverence. However, γονυκλινέω specifically refers to kneeling, while κάμπτω has a broader application to bending or bowing in general.

Further Insights: The word κάμπτω emphasizes both physical and metaphorical actions of bending or submitting. In the context of Greek literature and the New Testament, it often signifies an act of humility, such as bowing in worship or submission to a higher authority. Morphologically, κάμπτω is a standard verb in the Greek language, following regular conjugation patterns.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes κάμπτω as “to bend” or “to bow,” particularly in contexts involving worship or reverence. It notes both literal and figurative uses, such as bowing physically or metaphorically submitting.
• Thayers: Emphasizes the act of bending, especially in terms of bowing down before a deity or a ruler. It is often used in the context of religious worship.
• Vines: Discusses κάμπτω in its primary sense of bending, focusing on New Testament instances where the word reflects acts of humility or reverence.
• LSJ: Provides examples of κάμπτω from classical Greek literature where it describes both the literal bending of an object and the act of bowing down.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists the occurrences and contexts in which κάμπτω appears, highlighting its use in passages that discuss worship, submission, or reverence.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 11:4: “But what is the divine response to him? ‘I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed [κάμπτω] the knee to Baal.'”
• Ephesians 3:14: “For this reason I bow [κάμπτω] my knees before the Father.”
• Philippians 2:10: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow [κάμπτω], in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κάμπτω (G2578)

The Greek word κάμπτω (kamptō) primarily means “to bend” or “to bow.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical senses, emphasizing acts of physical bending or spiritual submission. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts of worship and reverence, where bowing down signifies humility or acknowledgment of a higher power. Understanding κάμπτω allows readers to appreciate the depth of these acts within Biblical passages and Greek literature.

Did You Know?

• The word κάμπτω is used metaphorically to describe both physical acts of worship and internal attitudes of humility.
• In ancient Greek culture, bowing or bending was often a sign of deep respect or submission to authority.
• The New Testament uses κάμπτω to illustrate the ultimate submission to God’s authority, often in the context of worship and reverence.

By exploring the word κάμπτω, readers gain a deeper understanding of the rich meanings behind physical and spiritual acts of submission in Biblical and classical contexts.