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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like κυκλόω (kyklóō) is crucial for biblical studies, as they provide deeper insights into the original meanings and contexts of Scripture. This word appears in Luke 21:20, describing the city of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies. The verb κυκλόω carries the meaning of encircling or surrounding something, often with an intent of siege or capture. Its significance extends beyond its immediate use, reflecting a broader cultural understanding of warfare, protection, and divine judgment in both the New Testament and ancient Greek thought.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κυκλόω (kyklóō) [koo-KLOH-oh]

Etymology: The term κυκλόω is derived from the noun κύκλος (kýklos), meaning “circle” or “cycle.” The verb form κυκλόω essentially means “to make a circle around” or “to surround.” The word captures the action of encompassing something completely, often with a strategic or protective purpose.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κυκλόω is used primarily in its active voice to describe the action of surrounding or encircling something. It is typically found in narrative contexts, describing physical actions that involve movement or strategic placement around an object or location.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To Surround or Encircle
The primary meaning of κυκλόω is “to surround” or “to encircle.” This action often involves a deliberate attempt to enclose or trap something within a boundary. In Luke 21:20, it refers to the armies surrounding Jerusalem, indicating an impending siege.

Meaning 2: To Encompass or Encircle Completely
In broader usage, κυκλόω can also convey the idea of encompassing something completely, whether for protection, strategy, or another purpose. The sense of total encirclement often implies control over whatever is being surrounded.

Exploring Similar Words

περιβάλλω (peribállō) [peh-ree-BAL-loh]: This verb means “to throw around” or “to clothe” and can sometimes be used to mean “to surround” or “envelop.” While κυκλόω emphasizes the action of encircling, περιβάλλω often suggests a more passive encirclement, such as being wrapped or clothed.

ἀμφιβάλλω (amphibállō) [am-fee-BAL-loh]: This word means “to cast around” or “surround” and is often used in contexts where something is thrown or spread around an object. Unlike κυκλόω, which directly implies strategic or military encirclement, ἀμφιβάλλω can also have a more neutral or general sense.

συνείλω (syneílō) [soo-NEI-loh]: This verb means “to enclose” or “hem in” and is often used in military contexts to describe cutting off all escape routes. It is more intense than κυκλόω, which can imply a broader or less severe form of surrounding.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: κυκλόω appears in various tenses, including the Present, Aorist, and Perfect, which denote different aspects of the action (ongoing, completed, or perfective). The word is primarily found in the Active voice but can also appear in the Passive. The Indicative and Imperative moods are the most common, indicating either a statement of fact or a command.
• Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated in different persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural). For example, the Present Active Indicative form “κυκλόω” means “I surround.”
• Aspect: In Greek, κυκλόω expresses different aspects, such as imperfective (ongoing action) in the Present tense and perfective (completed action) in the Aorist tense. This variation provides nuance to the action being described.

Conjugation Table (Present Indicative):

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term κυκλόω is predominantly understood in both military and strategic contexts, describing actions that involve surrounding or besieging a location or target. In the New Testament, it appears in narratives that often involve prophetic warnings or descriptions of divine judgment, such as the encirclement of Jerusalem in Luke 21:20. In classical Greek, the term carries a similar meaning, often appearing in historical texts describing sieges or defensive strategies. The theological implications suggest divine sovereignty over human affairs, where God uses surrounding forces as instruments of judgment or protection.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 21:20: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded [κυκλούμενην] by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κυκλόω (kyklóō) is a verb that vividly captures the concept of encircling or surrounding, particularly in military or strategic contexts. Its use in Luke 21:20 conveys a sense of urgency and impending judgment, as Jerusalem is warned of its coming desolation. This word’s importance extends beyond its literal meaning, providing insights into ancient military strategies and divine sovereignty themes in biblical literature.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? The word κυκλόω shares the same root as the modern English word “cycle,” both stemming from κύκλος, meaning “circle.”
• Did you know? In ancient Greek warfare, encircling a city was a common tactic to cut off supplies and force surrender, reflecting the strategic use of κυκλόω in historical texts.
• Did you know? κυκλόω is also related to other Greek words used to describe circular or revolving movements, showing its versatility in describing both physical and metaphorical encirclement.