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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like κωλύω (kōlyō) deepens our comprehension of Scripture by revealing the nuances in the original language. This word appears in Matthew 19:14, where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” The word κωλύω is translated as “hinder” or “prevent,” and it holds significance in New Testament interpretation by emphasizing the importance of allowing access to Jesus without obstacles. In ancient Greek culture, this word also conveyed a broader sense of prohibition or restraint, reflecting a fundamental human interaction with laws, norms, and personal limitations.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κωλύω (kōlyō) [koh-LOO-oh]

Etymology: The word κωλύω is derived from the root word κόλλω (kollō), meaning “to glue” or “to bind.” The evolution of this root led to the concept of “restraining” or “hindering,” much like binding or holding back.

Part of Speech: Verb. κωλύω is a present active verb that belongs to the first conjugation group in Greek. Its forms vary according to tense, voice, mood, person, and number, reflecting a range of grammatical nuances that can influence the word’s meaning in context.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To Hinder or Prevent
The most common use of κωλύω in the New Testament is to express the act of hindering or preventing someone or something from proceeding. For example, in Matthew 19:14, Jesus commands not to hinder the children from coming to Him, indicating a call to remove any obstacles to faith and access to His presence.

Meaning 2: To Forbid or Prohibit
Another key meaning of κωλύω is “to forbid” or “to prohibit.” This usage is seen in contexts where rules, commands, or laws are involved, emphasizing the act of issuing a directive that something must not happen.

Meaning 3: To Withhold or Restrain
κωλύω can also imply “to withhold” or “to restrain,” particularly in situations where holding back or limiting action or behavior is necessary. This broader sense can apply to both physical and non-physical restrictions.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀπαγορεύω (apagoreuō) [ah-pah-gor-EH-oh]: This word means “to forbid” or “to tell not to do something,” and it carries a stronger connotation of a formal prohibition, often by an authority figure or a law.

ἀντιλέγω (antilegō) [an-tee-LEH-go]: Meaning “to speak against” or “to oppose,” this word differs from κωλύω as it focuses more on verbal opposition rather than a physical or directive prevention.

ἐμποδίζω (empodizō) [em-po-DEE-zo]: This term translates as “to hinder” or “to obstruct” and often describes physical or logistical hindrances, unlike κωλύω, which can also cover abstract or figurative barriers.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: κωλύω is often found in the present active indicative form, emphasizing a current, ongoing action of hindering or preventing. It also appears in aorist, perfect, and future tenses, conveying different aspects of time and action.
• Person and Number: The verb κωλύω can be conjugated in all persons and numbers. Examples include:
• 1st Person Singular: κωλύω (I hinder)
• 2nd Person Singular: κωλύεις (you hinder)
• 3rd Person Singular: κωλύει (he/she/it hinders)
• Aspect: The aspect can be imperfective, as in the present or imperfect tenses, indicating an ongoing action, or perfective, as in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative:

For further details on Greek verbs, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κωλύω is consistently translated as “to hinder,” “to prevent,” or “to forbid” across Greek lexicons. In the New Testament, it is primarily used to depict Jesus or the apostles instructing others not to place barriers in the way of faith or ministry. Classical texts extend its use to social, legal, and rhetorical contexts, where it indicates prevention or restraint. In theological discourse, κωλύω is often analyzed for its implications on divine authority, human freedom, and ethical conduct.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder [κωλύετε] them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
Mark 9:39: “But Jesus said, ‘Do not hinder [κωλύετε] him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.’”
Acts 8:36: “As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents [κωλύει] me from being baptized?'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κωλύω is significant in Biblical studies for its implications of preventing, hindering, or forbidding actions, particularly in the context of access to faith or spiritual practices. Understanding κωλύω allows us to appreciate the call to remove obstacles in the path of spiritual growth and community in the New Testament, as well as its broader use in classical and rhetorical Greek literature.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? κωλύω can also mean “to obstruct” in rhetorical settings, where one might hinder another’s argument or discourse.
• Did you know? In military contexts, κωλύω could imply strategic prevention, such as hindering enemy movements.
• Did you know? The word’s root is related to the idea of “binding” or “gluing,” suggesting a nuanced evolution from physical to abstract forms of restraint.