Divine Healing: χωλός (Strong’s G5560: chōlos) Reveals Messianic Restoration

Strong’s G5560: A primary word denoting physical lameness or disability, particularly affecting the feet or legs. In Biblical usage, it symbolizes both physical and spiritual brokenness, while its healing represents divine restoration through the Messiah’s power. Cultural significance tied to temple restrictions and social marginalization.

U- Unveiling the Word

χωλός carries profound significance in Biblical narrative, representing not just physical disability but a deeper spiritual metaphor. In ancient culture, those who were lame faced significant social and religious restrictions, including limited access to Temple worship (Leviticus 21:18). The healing of the lame became a powerful sign of the Messiah’s arrival, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. This word encapsulates both the reality of human brokenness and the transformative power of divine healing. Early church fathers saw in χωλός a picture of humanity’s spiritual condition before encountering the Messiah. Today, it reminds us that physical healing often points to deeper spiritual restoration.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χωλός, chōlos, /khō-LOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: kho (as in ‘chorus’) + los (as in ‘loss’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Primary word (not compound)
• From Proto-Indo-European *skel- meaning ‘to bend, crooked’
• Related to Old English ‘healt’ meaning lame

D – Defining Meanings

• Lame, crippled (physically unable to walk properly)
• Maimed or deformed (specifically in legs or feet)
• Metaphorically: spiritually or morally defective

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary word

Translation Options:

• “Lame” – Most direct translation, emphasizing physical disability
• “Crippled” – More specific to locomotor disability
• “Unable to walk” – Contextual translation emphasizing functional limitation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κυλλός (kullos) /koo-LOS/ – specifically refers to being maimed or missing limbs
  See G2948
• ἀνάπηρος (anapēros) /an-AP-ay-ros/ – general term for disabled or maimed
  See G376

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular masculine: χωλός
• Accusative plural masculine: χωλούς
• Genitive singular feminine: χωλῆς

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The comprehensive study of χωλός across major lexicons reveals its consistent usage for physical lameness while acknowledging its metaphorical applications. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning of being “unable to walk properly” while noting its occurrence in healing narratives. Thayer’s expands on its usage in classical Greek, where it could refer to any form of limping or impaired mobility. LSJ provides evidence of its use in medical texts, particularly in Hippocrates’ writings. Vine’s notes its metaphorical application to spiritual weakness, while Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri referring to injured livestock and disabled persons in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 11:5
“The blind receive sight, the lame [χωλοί] walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

Additional References:
Matthew 15:30, Matthew 21:14, Luke 7:22, Acts 3:2, Acts 14:8, Hebrews 12:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The study of χωλός reveals God’s heart for the marginalized and His power to restore. In the Messiah’s ministry, healing the lame became a defining sign of His divine identity and mission. This word appears at crucial moments in the Gospel narratives, demonstrating how physical healing often served as a gateway to spiritual transformation. The Good News manifests in how the Messiah’s touch transforms both body and soul, making the lame to walk and the spiritually broken to be made whole. This word reminds us that His healing power continues to work today, reaching both physical and spiritual needs.

D – Did You Know?

• The word χωλός appears in ancient Greek medical texts as a technical term for specific types of lameness
• In Temple worship, animals with any lameness were considered unfit for sacrifice
• The healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate became one of the early church’s most powerful testimonies

Strong’s G5560: A primary word denoting physical lameness or disability, particularly affecting the feet or legs. In Biblical usage, it symbolizes both physical and spiritual brokenness, while its healing represents divine restoration through the Messiah’s power. Cultural significance tied to temple restrictions and social marginalization.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: healing, disability, restoration, miracles, Messianic signs, physical healing, spiritual healing, divine power, marginalization, social justice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​