Brief Overview of κωφός (Strong’s G2974: kōphós)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for biblical studies, as it allows readers to grasp the depth and richness of the original texts. The Greek word κωφός (kōphós), found first in Matthew 9:32, is particularly significant because it conveys both physical and metaphorical meanings that deepen our understanding of the New Testament. This word, which means “mute” or “deaf,” reveals insights into how physical ailments were perceived in ancient times and how they were often used to illustrate spiritual realities in the Bible.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κωφός, transliterated as kōphós [pronounced: ko-FOHS].

Etymology: The word κωφός is derived from the root κωφός (kōphos), which means “blunt” or “dull.” This root word suggests a lack of sharpness, whether in hearing or speech.

Part of Speech: Adjective. κωφός is a first and second declension adjective, often used substantively in the New Testament to describe a person who is mute or deaf. It can function as a masculine, feminine, or neuter adjective, depending on its usage.

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Defining Meanings

1. Mute or Unable to Speak: The most common meaning of κωφός is to describe someone who cannot speak. This usage is prevalent in the New Testament when referring to individuals who were healed by Jesus, illustrating both physical healing and the restoration of spiritual communication.

2. Deaf or Unable to Hear: κωφός can also mean “deaf,” referring to someone who cannot hear. This meaning aligns closely with the first, as both hearing and speaking are often interrelated in ancient understandings of human health.

3. Metaphorical Use – Dull or Unresponsive: In a metaphorical sense, κωφός can describe a lack of responsiveness or dullness, not just in the physical sense but also in terms of spiritual receptivity. This sense is often implied in contexts where spiritual blindness or dullness is criticized.

Exploring Similar Words

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1. ἀλαλός (alalós) [pronounced: ah-lah-LOHS]: This word also means “mute” or “dumb.” However, it is less frequently used and lacks the broader metaphorical implications that κωφός carries in spiritual contexts.

2. κωδών (kōdṓn) [pronounced: koh-DONE]: This word means “bell” and is associated with sound or noise. It is not directly related to κωφός but provides an interesting contrast as something that makes noise compared to someone who cannot.

3. τυφλός (typhlós) [pronounced: too-FLOS]: Meaning “blind,” this word often appears alongside κωφός in New Testament passages. While τυφλός describes a lack of sight, κωφός deals with the absence of hearing or speech, often symbolizing spiritual ignorance or unresponsiveness.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κωφός is an adjective that can be masculine, feminine, or neuter, and it follows the first and second declension patterns:

The adjective is versatile and can describe different nouns based on gender and case.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κωφός appears numerous times in the New Testament, most often in the context of Jesus healing those who were physically mute or deaf. The lexicons reveal that κωφός is used both literally and metaphorically. In its literal sense, it refers to someone physically unable to speak or hear, often signifying a need for divine intervention and healing. Metaphorically, κωφός describes spiritual dullness or an inability to perceive divine truths. This duality of meaning enriches its theological implications, as the physical healing of the κωφός becomes a symbol for spiritual awakening and responsiveness to God’s word.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 9:32: “As they were going out, a demon-possessed man who was mute [κωφόν] was brought to Him.”

Mark 7:37: “They were utterly astonished, saying, ‘He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf [κωφούς] to hear and the mute to speak.'”

Luke 11:14: “And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute [κωφόν]; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κωφός (kōphós) is a versatile adjective found in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It primarily describes someone who is mute or deaf, but it also symbolizes spiritual dullness or lack of receptivity. The word’s usage in biblical narratives often portrays Jesus’ power to heal not just physically but spiritually, opening both ears and hearts to divine truth. Understanding κωφός provides deeper insight into how physical ailments were perceived and how they are used to communicate spiritual truths in the Bible.

Did You Know?

1. The word κωφός appears 12 times in the New Testament, highlighting its importance in the Gospels’ healing narratives.
2. The word is used both literally and metaphorically in Greek literature, from Aristotle’s scientific texts to Plutarch’s philosophical musings.
3. The healing of the mute and deaf is considered one of the signs of the Messiah in Jewish tradition, making Jesus’ miracles involving the κωφός significant theological statements.