Brief Overview of ἑλκόω (Strong’s G1669: helkóō)

Introduction

In the realm of Biblical studies, understanding Greek verbs is crucial for grasping the full meaning of the Scriptures. The Greek verb ἑλκόω (helkóō) is particularly significant as it deals with the physical and metaphorical act of causing wounds or ulcers. While it may not be a commonly cited term, its implications touch on themes of suffering, affliction, and divine judgment, which are prevalent throughout the Bible. In ancient Greek culture and medical literature, the concept of ulceration was not just a physical ailment but often carried deeper symbolic meanings, reflecting moral or spiritual decay. This overview explores the depth and usage of ἑλκόω, providing insights for both beginners and academics.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἑλκόω (helkóō) [hel-KOH-oh]

Etymology:

• Derived from the Greek noun ἕλκος (hélkos), which means “sore” or “ulcer.” The verb ἑλκόω directly relates to the action of creating or being afflicted with such sores.

Part of Speech:

• Verb (Primarily active voice)

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Primary Meanings:

• To cause sores or ulcers: The verb ἑλκόω primarily means to cause someone to be afflicted with sores or ulcers. This can refer to both physical ailments and metaphorical wounds, such as emotional or spiritual suffering.

Similar Words:

• τραυματίζω (traumatízō) [trau-mah-TID-zo]: Meaning “to wound” or “to injure,” this verb shares a similar context with ἑλκόω but is broader, encompassing all types of injuries, not just ulcerations.
• πληγόω (plēgóō) [play-GOH-oh]: Meaning “to strike” or “to wound,” this word also involves inflicting harm but is often used in contexts of sudden or forceful injury, such as blows or plagues, rather than the lingering affliction implied by ἑλκόω.

While all these verbs relate to inflicting harm, ἑλκόω specifically focuses on the prolonged and often painful process of developing sores or ulcers, distinguishing it from the more immediate or general forms of injury described by τραυματίζω and πληγόω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἑλκόω is a verb that follows the standard conjugation patterns in Greek. It is often found in the active voice, indicating an action that causes the state of ulceration or wounding. Table: Conjugation of ἑλκόω (helkóō) Tense Active Voice Middle Voice Passive Voice Present ἑλκόω ἑλκόομαι ἑλκοῦμαι Future ἑλκώσω ἑλκώσομαι ἑλκωθήσομαι Aorist ἑλκώσα ἑλκώσαμην ἑλκώθην Perfect ἑλκώκα ἑλκώμαι ἑλκωμένος Imperfect ἑλκούν ἑλκοῦμην ἑλκούμενος

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG notes that ἑλκόω means “to cause sores or ulcers” and is often used in contexts where physical affliction is a result of either divine judgment or natural causes. The lexicon points out its relevance in both medical and theological discussions in ancient texts.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon defines ἑλκόω as “to ulcerate” or “to cause a sore,” highlighting its use in the New Testament and other Greek writings. Thayer’s emphasizes the verb’s implications in describing long-term afflictions, whether physical or metaphorical.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explores ἑλκόω as a term associated with enduring suffering, often seen as a reflection of spiritual or moral decay. The dictionary also notes its symbolic use in literature to depict the slow, painful process of corruption or judgment.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon offers a broad overview of ἑλκόω, focusing on its medical applications in classical Greek literature, where it frequently appears in descriptions of physical ailments. The LSJ also mentions its figurative use to describe situations or conditions that worsen over time, much like a sore that festers.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἑλκόω as a verb meaning “to ulcerate” or “to cause sores.” The concordance links the word to its occurrences in the New Testament, where it often symbolizes divine retribution or the physical manifestation of spiritual affliction.

Scripture References:

• Revelation 16:2 – “So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores (ἑλκῶν) came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.”
• Luke 16:21 – “And desiring to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores (ἑλκῶν).”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἑλκόω (G1669: helkóō):

The Greek verb ἑλκόω, meaning “to cause sores” or “to ulcerate,” plays a significant role in describing both physical affliction and its metaphorical extensions. In Biblical and classical Greek texts, it often appears in contexts involving long-term suffering, whether as a result of divine judgment, natural disease, or moral decay. Understanding this term provides deeper insights into the language of affliction in the New Testament, especially in prophetic and apocalyptic literature. Its presence underscores the physical and spiritual consequences of sin, making it a powerful word for both theological reflection and historical study.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek medicine, the process of ulceration (ἑλκόω) was often associated with an imbalance of bodily humors, particularly the presence of excess bile or phlegm. This medical understanding was closely tied to the idea of moral and spiritual decay, where physical sores were seen as outward manifestations of inner corruption. This concept carried over into religious texts, where ulceration became a symbol of divine judgment or the consequences of sin.