κίνησις (kinēsis)
kinēsis
motion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kinēsis refers simply to motion or physical movement. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 5:3, where it describes the flowing or agitation of the water at the pool of Bethesda.
Derived from the verb kineō, the word captures the act of being set in motion rather than a specific destination. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for stirring or shifting, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the action itself.
This single occurrence highlights how the Gospel writer uses a common term for movement to describe a specific, observable phenomenon. The focus remains on the physical change in state, providing context for the healing that follows without adding symbolic layers beyond the literal motion of the water.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kinēsis describes simple motion or physical movement. In John 5:3, it refers to the stirring of the water at the pool of Bethesda. This detail grounds the story in a real place where people gathered for healing. It shows that Jesus meets us in our actual circumstances, not in abstract ideas.
When you face long seasons of waiting, this word reminds you that God sees your situation clearly. The movement of the water was a sign of hope to those lying there. Today, we trust that God can bring change and new life even when things seem still or stuck.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- motion.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κίνησιν.1×
Key Verses
-
John 5:3
In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water;
This verse uses kinēsis to describe the physical stirring of the water, setting the scene for Jesus' healing act.