κυκλόθεν (kuklothen)
kuklothen
around
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb kuklothen describes something that is situated or occurring from all sides, literally meaning "around" or "round about." Derived from the word for a circle, it conveys a sense of enclosure or surrounding presence. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, all within the Book of Revelation, where it helps paint a vivid picture of divine glory and heavenly worship.
In these specific instances, the word emphasizes the totality of the surroundings. For example, in Revelation 4:3, it describes how a rainbow encircles the throne, while in verse 8, it indicates that living creatures are positioned around the throne on every side. This usage highlights the comprehensive nature of God's presence, suggesting that He is surrounded by worship and glory from every direction.
Translators typically render kuklothen as "all around" or "on every side," capturing the spatial imagery of the original text. The term’s limited occurrence in Scripture means its impact relies on these striking visual descriptions in Revelation, where it serves to reinforce the majesty and centrality of God’s throne room.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kuklothen paints a picture of complete enclosure. It describes how the living creatures stand around God’s throne, full of eyes and praise. This imagery reminds us that God is not distant or hidden. He is present from every side, surrounded by worship that never stops.
When you feel surrounded by trouble, this truth offers comfort. The same God who holds the center of heaven is near to you. You are not alone in your struggles. His presence wraps around your life, offering peace and stability even when circumstances feel chaotic.
This word invites us to rest in that security. We do not need to fear what lies ahead or behind. God’s glory encompasses all things. In Him, we find a safe place where worship and hope meet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- around2×
- [was] around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κυκλόθεν3×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 4:3
that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
The rainbow encircling the throne uses this word to show God's covenant faithfulness surrounding His judgment.
-
Revelation of John 4:8
The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
Here it describes the living creatures positioned on every side, emphasizing that worship surrounds God completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kuklothen mean in the Bible?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
How is it different from other words for 'around'?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 3 verses
that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
Revelation of John 4:4Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments,…
Revelation of John 4:8The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day…