κυκλόω (kukloō)
kukloō
to surround
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kukloō means to move around or enclose something completely. Derived from the word for circle (kuklos), it describes a physical act of surrounding, such as when enemies close in on a city or people gather closely around a figure. In the New Testament, this action is often literal, depicting a boundary that traps or protects.
Its usage highlights the intensity of the situation. For instance, Luke 21:20 describes Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, signaling imminent destruction. Similarly, Acts 14:20 mentions disciples surrounding Paul after he was stoned, showing both protection and communal support. The word conveys a sense of total enclosure, leaving no escape or gap in the circle.
Translators typically render it as "surround" or "encircle," capturing the physical reality rather than a metaphorical idea. This distinction keeps the focus on the tangible event, whether it is a siege or a gathering of followers. The term emphasizes the completeness of the action, leaving no part of the object outside the circle.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kukloō paints a picture of complete enclosure, whether it be armies closing in on a city or friends gathering around a person. In Luke 21:20, this term describes Jerusalem being surrounded by hostile forces, marking a moment of severe crisis and judgment. The imagery is physical and immediate, leaving no room for escape or ambiguity about the situation at hand.
Yet the same word appears in Acts 14:20 to describe disciples standing around Paul after he was stoned. Here, the surrounding action shifts from threat to support. It shows how community can become a protective circle around someone who has suffered. This duality reminds us that while we may face external pressures, we are also held by the presence of others.
Understanding this word helps us see the tangible nature of biblical narratives. Whether it is walls encircling Jericho or crowds pressing in on Jesus, the text emphasizes real, physical boundaries. These moments ground our faith in history and community, showing that God works through concrete events and human relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having been encircled1×
- being encircled1×
- When were sorrounding1×
- Encircled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκύκλωσαν1×
- κυκλωσάντων1×
- κυκλωθέντα1×
- κυκλουμένην1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:20
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.
This verse uses the word to signal imminent destruction as armies physically enclose Jerusalem.
-
Acts 14:20
But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe.
Here the surrounding action demonstrates communal support and protection for Paul after his stoning.
-
Hebrews 11:30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
The term highlights the specific military tactic of encircling Jericho’s walls as an act of faith.