κύκλῳ (kuklō)
kuklō
surrounding
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb kuklō describes a position or movement that is surrounding something, translating literally as "in a circle" or "around." Derived from the noun kuklos, meaning a ring or cycle, it conveys the idea of being on all sides or encircling an object. In the New Testament, it appears in eight verses, often painting a picture of comprehensive coverage or proximity.
This word is used to describe physical arrangements and spiritual realities alike. Mark 3:34 uses it when Jesus looks around at those seated in a circle with him, while Revelation 5:11 depicts countless angels surrounding the throne. Romans 15:19 employs it to show how the gospel message spread completely across a region. The term emphasizes totality, suggesting that nothing is left out of the circle’s reach.
Translators typically render kuklō as "around," "round about," or "on all sides." Its force comes from the spatial imagery of a ring closing in on a center. Whether describing people gathered together or divine beings encircling God, the word highlights completeness and enclosure without implying motion toward a single point.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that people sat around Jesus or that angels stand around the throne, the image is one of complete inclusion. This word suggests that nothing is left out of the circle’s reach. In Mark 3:34, Jesus looks at those seated around Him and redefines family not by blood, but by shared obedience. It is a warm reminder that we are gathered close to the heart of God.
This sense of surrounding presence extends beyond physical space. In Romans 15:19, Paul describes how the gospel spread from Jerusalem around as far as Illyricum. The message covered the ground thoroughly, leaving no corner untouched. We can trust that God’s care and His truth envelop our lives just as completely.
Whether in the quiet of a village or the grandeur of heaven, this word points to a reality where we are never isolated. God is near, and His people are with Him. This closeness offers a steady comfort, knowing that we are held within a circle of grace that no one can break.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- surrounding4×
- around4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κύκλῳ8×
Key Verses
-
Mark 3:34
Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
Jesus uses this spatial arrangement to redefine spiritual kinship, showing that those who do God's will are gathered closely around Him as family.
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Revelation of John 5:11
I looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands,
The vast multitude of angels encircling the throne emphasizes the totality of heavenly worship and the overwhelming presence of God's glory.
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Romans 15:19
in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ;
Paul describes the comprehensive spread of the gospel, indicating that the message reached every part of the region without leaving anyone behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word kuklō mean?
How is this word used in the New Testament?
Why is Mark 3:34 significant for this word?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
Mark 3 verses
Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
Mark 6:6He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.
Mark 6:36Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread, for they have…