κυλίω (kuliō)
kuliō
to wallow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kuliō describes the physical act of rolling or wallowing, often in mud or mire. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 9:20, where it depicts a boy seized by a spirit who throws himself down and rolls around violently. The image is one of loss of control, as the body is tossed about against its will.
This word is a later form of kulyndō, which generally means to roll along. While kulyndō can describe the rolling of stones or wheels, kuliō carries a heavier, more chaotic connotation. It suggests being rolled over and over, often in a state of distress or degradation, rather than simple movement.
Translators typically render this as "wallowing" or "rolling about." The choice highlights the grotesque and helpless nature of the scene. The boy is not walking or standing; he is being manipulated by an external force, his body contorting in a way that mirrors the spiritual turmoil he experiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Mark 9:20 describes a boy who is thrown down, wallowing in distress as a spirit convulses him. The Greek word kuliō captures this violent rolling, showing a body completely out of control. It is not a voluntary action but a desperate state of helplessness. This image reminds us that some struggles feel beyond our own strength to manage.
When we face situations where we cannot stand or think clearly, this word speaks to our human limitation. We do not have to fix everything on our own. The scene in Mark leads directly to Jesus’ power and mercy, showing that He cares for those who are broken and overwhelmed. His presence brings peace when chaos reigns.
This passage invites us to bring our deepest vulnerabilities to Him. You are seen in your weakness, and you are not alone. There is hope in knowing that Jesus meets us in our most difficult moments with grace and healing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he was rolling around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκυλίετο1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 9:20
They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.
This verse uses kuliō to describe the boy's violent, involuntary rolling, emphasizing his total loss of control and physical distress.