κυλλός (kullos)
kullos
crippled
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective kyllōs describes a person who is physically disabled, specifically referring to someone whose limbs are crooked or maimed. While often translated simply as "crippled" or "lame," the term carries a precise image of structural deformity rather than general weakness. It appears in the Gospels to depict individuals with visible physical impairments, highlighting their need for healing.
This word is distinct from terms meaning merely weak or infirm; it points to a specific bodily condition where parts of the body are misshapen or injured. In Matthew 15:30 and Mark 9:43, Jesus encounters those described with this term, emphasizing his ministry’s reach to those with severe physical limitations. The usage underscores the tangible nature of his miracles, addressing real, observable suffering.
The root connection suggests a focus on the hands or limbs being bent or twisted out of their natural alignment. By using this specific descriptor, the Gospel writers draw attention to the restoration of wholeness. When Jesus heals the kyllōs, it is not just a removal of pain but a reformation of the body’s structure, reflecting a deeper restoration of dignity and function.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kyllōs points to a specific physical reality: limbs that are bent, twisted, or maimed. It is not a vague term for weakness but describes a structural deformity. In the Gospels, Jesus encounters these individuals and restores their wholeness. This act affirms their dignity, showing that God cares about the tangible details of our suffering.
Jesus also uses this image metaphorically in Matthew 18:8. He speaks of entering life maimed rather than being cast into fire. This stark comparison highlights the seriousness of sin and the value of spiritual integrity over physical perfection. It reminds us that true wholeness comes from our relationship with God, not just our bodily condition.
When we face limitations or pain, this word offers hope. Jesus sees those who are broken in visible ways and heals them. He also calls us to prioritize our spiritual health above all else. His ministry brings restoration to both body and soul, offering peace to those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crippled4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κυλλὸν2×
- κυλλούς,1×
- κυλλοὺς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 15:30
Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them,
This verse lists the maimed among those Jesus healed, showing his direct engagement with severe physical deformities.
-
Matthew 18:8
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.
Here Jesus uses the concept of being maimed metaphorically to warn against sin, valuing spiritual wholeness over physical completeness.
-
Mark 9:43
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire,
This parallel passage reinforces Jesus' teaching that losing a body part is preferable to eternal separation from God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kyllōs mean in the Bible?
Where does this word appear in the Gospels?
How is kyllōs different from other words for disability?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down…
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…
Matthew 18:8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into…