κωφός (kōphos)
kōphos
deaf/mute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective kōphos describes a state of being blunt or dull, specifically applied to human senses in the New Testament. It carries a dual meaning, referring either to someone who is mute or to someone who is deaf. This single word captures the physical reality of sensory impairment without necessarily implying a spiritual condition, as seen when Jesus heals those described with this term.
Its usage varies by context, highlighting different aspects of isolation. In passages like Matthew 9:32 and Luke 11:14, it denotes speechlessness, often linked to demonic oppression or severe illness. Conversely, in Mark 7:32-37 and Matthew 11:5, it refers to deafness, sometimes paired with speech difficulties. The sources note that this term appears most frequently in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, illustrating Jesus’ ministry to those marginalized by physical limitations.
The word’s root suggests a lack of sharpness or responsiveness, metaphorically extending from dull tools to unresponsive senses. Translators typically render it as "deaf" or "mute" depending on the immediate narrative focus. This distinction is important for understanding the specific nature of the healing miracles recorded in the synoptic Gospels.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kōphos describes a person who is deaf or mute, capturing a physical reality of sensory impairment without implying any spiritual failure on the part of the individual. In the Gospels, Jesus encounters those silenced by illness or oppression and restores their ability to hear and speak. This act of healing was not merely medical but deeply relational, breaking down the isolation that often accompanies such conditions.
For your faith life, this reminds us that God sees those whom society might overlook or marginalize. When Jesus heals the mute man in Matthew 9:32 or restores hearing to the deaf in Mark 7:37, He demonstrates His power over every form of brokenness. You can trust that your Creator cares about your whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and desires wholeness for you.
These accounts invite us to look beyond physical limitations to see the dignity God places in every person. Whether you face challenges that silence you or seek to support those who are marginalized, this word points to a God who brings clarity, connection, and hope where there was once confusion and separation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- deaf4×
- mute3×
- mute.2×
- mute,1×
- mute [man].1×
- mute [man]1×
- mute [and]1×
- a deaf man1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κωφὸν4×
- κωφός,2×
- κωφοὺς2×
- κωφοὶ2×
- κωφός.¶1×
- κωφός.1×
- κωφόν.1×
- κωφούς,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:32
As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
This verse highlights the specific struggle of being mute due to demonic oppression, showing Jesus' authority over spiritual forces that cause physical silence.
-
Mark 7:32
They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him.
Here the word describes a man who is both deaf and has an impediment in speech, illustrating the comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing ministry.
-
Matthew 11:5
the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
Jesus lists the 'deaf hear' as evidence of His identity as the Messiah, fulfilling prophetic expectations of restoration for the marginalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word kōphos mean?
Is kōphos always linked to demonic possession?
Why does Jesus heal those described as kōphos?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 6 verses
As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
Matthew 9:33When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen…
Matthew 11:5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the…
Matthew 12:22Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him; and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man…
Matthew 15:30Great 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…