κωφός

dumb, deaf

Definition

The adjective κωφός primarily describes a physical inability to hear (deaf) or speak (mute). In the New Testament, it most often refers to deafness, as seen when Jesus heals a man who is 'deaf and had an impediment in his speech' (Mark 7:32). It can also denote muteness, as in the case of a demon-possessed man who was mute (Matthew 9:32). In a broader, metaphorical sense found in Matthew 11:5, Jesus' healing of the 'deaf' (κωφοὶ ἀκούουσιν) is listed as a messianic sign, indicating the restoration of spiritual perception and communication as part of the kingdom's arrival.

Biblical Usage

Κωφός is used exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), always in narratives of Jesus' healing miracles. It appears in lists of infirmities Jesus cured (Matthew 15:30-31) and is specifically highlighted as evidence of his messianic identity (Luke 7:22, referencing Matthew 11:5). The word is never used in a purely metaphorical or abstract way in the NT; every instance describes an actual physical condition that Jesus addresses. A key pattern is its frequent pairing with other ailments, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of Jesus' healing power.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root meaning 'blunted' or 'dulled,' κωφός originally described something that was not sharp or pointed. This sense was naturally extended to the faculties of hearing and speech, implying they were 'blunted' or inactive. It is related to the verb κωφόω, meaning 'to make dull or deaf.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is directly tied to Jesus' messianic mission. His healing of the κωφός fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the coming era of restoration (e.g., Isaiah 35:5-6). These miracles are not merely acts of compassion but are demonstrative signs that the kingdom of God is breaking into the world, overcoming the brokenness of the Fall. Understanding κωφός enriches reading by connecting physical healings to the broader biblical theme of God opening ears to hear his word and loosening tongues to praise him.

In the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, deafness and muteness were severe disabilities that often led to social and religious marginalization. The inability to hear the Law proclaimed or to participate fully in communal worship was a significant barrier. Jesus' healing of such individuals was thus a powerful restoration to both physical wholeness and full community participation.

ἄλαλος (alalos, G216) — specifically means 'speechless' or 'mute,' often used interchangeably with κωφός for muteness but does not carry the primary sense of deafness.

Word Details

Scripture References