κυκλόω

I encircle, besiege, surround

Definition

The verb κυκλόω means to encircle, surround, or besiege. In a literal military sense, it describes an army surrounding a city to lay siege to it, as seen in Luke 21:20 where Jerusalem is encircled by armies, and in Hebrews 11:30 regarding the walls of Jericho. In other contexts, it conveys a more general sense of people gathering around someone, such as the Jews surrounding Jesus in John 10:24 to question him, or a hostile crowd encircling Paul in Acts 14:20. The final usage in Revelation 20:9 depicts the symbolic siege of the saints' camp by the nations.

Biblical Usage

This word is used five times in the New Testament across various genres: Gospels (Luke, John), Acts, an Epistle (Hebrews), and Apocalyptic literature (Revelation). Its usage splits between literal, historical sieges (Luke 21:20, Hebrews 11:30) and figurative or immediate physical encirclements by groups of people, often with hostile intent (John 10:24, Acts 14:20, Revelation 20:9). The contexts consistently involve pressure, confrontation, or threat from an encircling force.

Etymology

Derived from the noun κύκλος (kyklos, G2945), meaning 'circle' or 'ring.' The verb form κυκλόω literally means 'to make into a circle' or 'to go around in a circle.' It is a straightforward formation indicating circular motion or enclosure, from which the meanings of encirclement and siege naturally develop.

Semantic Range

This word is significant in eschatological and faith contexts. In Luke 21:20, it is a key sign of Jerusalem's coming destruction, fulfilling Jesus' prophetic warning. In Hebrews 11:30, the 'encircling' of Jericho is the pivotal act of faith that leads to victory, highlighting obedience to God's unconventional strategy. The usage in Revelation 20:9 underscores the final, futile assault of evil against God's people, emphasizing divine protection and ultimate judgment. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting the physical act of surrounding with themes of divine judgment, testing of faith, and spiritual conflict.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, 'encircling' a city was the primary method of siege warfare, aiming to cut off supplies and force surrender. This was a well-understood and feared military tactic. The action also carried social weight; to be surrounded by a crowd, as in John 10:24, often implied a public challenge or interrogation, placing the encircled person under significant social pressure and scrutiny.

περικυκλόω (perikyklóō, G4033) — a strengthened form meaning to encircle completely or encompass. κυκλόω is the more general term for surrounding, while περικυκλόω intensifies the sense of being fully enclosed.

Word Details

Scripture References