from ἕλκος; to cause to ulcerate, i.e. (passively) be ulcerous:--full of sores.
Transliteration:helkóō
Pronunciation:hel-ko'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἑλκόω (helkóō, `{{G1669}}`) is derived from the noun ἕλκος (helkos, `{{G1668}}`), which means "a sore," "an ulcer," or "a wound." As a verb, ἑλκόω primarily describes the state of being afflicted by such conditions. Its base definition, "to cause to ulcerate," implies an active process, but its more common usage, and its sole New Testament occurrence, is in the passive voice, meaning "to be ulcerous" or "to be full of sores." This denotes a severe, often chronic, and visibly repulsive physical ailment characterized by open, festering wounds. The semantic range is thus confined to the realm of physical disease and affliction, particularly those manifesting as external lesions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἑλκόω (helkóō, `{{G1669}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 16:20]]: "And a beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores (ἑλκωμένος)."
In this poignant parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the passive participle ἑλκωμένος (helkōmenos) vividly describes Lazarus's physical condition. This detail is crucial for understanding the depth of his suffering and destitution. The sores are not merely superficial blemishes; they indicate a severe, likely painful, and debilitating affliction. They highlight his abject poverty, lack of access to basic hygiene or medical care, and utter vulnerability. The presence of these sores on Lazarus's body serves as a stark visual contrast to the rich man's opulent lifestyle, underscoring the rich man's profound indifference to human suffering. The detail of the dogs licking his sores further emphasizes his extreme neglect and the absence of human compassion, yet paradoxically, offers a measure of comfort or cleansing from the animals.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἕλκος (helkos, `{{G1668}}`):** This is the direct root noun, meaning "sore" or "ulcer." It appears in [[Revelation 16:2]], describing the "foul and loathsome sore" that afflicts those who received the mark of the beast. This connection reinforces the idea of severe, often divinely-sent, physical affliction.
* **Suffering and Affliction:** ἑλκόω is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical themes of human suffering, particularly the physical degradation experienced by the poor and marginalized. It evokes the Job-like suffering of the righteous.
* **Disease and Impurity:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, severe skin diseases often carried connotations of ritual impurity and social ostracism, as seen in the Levitical laws concerning various afflictions (e.g., leprosy, though helkóō is a distinct condition). While not directly a purity law term, the "sores" would have contributed to Lazarus's social isolation.
* **Poverty and Neglect:** The word underscores the physical consequences of extreme poverty and the societal neglect of the vulnerable. It serves as a powerful visual signifier of destitution.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑλκόω (helkóō, `{{G1669}}`) is primarily derived from its singular, powerful use in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus:
* **The Plight of the Marginalized:** The "sores" on Lazarus's body serve as a visceral symbol of the extreme physical and social degradation experienced by the poor and neglected. They highlight the urgent moral imperative for compassion and care towards those in need, condemning the indifference of the privileged.
* **Divine Justice and Reversal of Fortunes:** The graphic depiction of Lazarus's suffering on earth, marked by his sores, stands in stark contrast to his comfort in Abraham's bosom in the afterlife. This underscores a core theological principle of God's justice: earthly suffering endured with faithfulness can lead to eternal reward, while earthly luxury devoid of compassion can lead to eternal judgment. The sores are a witness to the injustice Lazarus endured, which God ultimately rectifies.
* **Human Vulnerability and Mortality:** The word implicitly reminds humanity of its physical fragility, susceptibility to disease, and ultimate mortality. It speaks to the universal experience of suffering in a fallen world, where bodies are subject to decay and affliction.
* **A Call to Compassion:** By presenting Lazarus's condition so vividly, Jesus challenges His listeners to see the suffering in their midst and to respond with active love and mercy, rather than turning a blind eye. The sores are a silent plea for human kindness.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἑλκόω (helkóō, `{{G1669}}`), meaning "to be full of sores" or "to be ulcerous," is a powerful descriptor of severe physical affliction. Its singular appearance in the New Testament, in [[Luke 16:20]] describing Lazarus, the beggar, profoundly underscores his extreme destitution, suffering, and social marginalization. Theologically, ἑλκόω serves as a stark symbol of the plight of the poor, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the wealthy to show compassion. It highlights the divine principle of reversal of fortunes, where earthly suffering endured with integrity can lead to eternal comfort, while earthly indifference to suffering can lead to judgment. The word thus functions as a compelling visual detail that reinforces the parable's central message concerning social justice, divine retribution, and the call to compassionate action.
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