### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kyklóō**, represented by `{{G2944}}`, is defined as to encircle or surround. Derived from κύκλῳ, it is translated as to compass about, or to come or stand round about. This term appears **7 times** across **5 unique verses** in scripture, often describing a physical act of surrounding a person or a place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2944}}` illustrates several types of encirclement. It is used to describe a hostile crowd gathering around Jesus to question Him [[John 10:24]] and disciples gathering around Paul after he was attacked [[Acts 14:20]]. The word also depicts military or strategic encirclements, such as the walls of Jericho being **compassed** for seven days [[Hebrews 11:30]] and the prophetic warning of Jerusalem being **compassed** with armies [[Luke 21:20]]. In a final, eschatological sense, it describes enemy forces as they **compassed** the camp of the saints [[Revelation 20:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G2944}}` is used:
* `{{G4760}}` **stratópedon** (army): This word, meaning a body of troops, is used in connection with `{{G2944}}` to describe the forces that will surround Jerusalem, signaling its coming desolation [[Luke 21:20]].
* `{{G3925}}` **parembolḗ** (camp, castle): This term for an encampment or barracks is the object of the surrounding in Revelation, where hostile forces **compassed** the "camp of the saints" [[Revelation 20:9]].
* `{{G305}}` **anabaínō** (to go up): This word for ascending is used to describe the action of the armies who "went up on the breadth of the earth" just before they **compassed** the holy city [[Revelation 20:9]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{G2944}}` is significant, as the act of surrounding often precedes a pivotal moment or judgment.
* **Prelude to Action:** The encircling of a place or person consistently leads to a decisive event. The walls of Jericho fell *after* being compassed [[Hebrews 11:30]], the desolation of Jerusalem is declared nigh *when* it is compassed [[Luke 21:20]], and divine fire descends *after* the camp of the saints is compassed [[Revelation 20:9]].
* **Confrontation and Support:** The intent behind the encirclement varies with context. It can be hostile, as when the Jews came **round about** Jesus to challenge him [[John 10:24]]. It can also be supportive, as when the disciples **stood round about** Paul, after which he was able to rise and continue his journey [[Acts 14:20]].
* **Strategic Encirclement:** In military contexts, the word highlights a key maneuver. It is used for the siege of Jericho by faith [[Hebrews 11:30]] and the siege of Jerusalem by enemy armies [[Luke 21:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2944}}` is more than just a word for making a circle. It is a dynamic term that signifies a critical moment of confrontation or impending change. Whether depicting a military siege, a hostile crowd, or a protective gathering of disciples, **kyklóō** effectively frames a scene, focusing attention on a central subject right before a key event unfolds in the biblical narrative.
TRV