### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κυκλόω (G2944), transliterated as *kyklóō*, derives from the same root as κύκλῳ (G2945), meaning "around" or "in a circle." At its core, κυκλόω signifies the action of forming a circle around something or someone. Its primary semantic range includes:
* **To encircle or surround:** This is the most direct and frequent meaning, often implying a physical act of encompassing a person, object, or location.
* **To compass about:** Similar to "encircle," emphasizing the act of moving around to form a complete perimeter.
* **To come or stand round about:** Describes the positioning of individuals or groups in a circular formation around a central point.
The term inherently conveys a sense of enclosure, whether for purposes of siege, observation, protection, or confrontation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κυκλόω appears in the New Testament in several significant contexts, each adding nuance to its core meaning:
* **Prophetic Warning of Siege:** In [[Luke 21:20]], Jesus warns, "But when you see Jerusalem *surrounded* by armies, then know that its desolation is near." Here, κυκλόω unequivocally describes a military siege, signifying impending destruction and judgment upon the city. It foreshadows the historical events of 70 AD.
* **Confrontational Gathering:** In [[John 10:24]], "So the Jews *gathered around* Him and said to Him, 'How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.'" The verb here depicts a close, perhaps intimidating, encirclement of Jesus by those demanding a direct answer, reflecting a moment of intense scrutiny and challenge to His identity.
* **Communal Care and Support:** After Paul was stoned and left for dead, [[Acts 14:20]] states, "But when the disciples *gathered around* him, he rose up and entered the city." This usage portrays a gathering of concerned individuals in a protective or supportive manner, indicating the solidarity and care within the early Christian community for their suffering brother.
* **Faithful Obedience and Divine Power:** In [[Hebrews 11:30]], referencing the Old Testament narrative, it is stated, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were *encircled* for seven days." While referring to the Septuagint's use of the verb for the march around Jericho, its inclusion in this chapter on faith highlights an act of obedient encirclement that, empowered by God, led to a miraculous collapse, underscoring the efficacy of faith-driven actions.
* **Eschatological Conflict:** [[Revelation 20:9]] describes a future event: "And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and *surrounded* the camp of the saints and the beloved city; and fire came down from heaven and devoured them." This passage uses κυκλόω to depict the final, massive encirclement of God's people by the forces of evil (Gog and Magog), immediately preceding divine judgment and their utter destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of κυκλόω is closely tied to words denoting circularity and enclosure:
* κύκλῳ (G2945): The adverb "around" or "in a circle," from which κυκλόω is directly derived. This highlights the inherent circularity of the action.
* κύκλος (G2946): The noun "circle," representing the shape or form created by the action of κυκλόω.
* Concepts of siege, battle, and military strategy are clearly related, particularly in passages like [[Luke 21:20]] and [[Revelation 20:9]].
* Concepts of gathering, assembly, and close proximity, as seen in [[John 10:24]] and [[Acts 14:20]].
* In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb `{{H5437}}` (sābab), meaning "to turn," "go around," or "surround," often corresponds to the Septuagint's use of κυκλόω, as exemplified by the Jericho narrative.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of κυκλόω carry profound theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The encirclement of Jerusalem ([[Luke 21:20]]) and the "beloved city" ([[Revelation 20:9]]) by hostile forces consistently precedes divine intervention and judgment. This illustrates God's ultimate sovereignty over historical and eschatological events, where even the most overwhelming human or demonic opposition is ultimately subject to His will and serves as a prelude to His decisive action.
* **The Nature of Opposition to Christ:** The Jews "surrounding" Jesus ([[John 10:24]]) depicts the intense human pressure and skepticism directed at the Messiah. It underscores the spiritual blindness and confrontational posture of those who refused to accept His claims, despite His clear demonstrations of divine power and authority.
* **Community and Fellowship:** The disciples "gathering around" Paul ([[Acts 14:20]]) highlights the vital importance of Christian community, mutual support, and compassionate care for one another, especially in times of suffering or perceived loss. It is a tangible expression of the body of Christ at work.
* **Faith and Obedience as Channels for Divine Power:** The reference to Jericho's walls falling after being "encircled" ([[Hebrews 11:30]]) serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of faith-filled obedience. It teaches that God's miraculous power is often unleashed not through human might or wisdom, but through simple, yet unwavering, acts of obedience to His revealed will, even when the strategy seems illogical.
* **Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance:** The concept of being κυκλόω by enemies, whether physical armies or spiritual forces, evokes the reality of spiritual warfare. Yet, the biblical narrative consistently shows that God's people, though seemingly vulnerable when surrounded, are ultimately under His protection and will experience His deliverance and vindication.
### Summary
The Greek word κυκλόω (G2944) fundamentally means "to encircle" or "to surround." Its usage in the New Testament is remarkably versatile, encompassing literal military sieges ([[Luke 21:20]], [[Revelation 20:9]]), confrontational human interactions ([[John 10:24]]), acts of communal care ([[Acts 14:20]]), and references to Old Testament acts of faith and obedience ([[Hebrews 11:30]]). Theologically, κυκλόω underscores themes of divine sovereignty and judgment over hostile forces, the nature of human opposition to Christ, the vital importance of Christian community and mutual support, and the powerful outcomes of faith-filled obedience. It vividly portrays situations of being encompassed, often leading to divine intervention, deliverance, or judgment, consistently pointing to God's ultimate control and faithfulness amidst all forms of encirclement.
TRV