The Greek word kylióō, represented by G2947, means to roll about or wallow. Derived from a root word signifying circularity, it is an exceptionally rare term in the New Testament. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single usage highly specific and descriptive.
The sole appearance of G2947 is in the account of Jesus healing a boy possessed by a spirit Mark 9:20. In this dramatic scene, as soon as the spirit saw G1492 Jesus, it violently tare G4682 the boy. The boy then fell G4098 to the ground G1093 and wallowed while foaming G875 at the mouth. The word wallowed here captures the intense, uncontrolled, and desperate physical convulsion caused by the malevolent spirit in the presence of divine authority.
The action of G2947 is part of a sequence of violent physical manifestations described by several related words:
- G4682 sparássō (to mangle, i.e. convulse with epilepsy): This term describes the initial violent convulsion that seizes the boy. In another instance, an unclean spirit had torn a man before crying out and leaving him Mark 1:26.
- G4098 píptō (to fall): This word denotes the loss of posture and control that results from the spiritual attack. It is used to describe how the boy fell to the ground Mark 9:20, but it is also used in contexts of worship, such as when John fell at the angel's feet Revelation 19:10.
- G875 aphrízō (to froth at the mouth): This specifies a key physical symptom occurring during the convulsion. The boy wallowed while foaming Mark 9:20, a condition noted as a recurring part of his affliction Mark 9:18.
- G1093 gē (soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe): This word establishes the setting for the event, as the boy fell on the ground. The term is used broadly in scripture to refer to the physical earth Matthew 24:35 as well as the realm of human affairs in contrast to things above Colossians 3:2.
The thematic weight of G2947 is concentrated in its single, powerful context. It serves to illustrate several key ideas:
- Physical Manifestation of Spiritual Evil: The act of wallowing provides a vivid and distressing picture of the physical torment that a demonic entity can inflict upon a person, demonstrating its oppressive control Mark 9:20.
- Reaction to Divine Presence: The wallowing and other convulsions are triggered specifically when the spirit saw G1492 Jesus. This violent reaction is not a random fit but a direct response to the authority and holiness of Christ.
- The Severity of Bondage: The use of kylióō alongside words like tare G4682 and foaming G875 emphasizes the utter helplessness of the individual and the extreme nature of the spiritual bondage from which Jesus provides deliverance.
In summary, G2947 kylióō is a highly specific verb that, while appearing only once, offers a profound insight. Its meaning, to wallow, is graphically deployed in Mark 9:20 to depict the chaotic and painful physical consequences of demonic possession. The word functions to magnify the desperate struggle between the unclean spirit and the supreme authority of Jesus, thereby highlighting the power and compassion inherent in Christ's subsequent act of healing.
TRV