The Greek word kyllós, represented by G2948, refers to being maimed or crippled in the hands or feet. Defined as "rocking about," it describes a significant physical impairment. This specific term appears 4 times in 4 unique verses, highlighting its use in contexts of both severe affliction and radical spiritual teaching.
In the Gospels, G2948 is used in two distinct ways. First, it describes a group of people healed by Jesus. Great multitudes brought the maimed to Jesus' feet, and He healed them Matthew 15:30. This miracle caused the crowd to wonder and glorify God when they saw "the maimed to be whole" Matthew 15:31. Second, the term is used metaphorically to teach about the seriousness of sin. It is better to enter into life maimed by cutting off a hand that causes one to sin, than to be cast into hell with two hands (Mark 9:43; Matthew 18:8).
Several related words appear alongside G2948, creating a picture of the various afflictions Jesus addressed:
- G5560 chōlós (lame): This word describes a person who is limping or crippled. It is frequently listed with the maimed, blind, and dumb as part of the crowds Jesus healed Matthew 15:30.
- G5185 typhlós (blind): Meaning physically or mentally blind, this term is used for those who cannot see. The healing of the blind is mentioned in the same context as the restoration of the maimed Matthew 15:31.
- G2974 kōphós (dumb): Referring to someone who is deaf or unable to speak, this affliction is also listed among those Jesus healed when he made the maimed whole Matthew 15:31.
- G5199 hygiḗs (whole): This word means healthy or sound and is used as the direct outcome of healing. In a key passage, the wonder of the crowd is provoked when they see the maimed being made whole Matthew 15:31.
The theological significance of G2948 is evident in its contextual usage.
- Demonstration of Divine Power: The healing of the maimed is presented as a specific and powerful sign of Jesus's authority. When the crowds witnessed these healings, they "glorified the God of Israel," recognizing the miraculous nature of the restoration Matthew 15:31.
- Metaphor for Spiritual Priority: Jesus uses the extreme image of becoming maimed to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. The willingness to sacrifice a part of the body to avoid sin shows that eternal life is infinitely more valuable than physical completeness in this world Matthew 18:8.
In summary, G2948 is a focused term for being maimed. Though it appears infrequently, its usage is powerful. It functions both as a literal description of a severe disability that Christ had the power to heal, and as a stark metaphor for the uncompromising commitment required to enter into eternal life. The word underscores the transformative power of Jesus's ministry and the supreme value he placed on spiritual righteousness over physical integrity.
TRV