### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κύπτω (kýptō), Strong's number `{{G2955}}`, carries the fundamental meaning "to bend forward" or "to stoop down." Its etymological root is likely connected to κῦμα (kyma), meaning "a wave," which suggests a natural, often graceful, bending or curving motion. Unlike words that denote a forceful prostration or a mere lowering of the body, κύπτω specifically implies a deliberate, often voluntary, act of inclining the upper body or head. The semantic range is narrow but potent, focusing on this specific physical posture which can convey humility, intense focus, careful observation, or even a strategic withdrawal from direct confrontation. It signifies a lowering of one's gaze or position, often to engage with something on a lower plane or to avoid direct eye contact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κύπτω appears sparingly in the New Testament, yet each instance is contextually rich and highly significant, primarily found in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 8:6]] and [[John 8:8]]**: These verses describe Jesus' profound action when confronted by the scribes and Pharisees who brought a woman caught in adultery. Instead of directly engaging their trap, Jesus "stooped down and wrote with His finger on the ground." This twofold action of stooping and writing is central. The act of stooping signifies a calm, deliberate posture that defuses the immediate tension. It is a posture of non-confrontation, allowing the accusers' self-righteousness to unravel. Some scholars suggest the act of writing on the ground might allude to God writing the Law, or perhaps writing the sins of the accusers, or simply a contemplative act that shifts the focus from the woman to the accusers' own hearts. Regardless of the precise meaning of the writing, the *stooping* itself conveys Jesus' serene authority and wisdom, choosing a posture of humble disengagement rather than direct verbal retort, thereby exposing the hypocrisy of His interrogators.
* **[[John 20:5]] and [[John 20:11]]**: Here, κύπτω describes the actions of Peter and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb of Jesus. Peter "stooped down and saw the linen wrappings lying there" (v. 5), and Mary Magdalene, after speaking with the angels, "stooped down and looked into the tomb" (v. 11). In these instances, stooping is an act of careful, intense observation. It conveys a sense of searching, curiosity, and perhaps a mixture of hope and trepidation as they peer into the sacred, yet empty, space where Jesus' body had been. This posture signifies a profound engagement with the mystery of the resurrection, an earnest desire to understand what has transpired. It is not a casual glance but a focused, intimate gaze, indicative of their deep emotional and spiritual investment in the events.
### Related Words & Concepts
While κύπτω specifically denotes bending forward or stooping, it relates to broader concepts and other Greek terms that describe various forms of lowering or bowing:
* **`{{G4352}}` (proskyneō)**: This word means "to prostrate oneself," "to bow down in worship," or "to do obeisance." Unlike κύπτω, which can be a general physical action, proskyneō almost always carries a strong connotation of reverence, submission, and often religious worship. While one might stoop *before* worshipping, the act of worship itself is more fully conveyed by proskyneō.
* **`{{G2827}}` (klinō)**: Meaning "to bend," "to recline," or "to make to lie down." This is a more general term for bending or inclining, often referring to resting or leaning, without the specific forward-bending posture of κύπτω or the reverential aspect of proskyneō.
* **Humility (`{{G5011}}` tapeinophrosynē)**: The physical act of stooping can be an outward manifestation of an inward state of humility or lowliness of mind. Jesus' stooping in John 8, though an act of divine wisdom, also embodies a profound humility, refusing to engage on the accusers' terms and instead adopting a posture of quiet contemplation.
* **Attentiveness and Observation**: As seen in John 20, the act of stooping is directly linked to careful observation and a focused search for truth. It suggests a posture of earnest inquiry.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but strategically placed occurrences of κύπτω offer profound theological insights:
* **Divine Wisdom and Patience**: Jesus' act of stooping in [[John 8:6]] and [[John 8:8]] is a powerful demonstration of divine wisdom. It is not a sign of weakness or indecision, but of authoritative calm that disarms His accusers. By lowering Himself, Jesus elevates the moral dilemma, forcing His accusers to confront their own sin. This silent, contemplative posture embodies a profound patience and a strategic refusal to be drawn into a human-orchestrated conflict, instead appealing to a higher truth. It speaks to the power found in humility and self-control.
* **Earnest Seeking and Revelation**: In [[John 20:5]] and [[John 20:11]], the disciples' act of stooping into the tomb signifies the posture of those who earnestly seek the truth of Christ's resurrection. It is a humble, yet intense, act of investigation that precedes revelation. Their stooping leads them to "see" the empty tomb and the linen wrappings, which are initial signs pointing towards the miraculous reality of the resurrection. This physical posture symbolizes a spiritual readiness to engage with the profound mystery of God's redemptive work, suggesting that truth is often discovered by those who are willing to humble themselves and look closely.
* **Embodiment of Humility and Focus**: In both contexts, κύπτω encapsulates a physical action that reflects deeper spiritual realities. It is a posture of humility (whether divine or human), focused attention, and a willingness to engage with truth on its own terms, rather than from a position of pride or presumption. It teaches that profound insights and divine encounters often occur not through assertive dominance, but through a humble, contemplative, and seeking stance.
### Summary
The Greek word κύπτω (kýptō, `{{G2955}}`), meaning "to bend forward" or "to stoop down," appears in the New Testament as a powerful, albeit infrequent, descriptor of significant physical actions. In [[John 8:6]] and [[John 8:8]], Jesus' act of stooping down and writing on the ground exemplifies divine wisdom, calm authority, and a strategic non-confrontation that exposes human hypocrisy. In [[John 20:5]] and [[John 20:11]], the disciples' stooping into the empty tomb highlights an earnest, reverent search for truth and understanding in the face of the resurrection. Theologically, κύπτω signifies a posture of humility, deep contemplation, and focused observation, suggesting that profound spiritual realities are often revealed to those who are willing to lower themselves, not in weakness, but in a deliberate act of seeking and engagement. It is a humble posture that precedes divine revelation and wisdom.
TRV