### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kōlýō**, represented by `{{G2967}}`, is a verb that means to estop, i.e. prevent by word or act. Its definitions include to **forbid**, **hinder**, **keep from**, **not suffer**, and **withstand**. It appears 23 times in 23 unique verses, highlighting its specific and impactful use in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2967}}` appears in several crucial contexts. It is most famously used by Jesus when he rebukes his disciples, saying "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and **forbid** them not" [[Mark 10:14]]. The word also describes divine intervention, as when the apostles were "**forbidden** of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia" [[Acts 16:6]]. It can also signify a challenge to improper authority, as when Peter asks, "Can any man **forbid** water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost?" [[Acts 10:47]]. Conversely, it is used in a false accusation against Jesus, claiming he was "**forbidding** to give tribute to Caesar" [[Luke 23:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of preventing or allowing an action:
* `{{G863}}` **aphíēmi** (to send forth... let... suffer...): This word acts as the direct positive counterpart to `{{G2967}}` in the accounts of Jesus and the children, where he commands his disciples to "**suffer**" them to come and "**forbid** them not" [[Luke 18:16]].
* `{{G1525}}` **eisérchomai** (to enter (literally or figuratively)): The act of hindering is often related to preventing entry. Jesus condemns the lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge, saying "ye **entered** not in yourselves, and them that were **entering in** ye **hindered**" [[Luke 11:52]].
* `{{G1299}}` **diatássō** (to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc.): This word for commanding or ordaining provides a contrast to forbidding. In one instance, a centurion **commanded** Paul to be kept, yet also ordered that none of his acquaintance should be **forbidden** to minister to him [[Acts 24:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2967}}` is significant, often touching on themes of divine authority and access to salvation.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word underscores God's ultimate authority to permit or prevent. The Holy Ghost actively **forbade** a missionary journey [[Acts 16:6]], and Peter acknowledges the futility of opposing a divine act, asking "what was I, that I could **withstand** God?" [[Acts 11:17]].
* **Access to Salvation:** `{{G2967}}` is frequently tied to hindering access to God. Paul condemns those who were "**Forbidding** us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved" [[1 Thessalonians 2:16]]. The question of what **doth hinder** the Ethiopian eunuch from being baptized shows the removal of a barrier to faith [[Acts 8:36]].
* **Warning Against False Prohibitions:** The term is used to identify legalistic and false teachings. Paul warns of doctrines promoted by those "**Forbidding** to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving" [[1 Timothy 4:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2967}}` is more than a simple word for "forbid." It serves as a crucial term that delineates the boundary between divine permission and human obstruction. It highlights the open access to God commanded by Christ, warns against religious legalism that hinders believers, and ultimately affirms the sovereign power of God, whose will cannot be **withstood**.
TRV