### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apokylíō**, represented by `{{G617}}`, is a specific term meaning **to roll away** or **roll back**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying its concentrated use in a single, pivotal narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G617}}` is used exclusively to describe the moving of the stone from the door of the sepulchre. The women approaching the tomb wonder, "Who shall **roll** us **away** the stone?" [[Mark 16:3]]. The gospels then reveal the answer: an **angel** of the **Lord** descended from heaven and **rolled back** the stone [[Matthew 28:2]]. This action is confirmed when the women arrive and find the stone already **rolled away** [[Luke 24:2]], a stone described as "very great" [[Mark 16:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the action of `{{G617}}`:
* `{{G3037}}` **líthos** (a stone): This is the object that is **rolled away** in every occurrence of `{{G617}}`. The stone itself is a central element, described as "very great" [[Mark 16:4]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger; especially an "angel"): This term identifies the agent of the action. An **angel** of the Lord is the one who performs the act of rolling back the stone [[Matthew 28:2]].
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): This verb describes the angel's origin, emphasizing the heavenly nature of the intervention. The angel **descended** from heaven before he came and **rolled back** the stone [[Matthew 28:2]].
* `{{G4334}}` **prosérchomai** (to approach): This word describes the angel's purposeful movement towards the tomb, as he "came and **rolled back** the stone" [[Matthew 28:2]], indicating a deliberate divine act.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G617}}` is tied directly to its context in the resurrection narrative.
* **Divine Intervention:** The act of rolling away the stone is not a human feat. It is accomplished by an **angel** `{{G32}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` who **descended** `{{G2597}}` from heaven, demonstrating that the power at work is divine [[Matthew 28:2]].
* **Removal of Obstacles:** The **stone** `{{G3037}}` represents a final, physical barrier. By being **rolled away**, it symbolizes the removal of the obstacle that separates humanity from the truth of the resurrection.
* **Manifestation of Authority:** The act is a display of heaven's authority. The angel not only **rolled back** the stone but also "sat upon it" [[Matthew 28:2]], signifying complete control and victory over the seal of the tomb.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G617}}` is a precise action verb whose significance is inseparable from its singular context. It is used only to describe the rolling away of the tomb's stone, an event central to the resurrection accounts. This act, performed by an angelic being, serves as the physical prelude to the greatest revelation, illustrating how a divine action can remove a seemingly insurmountable barrier to reveal a foundational truth of scripture.
TRV