### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποκυλίω (apokylíō, `{{G617}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, `{{G575}}`), meaning "away from" or "off," and the verb κυλιόω (kylioō, `{{G2947}}`), meaning "to roll." Therefore, the core meaning of ἀποκυλίω is "to roll away" or "to roll back." The prefix ἀπό intensifies the sense of separation or removal, indicating a decisive action of moving an object by rolling it away from its previous position. Its semantic range is quite narrow, specifically referring to the physical act of displacing a round or heavy object by rolling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀποκυλίω appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within the narratives of Jesus' resurrection. Its usage is consistently tied to the significant event of the stone being rolled away from the entrance of Jesus' tomb:
* **[[Matthew 28:2]]**: "For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and *rolled back* the stone and sat on it." Here, the action is attributed to a divine agent, an angel, underscoring the supernatural power involved in the resurrection event. The stone, a massive barrier, is effortlessly removed, signifying the breaking of death's dominion.
* **[[Mark 16:3]]**: "And they were saying to one another, 'Who will *roll away* the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?'" This verse highlights the human predicament and the perceived impossibility for the women to move such a large stone on their own, setting the stage for the miraculous discovery.
* **[[Mark 16:4]]**: "And looking up, they saw that the stone had been *rolled back*—it was very large." This confirms the accomplished fact of the stone's removal, emphasizing its immense size, which further accentuates the miraculous nature of its displacement.
* **[[Luke 24:2]]**: "And they found the stone *rolled away* from the tomb." Luke presents the discovery as a simple, undeniable fact, focusing on the empty tomb as the primary evidence of the resurrection.
In all occurrences, ἀποκυλίω describes the removal of the stone that sealed Jesus' tomb. The stone served as a symbol of finality, death, and human attempts to contain divine power. Its removal signifies the triumph of life over death, the opening of the way, and the undeniable reality of the resurrection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to ἀποκυλίω due to its specific biblical context:
* **κυλίω (kylíō) / κυλιόω (kylioō) `{{G2947}}`**: The base verb for "to roll," from which ἀποκυλίω is derived. It denotes the fundamental action of rolling.
* **ἀπό (apo) `{{G575}}`**: The prepositional prefix meaning "away from" or "off," indicating the direction and completion of the rolling action.
* **λίθος (lithos) `{{G3037}}`**: "Stone," the object that is consistently rolled away in the resurrection narratives. The size and weight of this stone are often emphasized (e.g., [[Mark 16:4]]).
* **μνῆμα (mnēma) `{{G3419}}`** / **τάφος (taphos) `{{G5028}}`**: Words for "tomb" or "grave," the location from which the stone is rolled, signifying the place of death and burial.
* **Concepts**: The act of rolling away the stone is inextricably linked to the **Resurrection of Jesus**, **Divine Power**, the **Empty Tomb**, the **Overcoming of Obstacles**, and the **Validation of Christ's Victory over Death**.
### Theological Significance
The act described by ἀποκυλίω carries profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Intervention and Power**: The rolling away of the stone is not attributed to human effort but to supernatural power (an angel in Matthew, or simply presented as a miraculous fait accompli in Mark and Luke). This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over death and the grave. No human barrier, however massive, could contain the resurrected Christ.
2. **Validation of the Resurrection**: The rolled-away stone and the subsequent empty tomb serve as the primary physical evidence for the resurrection. It is the immediate sign that the women encounter, challenging their expectations and setting the stage for the angelic proclamation of Jesus' rising. Without the stone rolled away, the tomb would remain sealed, obscuring the truth of what transpired within.
3. **Removal of the Barrier to Life**: Symbolically, the stone represents the finality of death, the sealing of hope, and the barrier between humanity and eternal life. Its removal by divine action signifies the breaking of death's power and the opening of the way to new life in Christ. It is a powerful metaphor for the removal of spiritual obstacles that separate humanity from God.
4. **Foundation for the Gospel Message**: The empty tomb, made evident by the rolled-away stone, is a cornerstone of the apostolic witness. It is the tangible proof that Jesus is indeed alive, validating His claims and empowering the proclamation of the Gospel. The *apokylíō* of the stone is thus integral to the very essence of Christian faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀποκυλίω (apokylíō, `{{G617}}`) precisely means "to roll away" or "to roll back." Though its occurrences are few, confined to the Synoptic Gospels' resurrection accounts, its significance is immense. It describes the miraculous removal of the large stone sealing Jesus' tomb, an act attributed to divine power rather than human effort. Theologically, this simple action is foundational: it serves as the physical validation of Jesus' resurrection, demonstrates God's supreme authority over death, symbolizes the removal of the ultimate barrier between humanity and eternal life, and provides the essential evidence for the empty tomb, which is central to the Christian Gospel. The rolling away of the stone is not merely a logistical detail but a powerful declaration of Christ's triumph.
TRV