Lexical Summary helkos: Sore, ulcer, wound Original Word: ἕλκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sore. Probably from helkuo; an ulcer (as if drawn together) -- sore. see GREEK helkuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from a prim. root Definition a wound, a sore, an ulcer NASB Translation sore (1), sores (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1668: ἕλκοςἕλκος, ἑλκεος (ἕλκους) (cf. Latinulcus,ulcerare; perhaps akin to ἕλκω (Etym. Magn. 331, 3; 641, 3), yet cf. Curtius, § 23), τό; 1. a wound, especially a suppurated wound; so in Homer and earlier writings. 2. from (Thucydides), Theophrastus, Polybius on, a sore, an ulcer: Revelation 16:2; plural, Luke 16:21; Revelation 16:11. (for שְׁחִין, Exodus 9:9; Job 2:7, etc.) Luke 16:21 introduces the term within the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: “Even the dogs came and licked his sores”. Here the open wound highlights Lazarus’ complete helplessness. It underscores the social chasm between the gate-bound beggar and the feasting rich man, dramatizing the call to mercy that the wealthy ignored (compare Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Proverbs 19:17). By portraying bodily misery so graphically, the Lord amplifies the eventual reversal of fortunes after death and reminds the Church that neglect of the suffering poor is a grave moral failure (James 2:14-17). Eschatological Judgment Revelation 16:2, 11 employs the word in the first bowl of wrath: malignant sores strike “the people bearing the mark of the beast and worshiping its image” (verse 2), and they later “blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores” (verse 11). The plague evokes the sixth Egyptian plague (Exodus 9:8-12) and the Deuteronomic curses (Deuteronomy 28:27, 35), showing continuity between covenant warnings and final judgment. The ulcerous affliction targets idolatry, marking those who pledged allegiance to the beast. Its incurable nature signals the irrevocability of divine sentence once the day of grace is spurned (Hebrews 10:26-27). Symbol of Moral and Spiritual Corruption Throughout Scripture bodily decay frequently mirrors inward decay (Isaiah 1:5-6; Psalm 38:3-7). The ulcer becomes a vivid token of sin’s putrefying effect: what is hidden in the heart is made visible on the skin. Revelation’s sores expose the counterfeit promises of the beast—outward prosperity masking spiritual rot—while Lazarus’ sores reveal societal indifference, exposing hearts hardened against mercy. The Call to Repentance and Compassion In both Luke and Revelation the appearance of sores summons onlookers to response. For the affluent, the sight of Lazarus was a providential opportunity for generosity (1 John 3:17). For the beast’s followers, the torment was an urgent call to repentance they tragically rejected (Revelation 16:11). The Church is therefore admonished to respond differently: to show mercy to the suffering and to heed God’s warnings before judgment falls (2 Corinthians 6:2). Christ the Healer Amidst Human Wounds The Gospels repeatedly record Jesus cleansing lepers, healing the lame, and touching the untouchable (Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-13). These miracles anticipate the ultimate removal of every “sore” in the new creation, when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). For believers, physical affliction is never final; it is met by a Savior who “bore our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:17) and guarantees resurrection wholeness (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). Pastoral and Homiletical Applications • Mercy Ministry: The Church must see modern “Lazaruses” with Gospel eyes, meeting practical needs while announcing eternal hope. Thus the three New Testament occurrences of this term weave together themes of compassion, judgment, sin’s corruption, and redemptive hope—reminding every generation to heed God’s warnings, extend Christlike mercy, and rest in the coming fullness of His healing kingdom. Englishman's Concordance Luke 16:21 N-ANPGRK: ἐπέλειχον τὰ ἕλκη αὐτοῦ NAS: were coming and licking his sores. KJV: and licked his sores. INT: licked the sores of him Revelation 16:2 N-NNS Revelation 16:11 N-GNP Strong's Greek 1668 |
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