Lexical Summary kukló: around, round about, surrounding Original Word: κύκλῳ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance round about. As if dative case of kuklos (a ring, "cycle"; akin to kulioo); i.e. In a circle (by implication, of en), i.e. (adverbially) all around -- round about. see GREEK kulioo see GREEK en NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindat. from kuklos (a circle) Definition around NASB Translation around (3), around* (2), round about (1), surrounding (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2945: κύκλῳκύκλῳ (dative of the substantive κύκλος, a ring, circle (cf. English cycle)); from Homer down; the Sept. times without number for סָבִיב, also for מִסָּבִיב and סָבִיב סָבִיב; in a circle, around, round about, on air sides: Mark 3:34; Mark 6:6; οἱ κυκλωαγροι, the circumjacent country (see ἀγρός, c.), Mark 6:36 (here WH (rejected) marginal reading gives ἔγγιστα); Luke 9:12; ἀπό Ἰερουσαλήμ καί κύκλῳ, and in the region around, Romans 15:19; τίνος, around anything (Xenophon, Cyril 4, 5, 5; Polybius 4, 21, 9, others; Genesis 35:5; Exodus 7:24, etc.): Revelation 4:6; Revelation 5:11 (here R κυκλόθεν); Topical Lexicon Semitic Background and Concept of Circular Encompassing In Hebrew thought, spatial language regularly conveys relational meaning. Words expressing “around” or “encircling” depict protection, inclusion, and totality (for example, Psalm 32:10; Psalm 125:2). The New Testament term represented by Strong’s Greek 2945 continues this imagery, characterizing persons or things that surround a central point in order to signify fellowship, coverage, or awe. Occurrences in Narrative Settings 1. Mark 3:34 and Mark 6:6 use the adverb to describe disciples sitting “in a circle around” Jesus. The physical arrangement mirrors the spiritual reality: those who heed Christ’s word are gathered into intimate fellowship, forming a family defined not by blood but by obedience. Pauline Missiological Perspective Romans 15:19 states, “By the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Paul pictures his missionary trail as an ever-widening circumference encircling the Mediterranean core of early Christianity. The term underscores strategic completeness; the gospel has not merely been planted sporadically but has encircled entire regions, making Christ known in an ever-expanding ring. Apocalyptic Vision of Worship Revelation repeatedly employs the word to locate angelic hosts and redeemed elders “around” the throne (Revelation 4:6; Revelation 5:11; Revelation 7:11). The concentric arrangement dramatizes God’s sovereignty. Worship is oriented toward the throne; every created order forms successive circles of adoration, reflecting perfect cosmic harmony under the Lamb. Theological Themes 1. Fellowship and Discipleship: Sitting “around” Jesus in the Gospels highlights the redefinition of family and community in messianic terms. Historical and Ministry Significance Early church fathers saw the encircling crowds as a figure of the church itself—diverse individuals drawn into unity around Christ. Medieval commentators applied Paul’s “all the way around to Illyricum” to support wide-ranging missionary efforts, arguing that the gospel must keep advancing until every nation is encompassed. Modern mission strategy similarly uses the idea of gospel “saturation”—planting churches so thickly that every community lies within reach, replicating the apostolic ring of witness. In pastoral ministry, classrooms and small groups often arrange seats in a circle to echo the disciples in Mark, symbolizing shared attention to Christ and mutual accountability. Liturgical architects have likewise placed communion tables centrally with congregants encircling, underlining Revelation’s throne-centered worship. Practical Implications for Believers Today • Gather in such a way that Christ remains central and visible, whether in worship, study, or service. Strong’s Greek 2945 therefore serves as more than a spatial descriptor; it is a reminder that life, mission, and worship are rightly ordered only when centered on God and oriented outward in ever-expanding circles of grace. Forms and Transliterations κύκλου κύκλους κυκλω κύκλω κύκλῳ κύκλωμα κυκλώματα κυκλώματος κύκνον kuklo kuklō kyklo kyklō kýkloi kýklōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 3:34 N-DMSGRK: περὶ αὐτὸν κύκλῳ καθημένους λέγει KJV: he looked round about on them which INT: around him in a circle were sitting he says Mark 6:6 N-DMS Mark 6:36 N-DMS Luke 9:12 N-DMS Romans 15:19 N-DMS Revelation 4:6 N-DMS Revelation 5:11 N-DMS Revelation 7:11 N-DMS |
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