κωφός
kōphos
deaf/mute
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word κωφός (kōphos) is defined as "deaf/mute." This term appears 14 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in the narrative. The word encompasses both physical deafness and muteness, implying a complete or partial loss of hearing or speech. The range of usage for κωφός is diverse, as it is applied to individuals, such as Jesus healing a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37), and to the general condition of being unable to hear or speak. This word highlights the physical and social challenges faced by those who are deaf or mute, emphasizing their dependence on others for communication. The significance of κωφός lies in its representation of the complexities of human experience, particularly in relation to communication and social interaction. By including this term in the narrative, the biblical authors underscore the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences across the text
As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
Matthew 9:33When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”
Matthew 11:5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
Matthew 12:22Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
Matthew 12:22Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
Matthew 15:30Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them,
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel.
Mark 7:32They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him.
Mark 7:37They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!”
Mark 9:25When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”
Luke 1:22When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.
Luke 7:22Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
Luke 11:14He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled.
Luke 11:14He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled.