καμμύω
kammýō
G2576 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To close (the eyes), especially to shut the eyelids, primarily of physical closing but at times used metaphorically to imply willful disregard or inattentiveness. In most contexts, the word refers to the physical act of shutting one's eyes or eyelids, whether voluntarily (e.g., falling asleep, ignoring) or involuntarily.
Semantic Range
to close (the eyes), to shut (eyelids), to ignore (metaphorical), to become inattentive, to lose perception (figurative use)
Root / Etymology
From κατά ('down, against') and a derivative of μύω ('to shut'), especially referring to closing the eyes or lips. The same root as μύω (to close, be shut), related to μυστήριον (mystery), from the sense of shutting or keeping secret. The composition intensifies the act of shutting (down fully).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb καμμύω is rare in biblical Greek, appearing once in the New Testament (Matthew 13:15, quoting Isaiah 6:10) and rarely in other Koine literature. In its extant uses, it refers to the closing of the eyes or eyelids, both literally and as a figure for spiritual or moral insensibility—namely, willfully turning away or dulling perception. In LXX and NT usage, carries connotations of volition (choosing to close the eyes, therefore not to perceive), in contrast to involuntary blindness. English translations usually render as 'close (the eyes),' but may obscure the possible nuance of deliberate disregard. Distinct from related terms such as κλείω (to shut in general), μύω (to close or shut, often of mouth or eyes, and root for 'mystery'), and τυφλόω (to blind, affect with blindness). Not attested in the earliest classical Greek; its formation and occurrences center in the Hellenistic and Koine periods, where derivatives of μύω often relate to closing and initiation into mysteries (via closing the lips/eyes to outsiders).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of κατά and the base of μυστήριον; to shut down, i.e. close the eyes:--close.
Root Family
καμμύω (kammýō) — to close, to shut (eyes or eyelids)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2576-01 |
ἐκάμμυσαν | ekammusan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they closed | they shut their eyes | they shut | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2576-01 |
Matthew 13:15 | ἐκάμμυσαν | ekammusan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they have closed | they shut their eyes | they shut |
G2576-01 |
Acts 28:27 | ἐκάμμυσαν | ekammusan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they closed | they shut their eyes | they shut their eyes |