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κωφός

kōphós

G2974 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily, lacking ability to hear (deaf) or to speak (mute, speechless); one whose faculties of hearing or speech are impaired or rendered inoperative. The term can refer specifically to those who are physically deaf or mute, but in various contexts may also denote someone metaphorically unresponsive or uncomprehending.

Semantic Range

deaf, mute, speechless, dull of perception, unresponsive, insensitive

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root κωφ-, probably related to the verb κόπτω ('to strike, to cut off'), with a sense-development toward 'blunted, dulled' (i.e., of senses). The semantic movement is from physical blunting/cutting to dulled faculties of hearing or speech. Alternatively, some suggest a pre-Greek origin, but this remains debated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κωφός was used to describe someone who could not hear (deaf), could not speak (mute), or was in some way 'dull' or 'blunted,' especially of the senses. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term primarily denoted physical deafness or muteness, frequently appearing in medical, philosophical, and narrative contexts. In the Septuagint, κωφός typically translates Hebrew words for 'mute' or 'deaf,' sometimes blurring the distinction between the two conditions due to ancient understanding of their interrelation. In the New Testament, κωφός often refers to those who lack the power of speech (mute), though occasionally to the deaf. English translations tend to render it as 'deaf' or 'mute/dumb,' but these terms reflect interpretive choices dependent on context; the Greek term encompasses both. There is often overlap with ἄλαλος ('mute'), though κωφός more commonly includes the idea of deafness in addition to muteness. The figurative use (unresponsive, insensitive) is attested but less common in biblical usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "deaf" 9 occurrences

Most common and most natural rendering in the SILEX occurrences (8 of 14). κωφός primarily denotes inability to hear and 'deaf' covers that sense naturally in English while also functioning idiomatically for unresponsive or dull perception. It is more idiomatic than alternatives like 'mute' and will allow consistent, readable translations; less common senses (e.g. 'mute' or 'speechless') can be handled in context-specific ways.

Alternatives (5 occurrences):
"mute man" (2x) "deaf-mute man" (1x) "speechless" (1x) "mute" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κόπτω; blunted, i.e. (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb):--deaf, dumb, speechless.

Root Family

κωφός (kōphos) — blunted, dulled, unresponsive, lacking hearing or speech

Root κωφ- to blunt, to dull, to make unresponsive

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2974-02 κωφὸν kophon ADJ.S ACC M SG mute a deaf-mute man a deaf man 5
G2974-03 κωφός kophos ADJ.S NOM M SG mute man deaf or mute man mute man 4
G2974-04 κωφούς kophous ADJ.S ACC M PL deaf deaf ones deaf ones 3
G2974-01 κωφοὶ kophoi ADJ.S NOM M PL deaf deaf ones deaf ones 2

Occurrences in Scripture

14 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2974-02 Matthew 9:32 κωφὸν kophon ADJ.S ACC M SG mute a deaf-mute man a deaf man
G2974-03 Matthew 9:33 κωφός kophos ADJ.S NOM M SG mute man deaf or mute man mute man
G2974-01 Matthew 11:5 κωφοὶ kophoi ADJ.S NOM M PL the deaf deaf ones deaf ones
G2974-03 Matthew 12:22 κωφός kophos ADJ.S NOM M SG mute deaf or mute man deaf or mute man
G2974-02 Matthew 12:22 κωφὸν kophon ADJ.S ACC M SG mute a deaf-mute man deaf-mute man
G2974-04 Matthew 15:30 κωφούς kophous ADJ.S ACC M PL mute deaf ones deaf ones
G2974-04 Matthew 15:31 κωφοὺς kophous ADJ.S ACC M PL mute ones deaf ones deaf ones
G2974-02 Mark 7:32 κωφὸν kophon ADJ.S ACC M SG deaf a deaf-mute man a deaf man
G2974-04 Mark 7:37 κωφοὺς kophous ADJ.S ACC M PL deaf deaf ones deaf ones
G2974-02 Mark 9:25 κωφὸν kophon ADJ.A VOC N SG deaf a deaf-mute man deaf
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