Greek · G2967

κωλύω

To prevent

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κωλύω G2967

Pronunciation kōlýō

What does κωλύω (kōlýō) mean in the Bible?

Κωλύω means to hinder, prevent, restrain, or forbid. Its New Testament uses ask whether a barrier serves God's will or obstructs it.

Reader summary

Full entry for κωλύω (G2967) · Open the biblical lexicon

Questions this entry answers

What does κωλύω (kōlýō) mean in the Bible?

Κωλύω means to hinder, prevent, restrain, or forbid. Its New Testament uses ask whether a barrier serves God's will or obstructs it.

How does the BSB render G2967?

The BSB source-word alignment has 23 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include hinder (2), we tried to stop (2), withhold (2), [and] restrained (1), do not hinder (1).

Where does κωλύω (kōlýō) appear in Scripture?

The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 19:14. Its strongest book concentrations include Acts (6), Luke (6), Mark (3), 1 Corinthians (1).

What This Word Actually Means

Κωλύω means to hinder, prevent, restrain, or forbid. Its New Testament uses ask whether a barrier serves God's will or obstructs it. Jesus commands that children not be hindered from coming to Him. He corrects disciples who try to stop a man acting in His name merely because the man is outside their immediate group. The Ethiopian asks what prevents his baptism after hearing the gospel of Jesus, while Paul speaks honestly about being prevented from visiting Rome.

In another setting, the verb can describe not withholding a garment. The word does not teach that every boundary is sinful. It exposes unauthorized barriers and names real obstacles, so faithful interpretation must ask who forbids what, by what authority, and with what effect on obedience and access to Christ.