Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 4347 (מַכָּה, makkah): Refers to a wound, blow, or plague, often used in the Old Testament to describe physical afflictions or divine judgments.
• Strong's Hebrew 2250 (חֲבֻרָה, chaburah): Meaning a bruise or wound, used metaphorically to describe the suffering of the servant in Isaiah 53:5.

These Hebrew terms share a thematic connection with ἑλκόω, as they all relate to the concept of wounds and afflictions, whether physical or spiritual, and often in the context of divine judgment or redemption.

Usage: The verb ἑλκόω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of causing sores or wounds, often in a metaphorical or spiritual sense.

Context: The Greek verb ἑλκόω appears in the New Testament in contexts that describe physical affliction or spiritual ailment. It is primarily used to convey the idea of being afflicted with sores or wounds, often as a form of divine judgment or as a result of sin. The term is used in the Book of Revelation to describe the painful sores that afflict those who bear the mark of the beast, symbolizing the physical and spiritual consequences of rebellion against God.

In Revelation 16:2 (BSB), the word is used: "So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly and painful sores broke out on those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image." Here, ἑλκόω is employed to depict the severe and painful nature of the sores, emphasizing the judgment and suffering that befall those who oppose God.

The use of ἑλκόω in the New Testament serves as a vivid reminder of the physical manifestations of spiritual realities. It underscores the biblical theme that sin and rebellion against God lead to suffering and affliction, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. The imagery of sores and wounds is a powerful representation of the consequences of turning away from divine truth and righteousness.