Bible Dictionaries
Lame

　　LAME.—This word, perhaps originally meaning bruised, signifies a crippled or disabled condition caused by injury to or defect of a limb or limbs; specifically walking with difficulty, inefficient from injury or defect, unsound or impaired in strength. It is applied metaphorically to all kinds of inefficiency, such as inadequate excuses, or verses which offend against the laws of versification. The term embraces all varieties of defect in walking arising from various causes, and includes halting and maimed (see artt.), which are separate and distinct species of lameness.

　　The Greek word is χαλάω (to loosen, slacken), which is translationκυλλός, where χωλός more specifically has to do with lameness in the foot or feet. In Matthew 18:8 we have χείρ and χωλόν.

　　Healing of the lame was a characteristic work of Christ. Among the multitudes that gathered round Him seeking restoration for various ailments were probably sufferers from many different kinds of lameness (as Matthew 15:30, Luke 7:22). John 5:3 gives a comprehensive list of such sick persons, including the feeble, the blind, the lame, and the withered (χωλῶν,