Brief Overview of καταριθμέω (Strong’s G2674: katarithmeō)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, exploring Greek words enhances our understanding of the original meanings and contexts behind the scriptures. The Greek word καταριθμέω (katarithmeō) is particularly significant in interpreting New Testament passages related to counting, numbering, or listing. This verb appears in contexts that involve order, organization, and enumeration, which were essential in both ancient Greek culture and Biblical narratives. Understanding καταριθμέω helps us grasp the significance of structured lists, genealogies, and organized groups in ancient texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταριθμέω (katarithmeō) [ka-ta-rith-MEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “according to,” and ἀριθμός (arithmos), meaning “number.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It appears in various tenses, voices, and moods in Biblical Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To number or count.
• To reckon or to list.
• To categorize or to include as part of a group.

Similar Words

• ἀριθμέω (arithmeō) [a-rith-MEH-oh]: Means “to count” or “to enumerate.” While similar, it lacks the prefix κατά, which can imply a more organized or deliberate act of counting.
• καταλογίζομαι (katalogizomai) [ka-ta-lo-GEE-zo-my]: Means “to account” or “to reckon.” This word focuses more on the act of reckoning or accounting than just counting.
• καταγράφω (katagrapho) [ka-ta-GRA-foh]: Means “to record” or “to register.” It emphasizes the act of writing down or registering rather than simply counting or enumerating.

Morphological Features

• Tense, Voice, Mood: καταριθμέω can appear in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. It is primarily found in the active voice, though it can also appear in passive forms. It can be used in the indicative, subjunctive, and imperative moods.

Examples of Morphological Usage

• Present Indicative Active: Describes a continuous or habitual action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταριθμῶ (I number)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταριθμοῦσι(ν) (they number)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατηρίθμησα (I numbered)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατηρίθμησαν (they numbered)
• Perfect Indicative Active: Denotes a completed action with a resultant state.
• 1st Person Singular: κατηρίθμηκα (I have numbered)
• 3rd Person Singular: κατηρίθμηκε (he/she/it has numbered)
• Aorist Subjunctive Active: Used to express potential or purpose.
• 1st Person Singular: καταριθμήσω (that I might number)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταριθμήσητε (that you might number)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform the action.
• 2nd Person Singular: καταρίθμησον (number!)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταριθμήσατε (number, you all!)

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Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταριθμέω:

Aspect: The verb καταριθμέω conveys different aspects depending on the tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing or repeated action, while the perfective aspect (aorist tense) highlights a single, completed action of counting or numbering. The stative aspect (perfect tense) implies a state resulting from a completed action, such as having been numbered.

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word καταριθμέω (katarithmeō) is used in the New Testament primarily to signify the act of counting or including someone in a list or group. For example, in Acts 1:17, it is used to describe Judas Iscariot, who was “numbered” among the apostles. The use of καταριθμέω in this context underscores the idea of official inclusion in a group, even when the inclusion later leads to a significant narrative development, as seen with Judas’s betrayal. Similarly, in ancient contexts, this word would have been employed to categorize people or things within a specific group, indicating both literal and metaphorical counting.

In classical Greek literature, καταριθμέω is often used in historical and administrative contexts where the precise enumeration of people, items, or concepts is essential. It conveys a sense of deliberate action, whether in recording census data, organizing a military force, or listing participants in a treaty. This usage reflects the word’s broader implications of order, structure, and organization.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 1:17: “For he was numbered (κατηριθμημένος) among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”
• Acts 1:26: “And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added (κατηριθμήθη) to the eleven apostles.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταριθμέω (G2674)

The Greek word καταριθμέω (katarithmeō) is vital for understanding themes of counting, numbering, and inclusion in both the New Testament and classical literature. Its usage in Biblical texts often involves more than mere counting; it conveys a sense of official inclusion and categorization within a group. In classical Greek contexts, καταριθμέω often appears in administrative or military settings, emphasizing the importance of structure and order in ancient societies.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek culture, numbering was often associated with religious, military, and civic activities, emphasizing the organized nature of Greek society.
2. The word καταριθμέω is used in the Septuagint to describe Moses’ act of numbering the Israelites, highlighting the importance of order and organization in the wilderness journey.
3. καταριθμέω has both literal and metaphorical meanings, ranging from the simple act of counting to the more profound idea of inclusion or belonging to a significant group.