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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for a deeper comprehension of the original texts and the cultural context in which they were written. The Greek word καθίημι (kathíēmi) is particularly significant because it encapsulates the action of letting down, lowering, or descending. Its use in the New Testament and other ancient Greek texts offers insight into various contexts, from everyday actions to spiritual and symbolic meanings.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: καθίημι (kathíēmi), pronounced [ka-THEE-ay-mee].
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition κατά (kata, “down”) and the verb ἵημι (hiēmi, “to send” or “to let go”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; used in various forms to express the act of lowering, letting down, or sending down.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To let down: To lower something from a higher position to a lower one.
- To send down: Often used in a broader context, implying the act of sending or causing something to descend.
- To bring down: Can also mean to cause to fall or descend, whether literally or figuratively.
Similar Words: καταβαίνω (katabaino) [ka-ta-BAY-no] – While καταβαίνω means “to go down” or “to descend” often used for human action or movement, καθίημι more specifically relates to the act of letting something down or lowering it. Both convey a downward motion but differ in agency and context.
Further Insights: καθίημι is primarily found in the active voice but has a range of usages in the Greek New Testament, indicating both physical and metaphorical actions. The verb can appear in various moods and tenses, often showing different nuances of meaning. Here’s a table showing its conjugation in the present indicative active:
| Tense | Active Form | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person Singular | καθίημι | I let down / lower |
| 2nd Person Singular | καθίης | You let down / lower |
| 3rd Person Singular | καθίησι(ν) | He/She/It lets down / lowers |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes καθίημι as lowering or letting down, emphasizing its use in both literal and figurative contexts.
- Thayers: Focuses on its application in everyday situations, such as letting down a basket or lowering a rope, while also noting metaphorical uses.
- Vines: Discusses the action-oriented aspect of καθίημι, particularly its relevance in contexts involving descending or letting down something.
- LSJ: Lists various instances where καθίημι is used to denote letting or sending down, both in prose and poetry, highlighting the word’s versatility.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Emphasizes its basic meaning of letting or sending down, frequently with an object or person being let down.
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Related Scripture References
- Acts 9:25 – “But his disciples took him by night and let him down [καθίημι] through the wall in a large basket.”
- Mark 2:4 – “And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down [καθίημι] the bed on which the paralytic lay.”
- Luke 5:19 – “But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down [καθίημι] through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus.”
Classical Usage
καθίημι is frequently found in classical Greek literature, illustrating its use in a variety of contexts from everyday life to more metaphorical or poetic expressions.
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “And they let down (καθίημι) the bodies from the walls.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “They let down (καθίημι) a rope to draw up water from the well.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 37:28 | “And they drew and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they let him go down (καθίημι) to Egypt.” |
Summary of καθίημι (G2524: kathíēmi)
The Greek verb καθίημι provides an important insight into both physical and metaphorical actions of letting down or sending down. It is significant in the New Testament, where it conveys moments of descent or lowering in literal and symbolic contexts. Its use in classical literature and the Septuagint further enriches its meaning, providing a multifaceted perspective on its application in various texts and settings.
Did You Know?
- καθίημι is often used in New Testament narratives involving the act of lowering or descending, particularly in stories of rescue or healing.
- The word appears in key passages where lowering or sending down serves as a metaphor for humility or divine intervention.
- In classical Greek, καθίημι could also describe the lowering of objects, such as a bucket into a well, showing its everyday utility and imagery.
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