Introduction
Understanding Greek words like κατάβασις (katabasis) is vital for Biblical studies as it provides deeper insight into the text’s meaning and context. Katabasis is particularly significant because it refers to the act of descending, which is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses in the New Testament and other ancient Greek literature. The word’s usage reflects cultural, spiritual, and physical experiences of descent, making it relevant for interpreting Scripture and understanding ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: κατάβασις, transliterated as katabasis, pronounced [ka-TA-ba-sis].
- Etymology: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down”) and βαίνω (bainō, meaning “to go” or “to walk”).
- Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; third declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Descent, a going down.
- Decline, a downward movement.
Similar Words: Κατάβασις is related to κατάβαινω (katabainō) [ka-ta-BAI-no], meaning “to go down” or “to descend.” While κατάβαινω is a verb describing the action of descending, κατάβασις is a noun that refers to the act or process of descending.
Further Insights: As a third-declension feminine noun, κατάβασις follows specific morphological rules. Understanding its declension is crucial for interpreting its grammatical role in sentences.
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κατάβασις | καταβάσεις |
| Genitive | καταβάσεως | καταβάσεων |
| Dative | καταβάσει | καταβάσεσι(ν) |
| Accusative | κατάβασιν | καταβάσεις |
| Vocative | κατάβασις | καταβάσεις |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines κατάβασις as “a descent,” often used metaphorically to describe a lowering of status or a literal physical descent.
- Thayers: Highlights the physical and metaphorical use of κατάβασις, emphasizing its connotation of decline or decrease.
- Vines: Discusses κατάβασις in the context of spiritual descent or moral decline.
- LSJ: Notes that κατάβασις can refer to a geographical descent or a metaphorical downward movement, such as in a fall from grace.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists κατάβασις as “a going down” and “descent,” commonly used in historical and metaphorical contexts.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 19:5: “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down [κατάβασις]; for today I must abide at thy house.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text with Greek word |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Odyssey | “The hero’s journey involved a descent (κατάβασις) into the underworld.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The descent (κατάβασις) of the troops was arduous.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 88:6 | “Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps (κατάβασις).” |
Summary of κατάβασις (G2600)
The word κατάβασις (katabasis) refers to the concept of descent, whether literal or metaphorical. It encompasses a wide range of meanings, from a physical decline to a spiritual or moral one. Its various forms and contexts make it a versatile word for interpreting New Testament passages, as well as understanding the cultural and literary background of ancient Greek writings.
Did You Know?
- κατάβασις is often used in classical Greek literature to describe a descent into the underworld, symbolizing a journey of transformation.
- In the New Testament, κατάβασις can refer to both a literal descent (such as Jesus descending from a mountain) and a spiritual or moral decline.
- The word provides a rich metaphorical imagery that has been employed in both religious and secular contexts throughout history.
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